New Cross Cultural Liaison Office opens in Cairns CBD

• A new Cross Cultural Liaison Office has been officially opened at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon Complex.
• The Cairns Regional Council provided the office as part of a key intervention strategy which includes the deployment of ‘social connectors’ to engage with the homeless cohort within the CBD.
• The council has also provided a new Toyota Prius branded with Queensland Police Service (QPS) Look to the Stars artwork to conduct social engagement activities.

A new Cross Cultural Liaison Office was officially opened at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon Complex today in a ceremony that included a traditional smoking ceremony and a blessing.

The office was opened by Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, and Barron River MP Craig Crawford, along with Cairns Regional Council Mayor Cr Bob Manning and Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius of the QPS.

The Cairns Regional Council provided the office for the Cross Cultural Liaison Unit, as well as a Toyota Prius branded with the QPS Look to the Stars artwork to assist with community engagement activities. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, and Member for Barron River Craig Crawford MP:

“The new Cross Cultural Liaison Office is a fitting home for the unit’s seven Police Liaison Officers, one Senior Police Liaison Officer and two police officers,” Mr Crawford said.

“Police Liaison Officers are an important part of enhancing community safety throughout the district.

“They work with the community, frontline police and the Council to deter youth crime, public drinking and disturbances within the CBD.”

Quotes attributable to Cairns Regional Council Mayor Cr Bob Manning:

“The council has supplied the new office and vehicle as part of the Community Safety Plan CBD – Pilot 2022-2026,” Cr Manning said.

“The plan endorses a key intervention strategy which includes the deployment of ‘social connectors’ to engage with the homeless cohort within the CBD.

“Relocating the office to the Lagoon Complex and providing a high visibility vehicle to be used solely for social engagement activities provides an enhanced presence within the CBD.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius:

“The Police Liaison Officers stationed at the new Far North District Cross Cultural Liaison Office support policing not just in Cairns but from Cardwell to the Torres Strait,” Assistant Commissioner Schafferius said.

“They attend events and festivals, offer referrals and return to country assistance for rough sleepers, and provide a translation service for Japanese, Chinese and Creole speaking communities.

“Within the Cairns CBD, Police Liaison Officers support community safety by conducting patrols and interacting with all members of the community.

“The new office and vehicle increases visibility and enhances their ability to foster trust and a culture of acceptance for anyone seeking police assistance.”

Media contacts 

 Minister Ryan’s Office: Ph: (07) 3035 8300

 Police Media: Ph: (07) 3015 2444