The owners of Wholesale Paint Group in Portsmith are committed to rebuilding their factory, which suffered a suspicious fire earlier this week. Despite the setback, the company continues operations from its other branches and plans to reopen a new showroom in Cairns within weeks.
Volunteers are sought to assist learner-drivers in obtaining their licenses, addressing a shortage of driving instructors. The initiative aims to strengthen community ties and enhance road safety through increased driver education.
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) reports strong interest from over 15,000 high school students in pursuing careers in real estate. A new training program, the CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice, allows students to earn qualifications and work experience while completing their senior studies. This initiative aims to provide meaningful career pathways for young Queenslanders.
Cairns Regional Council awarded a $1.27 million contract to Osborne Construction Solutions for the refurbishment of Smithfield Library, exceeding the original budget by $700,000. The project will double the library's collection size and modernize facilities, but will require the library to close until June 30 next year.
Boral accepted responsibility for a spill of 10,000 liters of kerosene and bitumen into Smiths Creek, affecting local ecosystems and prompting warnings for boaters. The Department of Environment, Science, Tourism and Innovation is leading the investigation, focusing on preventing further spread into the Great Barrier Reef.
Cairns’ Dream Aloud Festival won gold at the 2025 Music Cities Awards as the best music tourism initiative. The festival highlights local artists, especially from Indigenous communities, and aims to boost regional tourism during low visitation seasons.
The Queensland Symphony Orchestra performed a captivating orchestral show at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre. Talented bassoonist David Mitchell brought a local touch to the performance, enhancing the evening's musical experience.
Mossman Support Services launched the "EASY Eats For Less" initiative to combat rising living costs and foster community skills in food preparation and nutrition. The program engages local residents, including First Nations and CALD community members, to lead workshops on cooking and budgeting. This 12-week program, which is now accepting registrations for its second intake, runs from October 2 to December 18.
The new $4.75 million Port Douglas Splash Park opened at Jalunbu Park, featuring water play elements inspired by local natural attractions. Funded in part by a $2.53 million contribution from the Queensland Government, the park aims to foster community connections and provide a safe space for families and children.
JUTE Theatre Company premieres "Genius," a dark comedy inspired by 17th-century painter Artemisia Gentileschi, in Cairns from September 26 to October 4. The production, directed by Nicky Fearn and written by Sandra Thibodeaux, explores the challenges faced by female artists across time. Tickets are available online.
Business owners in Cairns express frustration over rampant graffiti and anti-social behavior in the central business district, claiming it drives away customers and incurs high cleanup costs. The Cairns Regional Council spends over $2 million annually on maintenance, but property owners bear the burden of immediate graffiti removal. Local police are increasing patrols to address the issue, but many still feel unsupported.
Three new measles cases emerged in Cairns, raising the total to 12. Health officials updated exposure sites, urging individuals who visited these locations to monitor symptoms and seek medical advice if necessary.
Cairns Regional Council approved a 10-year lease for Scouts Australia to share a facility with Guides Queensland in Edmonton. The new headquarters will support adult leader training and youth activities, enhancing community engagement and youth development.
The Kuranda Range will reduce to one lane early Saturday morning to accommodate cyclists in the QSuper Cardiac Challenge. This temporary measure aims to ensure safe travel for participants during the event.
Cairns Hospital mandates mask-wearing in key wards following four new measles cases, raising the total to seven. Chief executive Leena Singh emphasized the need to protect vulnerable patients from the highly contagious virus. Public cooperation and vaccination remain essential to prevent further spread.
BMW unveiled the fully electric iX3, the first model in its 'neue klasse' series, in Munich. The sports activity vehicle features sixth-generation eDrive technology and offers a driving range of up to 805 kilometers. Production will begin later this year in Hungary, with deliveries in Australia starting by mid-2026.
Heavy rain in Cairns has caused flooding and road closures, prompting officials to warn residents about the dangers of swollen waterways. The Council has closed recreational swimming areas until safe water levels are restored, urging caution for drivers and pedestrians. Residents can monitor the situation through the Cairns Disaster Dashboard and local flood cameras.
Queensland's government will fast-track the construction of five infrastructure projects, unlocking 190 new homes in Far North Queensland. This initiative is part of the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund aimed at addressing housing shortages.
A first-time commercial investor purchased a new KFC in Gordonvale for $5.808 million, yielding 4.76 percent. The sale highlights growing interest in fast-food investments in the region.
The Tin Shed Douglas Community and Sports Club offers a fully air-conditioned bar, providing a comfortable escape as tropical weather heats up. Patrons can enjoy stunning views while staying cool and relaxed during their visit.
CHILDS World Kindy created a playful learning environment that encourages exploration and discovery. Every day offers new experiences for children, fostering a sense of curiosity and engagement. This innovative approach aims to blend education with play.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service will manage the $47.1 million Wangetti Trail after years of delays and budget overruns. The project aims to enhance local tourism and environmental sustainability in the region.
Dr. Elizabeth Wilson, the newest critical care doctor at LifeFlight in Cairns, has completed intensive aeromedical training and aims to enhance her skills in retrieval medicine. Originally from New Zealand, she joins a small team on the QGAir helicopter, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in critical situations. Wilson is among 29 doctors providing aerial medical support across Queensland.
Local MPs Bree James and Terry James proposed significant reforms to enhance support for domestic violence victims in Far North Queensland. The initiative aims to address the needs of affected individuals and improve community safety.
