General News
6 October, 2026
Sealing history ‘til 2126
THE Yorkeys Knob community comes together next weekend to mark Cairns’ 150th anniversary with the burial of a special time capsule, which will remain sealed for 100 years before being opened in 2126.
The event is a joint initiative of the Yorkeys Knob Residents Association (YKRA) and Yorkeys Knob Boating Club (YKBC) and will celebrate, not only the significant milestone for Cairns, but also the history, people and unique community spirit of the seaside suburb.
YKRA vice-president Dr Daniela Vavrova said the time capsule was a result of the Yorkeys Knob living history project, a community-driven collection of memories, stories, photographs and artefacts documenting the history and identity of the village.
“While Yorkeys Knob is officially 106-years-old, according to land division records, the story of the area extends much further through the connection of Traditional Owners to Country, the arrival of early settlers and the generations of families, residents, businesses and community organisations that have helped shape Yorkeys Knob into the community it is today,’ she said.
“Residents, community organisations and local groups will be invited to contribute physical and digital items representing life in Yorkeys Knob in 2026.
“Contributions from Yorkeys Knob State School students and the Yirrganydji people are also hoped to form part of the capsule, helping capture the voices and perspectives of those connected to the area today.
“The capsule will ultimately become a message from the people of 2026 to the people of 2126, recording what we valued, how we lived, the challenges and opportunities of our time and what Yorkeys Knob meant to the people who called it home.”
Dr Vavrova said the time capsule ceremony was on Saturday 10 October 2026 at 10am in the Yorkeys Knob Boating Club memorial garden, allowing residents, families, community groups and visitors to come together for the historic occasion while commemorating Cairns’ 150-year milestone.
“The ceremony will include guest speakers, community participation and the official burial of the time capsule, followed by light refreshments on the Yorkeys Knob Boating Club deck,” Dr Vavrova said.
