General News
27 July, 2026
Opening is band-tastic
CAIRNS Municipal Band has played its first concert in its new club house at Edge Hill.
The $1.15 million building was officially opened on 18 July after eight months of construction in the Cairns Cultural Precinct in Greenslopes St – on budget and on time.
President Gary Turner said the new venue, built by Collins Construction and designed by JB Design, was completely self-funded with no grants from all levels of government.
He told more than 50 guests at the opening that the journey from the old site in Charles St, Cairns North, to Greenslopes St started nearly five years ago.
Mr Turner said James Cook University offered to buy the building for a future carpark as part of its university hospital redevelopment.
“That hall had been our home for some 65 years,” he said.
“It was a space largely built, modified and maintained over the decades through the tireless volunteer labour of many past and present members.
“It held deep emotional significance for us all.
“Decades of weekly rehearsals, social gatherings, concerts, parties, lifelong friendships were forged within those walls. Leaving it was never going to be easy.
“The old hall was in critical need of extensive renovations and repairs.
“In contrast, a new build offers immense benefits, including a superior location, better parking and modern accessibility.”
Mr Turner said the club was “incredibly fortunate to secure the lease on this exceptional block of land within the Cairns cultural precinct” – the last available site in the precinct.
“To put it in perspective, having been forced to purchase a free-held block of land on the open market, our budget simply would not have allowed us to construct a building we stand in today,” Mr Turner said.
“Construction officially commenced in September 2025, culminating in the final handover in April this year, 2026.
“Looking around today is truly a remarkable achievement.
“What makes it extraordinarily special is that it has been funded and delivered solely through our own money and resources.
“It’s a testament to the vision, rooms and dedication of everyone involved.”
Cr Anna Middleton (Div. 7) officially opened the building.
