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Registrations now open: Meet the Buyer 2026!
Pitch your capabilities to major buyers shaping regional projects
Connect directly with major industry buyers across the Cairns region and position your business for current and upcoming procurement needs across construction, health, education, marine, defence, creative industries, government and more.
When: Tuesday 19 May, 3.30 pm - 6 pm
Where: Shangri‑La The Marina, Cairns
Cost: Free
Register for the Queensland Government's Cairns Small Business Expo to access the Meet the Buyer registration page.
Meet the Buyer is a curated business‑networking opportunity, proudly delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government.
Cairns Small Business Expo
Get your business 'Future Ready'
Part of Queensland Small Business Month, this full‑day Expo delivers tailored resources, practical guidance and networking to help small and family businesses build resilience and pursue new opportunities. Delivered by the Queensland Government, it brings expert advice, presentations and one‑on‑one mentoring together in one place.
When: Tuesday 19 May, full-day event, opening at 9 am
Where: Shangri‑La The Marina, Cairns
Cost: Free
Can't get to the Expo? Check out the Queensland Small Business Month program which offers a range of free online events.
Council Tenders and Procurement
Current opportunities to tender for Cairns Regional Council work and procurement opportunities are listed below.
Infrastructure Works (Minor and Major Projects)
Council is inviting submissions from qualified Contractors for water, wastewater, civil and related infrastructure works supporting planning, design and delivery of minor and major projects across the local government area. Closes: 4.30 pm, 7 May 2026
Consultancy – SPS SH7 Condition Assessment
Council is seeking a consultant to complete a Condition and Renewal Readiness Assessment of the SH7 Vacuum Sewage Pump Station. Closes: 4.30 pm, 8 May 2026
Manhole Rehabilitation Program
Council is seeking a contractor to refurbish identified sewer manholes across the network. Works include structural repairs, sealing infiltration and applying protective linings. Closes: 4.30 pm, 14 May 2026
Cairns Integrated Resilience Plan
Council is inviting tenders for the preparation of an Integrated Resilience Plan outlining Council’s blueprint for improving natural hazard resilience across the Cairns region, building on existing studies and strategies from across Council. Closes: 23.30 pm, 17 May 2026
Supply and Delivery of Three Loaders
Council is seeking the supply and delivery of three large wheel loaders for handling domestic waste, green waste, scrap metal, and construction and demolition debris. Closes: 4.30 pm, 19 May 2026
Workshops, Training and Industry Events
Networking | Coffee & Conversations
A relaxed and welcoming business networking event through the Cairns Chamber of Commerce to help you make new connections and strengthen existing ones.
When: 7 May 2026, 7.30 am - 8.30 am
Where: Coffee Buoy, 15 Lake St, Cairns
Cost: Free (coffee for purchase) | Register here
May Business Luncheon | Small Business Month
Join Cairns Chamber of Commerce to hear how global population shifts and migration trends are reshaping FNQ’s workforce and economic future, and what it means for your long‑term planning.
When: 15 May 2026, 11.30 am - 2 pm
Where: Pullman International
Cost: $95 (Non-members) | Register here
Registration closes 10 May
Got staffing challenges?
Get targeted workforce advice at the Cairns Regional Jobs Committee (RJC) briefing, with expert insights on funding, recruitment, retention and workforce planning.
When: 28 May, 5 - 7 pm
Where: Novotel Oasis Resort
Cost: Free | Register here
2026 Cairns Career Expo
Thinking about your next career move? With strong industry representation, the Expo brings together leading education, training, and vocational providers, along with apprenticeship and traineeship pathways.
When: 4 June, 8.30 am - 3.30 pm
Where: Fred Moule Pavilion, Cairns Showgrounds
Cost: Free | Walk‑in attendance
Workforce Evolution in FNQ: Understanding & Adapting to a New Landscape
Learn how to adapt to today’s evolving workforce with insights from McCrindle’s Sophie Renton, local employer experiences and practical tools.
When: 10 June, 7.30 - 11.30 am
Where: Reef Hotel Casino
Cost: $25 | Register here
Registration closes 1 June
Grants and Business Support
Cooperative Research Centres Projects Grants
Matched funding of $100,000–$3 million for industry‑led collaborations between SMEs, industry partners and research organisations to develop new products, services or technologies with commercial outcomes for industry.
