Reconciliation at Cairns Convention Centre
The Cairns Convention Centre is committed to embedding reconciliation across our operations and the guest experience.
Guided by our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, we work in partnership with First Nations communities to ensure culture, knowledge and storytelling are thoughtfully integrated into how we welcome, connect and deliver events in Tropical North Queensland.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
As a world-class conference venue welcoming visitors from around the globe, the Cairns Convention Centre is committed to deepening cultural connection and supporting the growth of First Nations businesses and experiences throughout Tropical North Queensland.
Working in Partnership with First Nations Communities
Developed with the guidance of Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Elder Professor Henrietta Marrie, our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) provides a clear framework for embedding First Nations culture, relationships and opportunities across the Centre. The RAP outlines 17 actions and 82 deliverables, ensuring our approach is culturally grounded, respectful of Traditional Owners and focused on meaningful, long-term impact.
Through this framework, the Centre is strengthening partnerships with First Nations communities, increasing engagement with First Nations suppliers and businesses, and creating a culturally safe and welcoming environment for all who visit.
As part of this journey, we are actively promoting First Nations tourism, arts and cultural experiences — integrating local operators, storytellers, artists and suppliers across the client and delegate experience. This approach ensures reconciliation is not a standalone initiative, but an integral part of how we operate as a leading business events venue in Cairns.
Our RAP Artwork: Reef Connections
The artwork is about the connection between the ocean, reef, mangroves, and the land with First Nations people, particularly the Gungganji and Yidinji people of Yarrabah and Cairns.
Their stories about hunting and gathering on the reef have been passed down from generation to generation about how the sea sustains us.
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.
First Nations Dining Experience: Burii
Burii is the Cairns Convention Centre’s First Nations-inspired dining experience, created in collaboration with Professor Henrietta Marrie.
Burii, meaning “on the fire”, captures the heart of this menu: as fire has always been central for gathering, storytelling, dance, song and food.
Designed to reflect the culture and identity of the Cairns/Gimuy region, the menu showcases native Australian ingredients, seasonal knowledge and the connection between rainforest, sea and savannah.
Developed through time spent learning on Country and working with Supply Nation suppliers, Burii offers delegates an opportunity to experience authentic First Nations food as part of their event in Cairns.
Supporting First Nations Businesses, Tourism and Experiences
Tropical North Queensland offers some of the most diverse First Nations tourism experiences in Australia, blending nature, culture, art and storytelling across the region. Many are proudly Indigenous-owned and operated.
Traditional Owners share their connection to rainforest, reef, outback and coastal Country through immersive experiences. From the world’s oldest rainforest to the Great Barrier Reef, delegates can engage with storytelling, cultural knowledge and hands-on learning shaped by tens of thousands of years of lived experience.
The region is also a vibrant centre for First Nations arts and culture, where visitors can experience traditional and contemporary works and witness performances that bring ancient traditions to life.