Strengthening community and culture

Cairns local arts and grassroots sport will be strengthened through long-term Council support for Cairns Indigenous Art Fair Limited (CIAF) and Hekili Outrigger Canoe Club.

At the heritage-listed School of Arts building on Lake Street, Council has supported a 10-year trustee lease arrangement for Cairns Indigenous Art Fair Limited (CIAF).

The tenure formalises and streamlines CIAF’s ongoing occupation across multiple tenancies within the School of Arts building, providing longer-term certainty for its office, training and year-round gallery operations.

CIAF will also undertake staged improvements to establish a dedicated retail gallery showcasing Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artistry and cultural expression.

The proposed lease builds on Council’s recently endorsed four-year Resource and Performance Agreement, valued at $890,000 in cash and in-kind support.

In Yorkeys Knob, Council has also endorsed a 10-year trustee lease with Hekili Outrigger Canoe Club Inc over part of Council reserve land. The lease will enable the club to construct a purpose-built storage facility to support its growing membership and operations.

The not-for-profit club delivers regular training and community participation opportunities and hosts the annual 45km Great Barrier Reef Ocean Challenge.

The new facility will provide stability and ensure the club can continue offering safe, inclusive water-based recreation for the Cairns community.