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Did you Meet the Buyer?
Over 230 individual speed meetings were conducted between large buyers and 88 small business owners at Cairns Meet the Buyer in May.
Presented by Cairns Regional Council in partnership with the Department of Customer Services, Open Data, Small and Family Business, the event hosted 12 large companies including Hansen Yuncken, QBuild and Cairns Convention Centre.
Small and family businesses in Cairns were given the opportunity to connect one-on-one with large buyers. Those who attended were able to identify tender opportunities, understand local procurement needs and processes, grow their network and secure new contracts.
Council would like to thank all the businesses that attended and helped make the event a success.
Council tenders and procurement
Current opportunities to tender for Cairns Regional Council work and procurement opportunities are listed below.
Skatepark Construction - Jeff Pezzutti Park
Council is seeking services from suitably qualified and experienced Skatepark contractors for the delivery of the Jeff Pezzutti Park Activity Space Project. Closes 4.30pm, 4 July 2025Provisioning of Landscaping Services and Supplies (Refresh)
Council is seeking submissions and competitive rates from suppliers relating to the provision of a wide variety of landscaping supplies and landscaping services. Closes 4.30pm, 8 July 2025Collection and removal of Ferrous and Non-ferrous Scrap Metal and used Lead Acid Batteries
Council is inviting submissions for the collection and removal of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal and used lead acid batteries from its Resource Recovery Facility. Closes 4.30pm, 15 July 2025Expression of Interest (EOI) for Employee Benefit Partners
Council is seeking EOIs from employee benefits providers to deliver a comprehensive range of employee benefits. The service offering must support at least one of our five key holistic wellbeing elements: Physical, Mental, Financial, Social, and Career wellbeing. Closes 4.30pm, 23 July 2025Lease and Operation of Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre
Council is inviting tender submission to provide high quality service, management and maintenance of the still to be constructed Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre in White Rock. Closes 4.30pm, 25 July 2025Waste and Recycling Kerbside Collection Services
Council is seeking submissions and competitive rates for Waste and Recycling Kerbside Collection Services across Council's service area. Closes 4.30pm, 6 August 2025
Workshops, training and industry events
FNQ DAMA Information Session
Cairns Chamber of Commerce invites FNQ employers to a free, in-person session explaining the Far North Queensland Designated Area Migration Agreement (FNQ DAMA). This tailored skilled migration program helps local businesses address labour shortages by offering flexible pathways to employ overseas workers.
When: 2 July 2025 | 10am to 11am
Where: Cairns Chamber of Commerce Office
Cost: Free | Register Here
State of the Region Roadshow
With changes in global conditions, continued pressure on cost of living and housing, the annual release of the 'State of the Region' dataset will help unpack the latest economic and employment data. Join us to understand how this effects the region and businesses and how to leverage the previous year's economic story for future opportunities.
When: 2 July
Where: Cairns Regional Council
Cost: Free | Register Here
Developing Northern Australia Conference
This annual conference connects talent from northern regions with industry, government, and investors to explore key opportunities and doing business north of the Tropic of Capricorn.
When: 22-24 July
Where: Cairns Convention Centre
Cost: $1,349+GST | Register Here
Grants and business support
Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program Round 4
Eligible manufacturing SMEs in the Cairns SA4 region can apply for grants between $10,000 and $500,000 to boost productivity, build advanced capabilities, and create future jobs. Closes 30 June 2025, or until funding is exhausted.
Find out more
Small Business Recovery Assistance Grant Program
This jointly funded grant program provides up to $15,000 in essential financial support to eligible small businesses in North and Far North Queensland severely impacted by the Tropical Low between 29 January and 28 February 2025. Closes 14 May 2026, 5pm.
Find out more
Tourism Business Digital Adaptation Program
This program helps boost your business with up to $2,500 for digital tools like booking systems and social media management, plus free support to enhance your digital reach.
Find out more
Human Resources (HR) Support Grants
Funding up to $5,000 for Queensland small businesses to help them find HR solutions for their workforce requirements.
Find out more
Mentoring for Growth Program
Mentoring for Growth (M4G) offers eligible businesses free access to volunteer business experts who provide insights, options and suggestions relating to challenges and opportunities you are experiencing in your business.
Find out more
Workforce Evolve: Help to grow your business
Workforce Evolve is a free program for Queensland employers, designed to help you build a diverse, inclusive workforce. Access online modules and tailored coaching to attract and retain top talent - now and for the future.
Find out more
Council news in brief
Council Budget focuses on service delivery and long-term sustainability
Council's 2025-2026 Budget was handed down at a Special (Budget) Meeting on Wednesday 25 June 2025.
Bold vision unveiled to support housing growth in Cairns CBD
Cairns Regional Council has launched the City Precincts Urban Regeneration Project to encourage residential investment and revitalise key city areas.
7 Cairns Marathon Festival returns
The 7 Cairns Marathon Festival returns on 13th of July, bringing thousands to Tropical North Queensland. Supported by Council and loved by locals, the event aligns with the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Major Events Strategy by driving visitation, boosting the economy, and showcasing our region’s natural beauty and reputation as a premier active lifestyle destination.
Check out the 2024 highlights here
Save the date: Cairns Infrastructure and Assets
Industry Briefing Event
The annual event gives local business an overview of the Directorate’s Capital Works Program for FY2025-26 and an opportunity to network with key Council decision makers.
Case Study: Materials Recovery Facility
Council’s upgraded Materials Recovery Facility is a game-changer!
Processing 30,000 tonnes of recyclables annually, including 10,000 tonnes of glass, it’s cutting waste and boosting sustainability.
See how we’re leading the way in environmental stewardship!
By the numbers
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