Closes: 12 May 2026. Find out more
Tourism Business Capability Subsidy
Up to $2,000 for eligible sole traders, micro and small–medium tourism and event businesses in Queensland to undertake targeted training or accreditation.
Closes: 30 June 2026 or earlier if funding is fully allocated. Find out more
Secure Communities Partnership Program Round 2 – Small Business
Grants of $5,000 to $20,000 (ex GST) available to help small and family businesses upgrade or install security equipment. Eligibility now includes businesses impacted by crime in the past 5 years, or those within 250 metres of another commercial premises impacted in the past 5 years. A minimum 50% co-contribution is required.
Closes: 30 June 2026 unless funding is exhausted earlier. Find out more
First Nations Clean Energy Advice Grants
Grants of $5,000-$80,000 support First Nations organisations to access technical advice and build capability for clean energy projects, strengthening project readiness and industry engagement.
Closes: 3 September 2026. Find out more
Fee-Free TAFE – Gain new skills or enhance existing skills
Free training for eligible Queenslanders to gain new skills or upskill in high‑demand industries, including priority skill sets, nursing, and construction apprenticeships. Search the Queensland Skills Gateway for funded qualifications.
Closes: 31 December 2026. Find out more
Women’s Career Grants
Up to $4,999 for women who’ve been unemployed for six months or more and ready to return to work. Supports training, work‑readiness costs, equipment and other expenses that help with re‑entering employment. Open until funding is allocated. Find out more
Small Business Apprenticeship Pilot Program
Reimbursement for eligible small/family businesses covering construction apprentice wages during training (up to 32 weeks total). Find out more
Local Skills Solutions Program
Up to $250,000 (ex GST) per project for industry groups, community organisations and group training organisations to address regional skills gaps in Queensland. Supports projects that expand face‑to‑face training, provide wraparound learner support and strengthen industry engagement in local training delivery. Open throughout 2025–2026 or until funding is exhausted. Find out more
Registrations of Interest Open: Commercial Opportunities at Smithfield MTB Park
Have an idea to enhance the rider experience at Smithfield Mountain Bike Park - from coffee outlets or retail to shuttles, tours, coaching or events? The Queensland Government wants to hear from you.
With a $15.5 million investment delivering an 85‑kilometre nationally significant trail network under the Destination 2045 tourism plan, ROIs are now open for commercial operators - from pop‑ups to full‑scale operations.
Early input will help inform trail design and infrastructure to support future commercial opportunities. ROI close: 2pm (AEST) Tuesday 26 May 2026.
Supplier Opportunities for Brisbane 2032
Be part of delivering one of the world’s major sporting events - the Olympic and Paralympic Games Brisbane 2032. More than 60 work packages, from brand and hospitality to technology, logistics and event services, are now open for Expressions of Interest via the supplier portal. Find out more
News in Brief
Cairns Festival Grand Parade Call Out
Come and join Cairns’ most spectacular street party on Saturday 29 August.
We’re honouring the businesses, communities and milestones that have built the city of Cairns, while also shining a light on the bright future ahead.
Think tropical colour, coastal vibes, sun-soaked nostalgia and bold Cairns energy. Bright, joyful and uniquely us. Learn more.
Expressions of Interest - Cairns Super Carnival
Held across two weekends in August, the Carnival of Colour is Far North Queensland's premier racing and lifestyle event, attracting 10,000+ attendees and generating over $7.3 million in economic impact for the region.
Businesses, community groups, charities or individuals can get involved via the Expression of Interest form and a member of their team will be in touch with more information.
Industry in focus
This section features a monthly industry overview and key economic data for priority industries identified in Council's Economic Development Strategy.
Aviation is a key driver of Cairns’ regional economy, supporting connectivity, specialist capability and new business opportunities across the Far North.
In 2023/24, the local Aviation industry directly generated an economic impact of $1,348M output, $317M value add and supported more than 1,973 jobs in Cairns.
By the numbers
- Unemployment rate Cairns LGA (Dec 25): 4.7%
- JobSeeker recipients (Mar 26): 8,380
- Monthly job advertisements Far North Queensland (Mar 26): 6,299
- Total value of building approvals (2025-26 Feb FYTD): $1,674 billion
- Cairns Airport Passenger Throughput (Mar 26): 351,822
- Cairns Airport Passenger Throughput (2025-26 Mar FYTD): 3,733,496
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