General News
13 January, 2026
City’s remarkable milestone
THE Cairns Celebrates 150 Years official program has been launched.
The program features more than 80 events delivered by council, community groups and local organisations. It will include additional activities to be added throughout the year.
Built on community involvement and local pride, the program honours Cairns’ rich history, vibrant present and shared vision for the future.
From cultural festivals and exhibitions to major sporting events and family activities, the year-long celebration will offer residents and visitors numerous opportunities to get involved.
Three pillars
The three pillars of the celebration focus on ‘Recognising Cairns Past, Celebrating Cairns Today and Looking Forward to the Next 150 Years’.
Explore what’s planned and discover how you can get involved by visiting www.bit.ly/44TOspn
Cairns Museum and Cairns Historical Society are inviting the community to help tell the story of our region.
In 2026, Cairns marks 150 years since the establishment of the colonial township. To mark this milestone, the Cairns Historical Society will deliver a major program of exhibitions, talks and community storytelling, supported by a $25,000 community partnership grant from Cairns Regional Council.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reflect on the people, cultures and events that have shaped life in the tropical north. From early colonists to emerging voices, the society is inviting the community to help share the stories that matter.
The society is looking for local stories, historical photos, research projects and personal reflections that help tell the story of our region.
What’s planned for 2026
Led by the Cairns Historical Society, the Cairns 150 program will run throughout 2026 and includes six major exhibitions, a commemorative publication and a full calendar of community-led storytelling, including public talks, guest blogs and bulletin articles.
This program reflects the society’s commitment to preserving and sharing the diverse social history of our region. It embraces cultural, gender, age and perspective diversity – bringing together stories of artists, inventors, environmentalists, community leaders, old families and new arrivals.
Be part of the story
The society invites contributions from individuals, families and local groups across the region. If you have a story to share, a talk to propose, historical photos or personal archives, or a research idea that could shape an exhibition, bulletin or blog, then contact Dr Sandi Robb to get involved: eo@cairnsmuseum.org.au.
Cairns Museum is open from Monday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm, at 105 Lake Street, Cairns. Phone 4051 5582 or visit www.bit.ly/3YKpDJb
