General News
4 June, 2026
Clubs centre of city’s spirit
AS Cairns celebrates its 150th anniversary, one truth stands out: this city has never been built by individuals alone.
It has been shaped, strengthened and sustained by the countless clubs, volunteer groups and grassroots organisations that have stepped up for their community for generations.
From the earliest days of the colonial township, Cairns’ growth has relied on locals organising themselves – youth groups, cultural associations, sporting clubs, environmental advocates, women’s networks and more.
These groups formed the social glue that held the city together through cyclones, rebuilds, booms and setbacks.
Cairns’ modern identity has been carried forward by the countless hands of community organisers, mentors, performers and volunteers.
That collective spirit is on full display during the city’s milestone celebrations.
The official Cairns Celebrates 150 Years program features more than 80 events delivered, not only by council, but by a broad network of community organisations, showcasing just how deeply local participation runs in Cairns.
A wide range of groups have stepped forward to help tell the city’s story.
Local historians, arts collectives and multicultural networks are among those shaping exhibitions, performances and storytelling projects throughout the year.
Their involvement reflects decades of dedication to performing arts, environmental stewardship, youth development, cultural heritage and civic engagement.
Even long-running clubs, sporting organisations and community service networks continue to mentor young people and support families, echoing traditions that began nearly a century ago.
Together, these community groups form the backbone of Cairns’ identity. As the city marks 150 years, Cairns has always been a community built by its people who remain organised, passionate, and determined to shape a thriving future.
May I have the pleasure of this dance?
DANCING has always been a pleasurable escapade for men and women and in 1910 they went all out to make a impression with canes, broad hats, boaters and flowers.
Dancing as a dance ‘set’, was a popular pastime and many themes were used as inspiration for the set including themes such as the cowboy set, the cricket set and the Austral set (Austral having a nautical theme).
Ock eye, the noo: celebrating Robbie Burns
IN 1922, the Gordonvale Caledonian Society held a rousing “smoking party” at the Queensland Hotel in Gordonvale to celebrate the birthday of Robbie Burns – the much loved and national Scottish poet.
The party was attended by members from other Caledonian branches from the district, including Cairns and Babinda, to partake in many a wee dram.
The Caledonian Society in Queensland had branches all around north Queensland, including a large one at Cairns.
With links back to the society in London, the Cairns Caledonian Association was supplied with 20 military kilts which the members wore on special events when partaking in a wee dram (or two).
