Cairns Convention Centre launches Innovate Reconciliation ActionPlan 2026–2028

Cairns Convention Centre has launched its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2026–2028, marking a major commitment to embedding reconciliation across every part of the Centre’s operations and the delegate experience.

Developed in consultation with Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji Elder Professor Henrietta Marrie, the Innovate RAP has been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.

As a worldclass business events venue, the Centre exists to create lasting economic and social value for Cairns by attracting national and international conventions. The Centre’s vision for reconciliation is an Australia where First Nations Peoples, cultures and histories are embraced as an essential part of every event experience, with respect, equality and truth telling guiding how we connect, share ideas and create meaningful experiences.

General Manager Janet Hamilton said the Centre is committed to ensuring reconciliation is a lived and visible part of the organisation, and a meaningful element of what delegates experience when they come to Cairns.

“Cairns Convention Centre is proud to launch our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, which sets a clear path for embedding reconciliation into how we work, who we partner with and how we welcome the world,” Ms Hamilton said.

“This plan strengthens our commitment to creating employment pathways for First Nations Peoples, growing procurement with First Nations owned businesses, and continuing to build a culturally safe and welcoming space for everyone who walks through our doors. Through authentic storytelling, art, food and experiences, we want delegates to connect with the richness of First Nations cultures, and we want our industry to see reconciliation as something we do, not just something we say.”

The Centre sits between two UNESCO World Heritage sites and within a region that is home to 18 First Nations groups, making cultural engagement central to its identity and a natural priority in its role as host of national and international conferences.

Professor Henrietta Marrie said the RAP reflects the importance of working together in ways that are genuine, respectful and grounded in place.

“This Innovate RAP is an opportunity to continue building a strong relationship based on listening, truth telling and respect for Country and culture,” Professor Marrie said.

“When an organisation like the Cairns Convention Centre commits to reconciliation in practical ways, through employment, partnerships, cultural safety and the stories shared with visitors, it helps create a more informed and respectful meeting place. It also creates opportunities for First Nations voices, knowledge and businesses to be part of how people connect here.”

The Innovate RAP sets out 17 actions and 82 deliverables across Relationships, Respect, Opportunities and Governance. Initiatives include:

• Cultural awareness training for staff

• Development of a First Nations inspired menu in partnership with Professor Henrietta Marrie

• Increase bush medicine plants in the Centre’s garden

• Promoting First Nations stories through digital platforms and event programming

• Procurement strategies designed to increase engagement with First Nations suppliers

• Partnering with First Nations owned businesses for delegate and speaker gifts, and promoting First Nations tours and experiences

The RAP is championed by General Manager Janet Hamilton and supported by a dedicated Reconciliation Working Group (RWG).The Centre’s RAP is supported through symbolic representation in its commissioned artwork, Reef Connections by local First Nations artist Elverina Johnson, which celebrates deep cultural connections to land and sea.  The artwork reflects the connection between the ocean, reef, mangroves and land for First Nations peoples, particularly the Gungganji and Yidinji people of Yarrabah and Cairns.

Stories of hunting and gathering on the reef have been passed down through generations, reflecting how the sea sustains life.  The reef is the breath of the ocean, flowing from the sea to the rainforest. We must look after the reef as it looks after us. Everything is connected and has its place.  The commissioned artwork is displayed in the main entry foyer of the Cairns Convention Centre.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the Cairns Convention Centre stands.  We pay our respects to Elders past and present and to future leaders.  We extend that respect to all First Nations People who visit our Centre.