Volunteer Call Out

Please call Volunteer Coordinator, Jan Aird, on 4032 6656 or email j.aird@cairns.qld.gov.au

Get ready to be part of the magic at the Cairns Children’s Festival 2026 – a vibrant celebration of creativity, imagination and play for children aged 12 and under! Join us for an unforgettable weekend on Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May, as some of Cairns’ most iconic venues – the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Cairns City Library, Tanks Arts Centre and Cairns Botanic Gardens transform into a colourful wonderland of discovery, creativity and fun.

From hands-on art activities to interactive performances and playful experiences, the festival is all about inspiring young minds and bringing families together. It’s a space where creativity thrives, curiosity is celebrated, and children are encouraged to explore, express themselves and connect with the world around them.

As a volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in helping deliver this much-loved community event – supporting activities, welcoming families and helping create a safe, inclusive and joyful experience for all. Be part of something special and help us bring this magical festival to life!

Hours of work:

• Monday 11 – Friday 15 May: 3:30pm - 5:00pm each day Tank 4 Gallery
• Saturday 16 May: 8:30am - 11:30am CPAC
• Saturday 16 May: 5:00pm - 7:00pm Cairns City Library
• Sunday 17 May: 8:30am - 5:00pm Tanks Arts Centre and Cairns Botanic Gardens

Minimum time commitment:

3 hours

Qualifications required:

We’re looking for friendly, enthusiastic people who:

• Enjoy interacting with the general public
• Have an interest in the arts and creativity
• Have some event coordination experience, or a willingness to learn on the job

Training provided/offered: A comprehensive induction is provided before commencing your duties.

CPAC

Free parking will be available in the CPAC car park. Entry points are via Sheridan or Grafton Street, Cairns.

Tanks Arts Centre and Cairns Botanic Gardens

Please note: Our Artist in Residence House at 5 Collins Avenue no longer has parking available. Please allow yourself a little extra time to find a nearby spot or alternatively, please consider catching a bus, riding your bike or getting dropped off.

Cairns Children’s Festival 2026 Volunteer Roles

We’d love you to be part of the magic and help make the Cairns Children’s Festival an unforgettable experience for kids and families. Whether you’re a people-person, enjoy working with children, or prefer being a part of the behind-the-scenes action, there’s a role for you. Please look over the brief position descriptions below and find what’s right for you.

Information Booth Attendant

Be a friendly face of the festival and help families make the most of their day.

• Welcome visitors and answer questions from the general public
• Hand out programs and share key event information
• Provide children’s wristbands for parents/guardians to add contact details (in case families get separated)
• Support as a central meeting point for lost children
• Assist with lost property enquiries
• Help oversee the Quiet Zone area and monitor how many people are using it (Breezeway Info Booth only)
• Lend a hand to Festival staff wherever needed

Creation Station Assistant

Help bring hands-on creativity to life in our artist workshop spaces.

• Assist with setting up workshop areas
• Help create a safe, welcoming and engaging environment for children
• Keep the space tidy, organised and well-stocked throughout the day
• Assist with pack down at the end of the day
• Assist artists and production team as needed

Front of House Assistant

Be the welcoming face of festival events and help keep performances running smoothly.

• Greet patrons and guide them to seating areas
• Assist with crowd flow to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment
• Support accessibility needs by assisting patrons where required
• Keep entry and exit points clear and well organised
• Record audience numbers
• Direct families with prams to designated pram parking areas

Stage Assistant - Five Minutes of Fame Stage

Be part of action and help our young performers shine.

• Assist with performer check-ins and registrations
• Support costume selection and keep costumes organised
• Ensure the stage emcee and crew have water and refreshments
• Help maintain a safe, fun, and welcoming performance space
• Keep the stage area tidy and ready for each act

Audience Monitor

Help keep our festival safe activities, welcoming, and fun for everyone.

• Keep entry and exit points clear and organised
• Record audience numbers
• Guide families with prams to designated pram parking areas
• Monitor crowd capacity and manage flow—hold entry if the area is full until others exit

This role is key to making sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

Workshop Assistant

Bring creativity to life by supporting hands-on fun in our workshop areas.

• Help to set up workshop spaces
• Ensure a safe, engaging, and welcoming, environment for children
• Keep the area tidy, organised, and well-stocked
• Assist in packing up at the end of the session
• Support artists and the production team as needed

Site Assistant

Be an extra set of hands across the festival site, helping everything run smoothly behind the scenes.

• Rove across the event site, keeping an eye on areas that may need extra attention
• Help maintain clean, safe, and welcoming spaces across workshops and activity areas
• Step in to support fellow volunteers wherever needed
• Assist with bump in and bump out of activities
• Support artists and the production team as required

Videographer’s / Photographer’s Assistant

Help capture the magic of the festival while ensuring everyone is comfortable and informed.

• Support the event videographer and photographer during the festival
• Ensure media consent forms are completed and signed by parents/guardians for children featured in photos or video
• Approach families in a friendly and respectful way to explain consent requirements
• Keep consent forms organised and accessible for the media team
• Help ensure that any child clearly visible in footage has appropriate permission

This role helps us share the festival story through post-event highlights and future promotions.

Bump Out Assistant

Help wrap up the festival by packing down and clearing the site safely and efficiently.

• Assist with the overall pack down of the festival site
• Collect and return signage from across the venue
• Collect and return bins to bin collection area
• Help pack up workshop spaces and activity areas
• Support the safe handling and movement of equipment and materials
• Work with staff and volunteers to ensure all areas are left clean and organised

A great role for hands-on helpers who don’t mind rolling up their sleeves and being part of the final stage of the festival.