General News
23 January, 2026
Be a proud Aussie
FOOD, music and family-friendly entertainment will take centre stage in Cairns this Australia Day, with the return of ‘Great Australian Bites’ at Munro Martin Parklands.
The free community celebration will be held on Monday 26 January and will combine the annual Australia Day Awards ceremony with live entertainment, local food and activities for all ages.
Proceedings will begin with the Australia Day Awards from 5pm to 6pm, recognising individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the Cairns community. The awards honour people who give their time, energy and passion to local clubs, sporting groups, volunteering, charity work, businesses, cultural or youth groups and advocacy roles.
Award categories include citizen of the year, young citizen of the year and volunteer of the year.
Family-friendly concert
The concert program includes live music and cultural performances from Sand & Sea Dance Troupe, Toshi Sakamoto, Tropic Thunder, All in Line-Dancers, Vivien Aisi and Whiskey Boat.
Families will also be able to enjoy a range of activities throughout the evening, including mini golf, a jumping castle, face painting, palm weaving workshops and a visit from Bugzy Bumblebee.
Local food vendors will be on site offering a variety of food options, with free, locally sourced bites available while supplies last.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said Great Australian Bites provided residents with an opportunity to come together and celebrate the local community.
“Australia Day is about recognising the people who go above and beyond for our community, while also enjoying great local food, music and time with family and friends,” she said.
“Great Australian Bites showcases the best of Cairns, our local talent, our vibrant culture and our strong sense of community.
“I encourage everyone to come along and be part of the celebrations.”
Residents are encouraged to bring a picnic rug and enjoy the tropical atmosphere; the event will go ahead rain or shine.
Further event details are available on the Cairns Regional Council website: www.bit.ly/45Wm71Z.
Free pool parties
Free pool parties will be hosted across the Cassowary Coast on Australia Day.
The parties are designed to provide a fun, relaxed and family-friendly way to enjoy the national day.
Pool parties are on Australia Day, Monday 26 January 2026 at:
Innisfail Swimming Pool: 10am-2pm
Mission Beach Aquatic Centre: 10am-2pm
Cardwell Swimming Pool: 10am-2pm
Tully Swimming Pool: 3pm-7pm.
“Entry to all events is completely free, with attendees able to enjoy music to set the celebratory mood and a barbecue sausage sizzle hosted by local community groups,” a council spokeswoman said.
Mayor Teresa Millwood said it was a fun day to celebrate.
“Council is proud to partner with the National Australia Day Council, local aquatic providers and community groups who give their time and support to deliver these events for our community,” she said.
Cr Trudy Tschui said Australia Day was about “coming together as a community, and these pool parties offer a safe, welcoming and enjoyable way for families, friends and neighbours to celebrate locally”.
Dunk Island fun
Australia Day is also being celebrated on Dunk Island.
A Dunk Island Adventures spokesman said it was “all about making the most of this beautiful island setting”.
“The highlight of Australia Day on Dunk Island is the gathering of local boats south of the sand spit on Pallon Beach.
“Locals from Mission Beach, Cardwell, Innisfail and beyond load up their tinnies, cruisers and sailing boats with eskies, barbecues, beach cricket sets and everything needed for a perfect day on the water.
“The sand spit transforms into a beachside party, with boats lined up along the shore and families setting up on the beach.”
The winners of the Cassowary Coast Australia Day Awards are announced today (Friday 23 January) at the Tully Country Club, Pratt St, Tully, from 5.30pm.
Shire citizens awards
In the Douglas Shire, a much-loved generational music teacher, and the 2025 citizen of the year, is encouraging the community to get behind this year’s Australia Day Awards.
The ceremony will be held at the Port Douglas Community Hall today (Friday 23 January) from 5.30pm, with a light supper to follow.
Last year’s citizen of the year, Jenny Guyett, said receiving the award was both an honour and a reminder of how much volunteer effort goes on behind the scenes across the shire.
“Reflecting on it, it was quite an honour. I was really pleased that the instrumental music programs in the schools and the bands were being appreciated, because there is a lot of work behind the scenes,” she said.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the awards celebrated the people who made a lasting difference to the community.
