Community
22 July, 2026
Art turns grief into resolve
THE Freshwater raintree might be gone, but its story continues to grow.
Loved and Lost – The Freshwater Raintree – In Pictures was more than an exhibition. It documented the story of one of Cairns' best-known trees through the photography of Kerry Trapnell, Brian Cassey and Jon Westaway. Held just weeks after the tree's removal, the exhibition explored how a local planning dispute developed into a broader public discussion about urban trees, community identity and development.
Held at Narrow Tracks Distillery in Stratford, the exhibition attracted a full house. Television presenter Costa Georgiadis travelled from Sydney to officially open the event, delivering a heartfelt speech lasting more than 20 minutes. He reflected on the importance of mature urban trees, the memories they hold and the role communities can play in shaping their surroundings. His address established the tone for the evening before visitors moved through the exhibition.
Also attending were members of CAFNEC and the Freshwater Raintree Action Group (FRAG), whose campaign featured prominently throughout the exhibition.
Mr Trapnell, Mr Cassey and Mr Westaway each brought a distinct perspective to the story. Their photographs documented the life of the Freshwater raintree, the community campaign surrounding it and its eventual removal. Rather than focusing solely on the tree itself, many of the images centred on the people involved: children beneath the expansive canopy, neighbours embracing, volunteers organising, protesters being arrested and residents gathering throughout the campaign.
The exhibition balanced intimate moments with documentary photography, allowing visitors to follow the chronology of events while also reflecting on the people who became part of the story. The photographers avoided relying on dramatic imagery alone, instead presenting a visual record of how the campaign unfolded over time.
For those who had followed events closely, the exhibition provided an opportunity to revisit a story that had attracted significant public attention. For visitors less familiar with the controversy, it offered context for why the Freshwater raintree became the focus of wider discussions about planning, heritage and community consultation.
Ultimately, Loved and Lost – The Freshwater Raintree – In Pictures succeeded because it remained focused on documenting events rather than arguing a case. Through the work of Kerry Trapnell, Brian Cassey and Jon Westaway, it presented a thoughtful visual record of a significant chapter in Cairns' recent history and highlighted how photography can preserve moments that continue to inform public discussion about urban planning, environmental stewardship and transparency in public decision-making.
