Cairns ready to shine for its 150th anniversary

Council has endorsed $193,000 in Community Partnerships funding to help bring the celebrations to life including $90,000 in the 2025/26 budget and $103,000 in 2026/27.

The Cairns Celebrates 150 years Official Program will feature dozens of free and family-friendly events across the year, spanning heritage, arts, sport and culture.

Highlights include a reunion edition of the much-loved and internationally recognised Cairns Ukulele Festival, the CARMA Multicultural Festival which is also celebrating 25 years in 2026, and Wake of History, celebrating our watersports heritage alongside elite wakeboarding.

Council’s support ensures signature moments are captured throughout this milestone year for posterity and that community groups, from historical societies to sporting clubs, can deliver memorable experiences for locals and visitors alike.

Further details and participation opportunities will be promoted as the 2026 program rolls out.

A further festive boost for community celebrations

Cairns Regional Council has approved a further $60,100 in the latest round of Community Partnerships Grants, supporting a range of local initiatives that bring people together, celebrate culture and enhance community wellbeing.

The funding is part of Grant Round 16 and will assist seven community groups to deliver events and activities across the region in 2025 and 2026.

Supported events include much-loved local Christmas celebrations in Babinda, Freshwater, Gordonvale and Redlynch, as well as the return of Rotary Beach Vibe at Trinity Beach.

The 2026 Cairns Chinese New Year Festival, and School Savvy, a program helping families prepare for the school year, will also benefit.

This funding complements the $193,000 in grants endorsed to support the Cairns Celebrates 150 Years program, guaranteeing both milestone celebrations and local traditions are supported throughout 2026.