Support strengthens community events

Five major community events will be supported through $125,000 delivered via Council’s Community Partnerships Grant and a separate Resource and Performance Agreement.

The out-of-round grants recognise events that fall outside normal funding rounds but provide strong social, cultural and economic benefits for the region.

The supported events are expected to strengthen community connection, celebrate diversity, support local business, attract visitors and generate significant economic activity across Cairns.

The $80,000 commitment for the Annual Cairns Show 2026 is a strong investment in one of the region’s most significant and longstanding events.

Delivered through a one-year Resource and Performance Agreement, the funding will help support the continued delivery of the three-day show, which attracts tens of thousands of attendees, draws intrastate visitors and delivers substantial economic and community benefits.

Funded events and organisations:

• The Cairns Agricultural Pastoral and Mining Association – Annual Cairns Show 2026 ($80,000)
• North Queensland International Motor Raceway Association Incorporated – Thunder in the Canefields ($20,000)
• GOPIO Cairns Inc – Unity Cricket Cup 2026 ($10,000)
• Southern Suburbs Junior Rugby League Club – Nate Myles Cup ($10,000)
• Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation – BDO Arrow Experience – Wangetti Edition ($5,000)