Community events supported

A total of $63,500 will be invested through Round 19 of the Community Partnerships Grants, supporting seven community events and activities that celebrate culture, sport and the festive season across the Cairns region.

Celebrating culture, community and connection

The annual Songkran Festival will receive an $18,000 grant to support a vibrant cultural celebration featuring traditional Thai activities, performances and the renowned water festival to mark the Thai New Year.

A new recipient of the grant, the Cairns Irish Association, will host Saint Patrick's Day celebrations at Watson's Oval, Manunda, featuring Irish dancing, Gaelic language lessons and traditional Irish cuisine.

Other events funded through this grant round include the Waitangi Day Celebrations, Holloways Christmas Celebrations, Freshwater Christmas in the Park and the Twilight Festival at Yorkey's Knob.

Supporting local events across the region

Funded events and organisations:

• Cairns Thai Community Association FNQ Inc – Songkran Festival 2027 ($18,000)
• Cairns Irish Association – Saint Patrick's Day Family Festival ($12,000)
• Cairns Water Polo Inc – Water Polo Queensland Senior Country Championships ($10,000)
• Holloways Beach Community Hall Inc – Holloways Christmas Celebrations ($8,500)
• Nga Matawaka Inc – Waitangi Day Celebrations ($5,000)
• QCWA Branch Freshwater – Freshwater Christmas in the Park ($5,000)
• Yorkeys Knob Residents Association Inc – The Twilight Festival ($5,000)