Work starts to consider a First Nations Cultural Centre in Cairns

• The Palaszczuk Government will lead the development of a business case for a First Nations Cultural Centre in Cairns, in addition to an iconic First Nations Cultural Centre in Brisbane
• It has been a long-held ambition to establish a First Nations Cultural Centre to showcase the unique stories, traditions and cultures of Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Island Peoples in Queensland.
• A First Nations Cultural Centre for Far North Queensland based in Cairns acknowledges that Cairns is an important gateway to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island cultures of Far North Queensland, and will complement the development of a business case for the Brisbane based centre to be delivered as part of the SEQ City Deal.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has today announced the government will consider a new First Nations Cultural Centre for Far North Queensland based in Cairns, along with leading the development of a business case to progress the First Nations Cultural Centre in Brisbane.

The announcement comes as the historic Path to Treaty bill passes Parliament, held regionally in Cairns.

The vision for these First Nations Cultural Centres is to showcase and celebrate the rich history, unique stories and truth telling of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and build on Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to elevate First Nations arts.

Dedicated First Nations Cultural Centres will bring communities and cultures together and foster long-term social and economic benefits including creating jobs, training and employment opportunities for First Nations Peoples across the state.

It is envisaged that the First Nations Cultural Centres in Cairns and Brisbane will act as hubs, connecting with First Nations communities across the state, including the network of Indigenous Art Centres and other significant sites and locations throughout Queensland.

A Cairns Centre could also act as a significant regional link connecting into the proposed First Nations Cultural Centre in Brisbane and would share and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, cultures and heritage from across Far North Queensland to larger audiences.

The centres will share the truth of the past and enable healing as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to Path to Treaty.

Quotes attributable to the Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:

“This centre will provide Queenslanders and visitors a deeper view of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures here in the Far North, and reaffirm our government’s commitment platforming their important stories.

“Cairns is an ideal home for a new First Nations Cultural Centre – it is a gateway to the reef and the rainforest, both of which flourish under the custodianship of our First Nations people.

“I’m proud our government can make this announcement, as we continue to walk the Path to Treaty hand in hand with First Nations Queenslanders.”  

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch:

“Australia is home to two of the oldest living continuous cultures in the world, with Queensland uniquely home to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, country, history and heritage.

“Establishing First Nations Cultural Centres in Brisbane and in Cairns will help showcase important stories from across the state, and provide opportunities to share the richness of cultures unique to Queensland.

“The centres would be places where Queensland’s past can be truthfully acknowledged, where the diverse stories of First Nations peoples from across the state can be represented and where the journey towards a more inclusive future can be supported.

“The Queensland Government will commence procurement to secure a First Nations lead to develop a framework to guide consultation and other packages of work to deliver the business case for the Cairns First Nations Cultural Centre, alongside the First Nations Cultural Centre to be positioned in Brisbane as part of our state’s cultural precinct.”

“First Nation-led engagement with Traditional Owners and Indigenous arts and cultural stakeholders across Queensland remains a priority throughout the consideration of the business case development for the First Nations Cultural Centres.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Cairns Michael Healy:

“The potential creation of a First Nations Cultural Centre based in Cairns would be a huge win for the city and for Far North Queensland more broadly.

“The entire region has a proud First Nations heritage and what better way to showcase this than a First Nations Cultural Centre in Cairns.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Barron River Craig Crawford:

“It makes sense to build a world-class Indigenous Cultural Centre in Cairns given we have such a rich and deep connection to culture and country in the Far North.

“Indigenous tourism is booming, and more and more people are eager to immerse themselves in history, heritage, culture and customs.”

Further information:

• The Queensland Government committed $2 million over two years to develop a preliminary business case to consider options for a First Nations Cultural Centre in Brisbane. The options analysis for the Brisbane-based Centre is complete, with the Business case for the Cairns Centre also delivered within this funding allocation.  
• In March 2022, the Queensland Government signed the south-east Queensland City Deal with the Australian Government and the Council of Mayors of south-east Queensland, which included a $3 million investment for a detailed business case for a First Nations Cultural Centre in Brisbane.
• Progression of the First Nations Cultural Centres in Cairns and Brisbane deliver key priorities of the Creative Together 2020-2030 10-year roadmap to renew and transform the state though arts, culture and creativity, and also deliver on the State’s tourism industry strategy, Towards Tourism 2032

ENDS

Media contact: Martin Phillip - 0407 675 008