General News
4 February, 2026
Cultural centre lease sealed
CENTACARE FNQ has been selected to operate the still-to-be-built Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre at White Rock.
Centacare has been awarded a lease for five years. The project is still in the preliminary design phase, with the decision to go early with an operator “to ensure that council would deliver a fit-for-purpose facility under an externally-managed model”.
A council report estimates the running of the centre could be more than $400,000 a year. The cost to build the centre is estimated at $9m.
It recommended Centacare because it already operates several high functioning community hubs across Cairns and they had the systems, experience and workforce required to manage a facility that will require a physical presence and provide a balanced approach to the programming, activation and booking of the centre.
“The reputable Centacare brand is built upon proven relationships with communities they serve, particularly CALD (culturally and linguistically diversity), refugee, First Nations and faith-based groups across the region,” the report said
Cr Cathy Zeiger, whose division three includes the centre’s location, said it was expected the venue would be built in 2027 – 10 years since it was first mooted. “I know we’ve had a few different designs of the whole thing, but look, we want to make sure that we get the best possible outcome for our community, and one of the key requirements is ensuring that it is managed professionally, and it connects well on a community level,” she told last month’s council meeting.
“Now, Centacare will definitely do that, with over 40 years of experience and proven track record, along with the fact that Centacare has already demonstrated experience in operating several high functioning community hubs across Cairns, including Manoora Neighbourhood Centre, the Park Hub in West Cairns, Connect Hub (Cairns Central shopping centre) and multiple specialist sites. Now, as I said, Centacare already has a proven track record and continues to grow, not only with the work they do, but the events they hold, the people they assist and they have great respect in our community.
“So, by ensuring that we have the management agreement in place before the commencement of the build enables a smooth transition opportunity there for Centacare to prepare and work together smoothly with council.”
Centacare FNQ executive director Anita Veivers said “we are incredibly proud to have been selected”.
“The tender outcome reflects council’s confidence in Centacare FNQ’s experience, strong governance and our long-standing commitment to inclusive, place-based service delivery that responds to local community needs,” she said. “Council also acknowledged the close alignment between our proposal and its vision for a welcoming, inclusive and well-activated centre, along with our ability to operate community facilities safely and in collaboration with local stakeholders. This recognition speaks to the dedication of our team and the trust built through strong partnerships across FNQ.
“We look forward to working closely with council through the design and construction phase into operation, ensuring the centre becomes a true heart for White Rock and a multicultural hub that reflects the diversity, strengths and aspirations of our community.”
