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Reminder Meet the Buyer 2025: Event On Tonight
Small business owners have registered for the one-on-one speed networking sessions designed to help small business connect with large buyers from the public and private sector.
When: Thursday, 29 May 2025, 3.30pm - 6.30pm
Where: Cairns Regional Council, Civic Reception Rooms
Cost: Free
If you missed registration, but are still interested in attending, please contact us at your earliest convenience to inquire about availability.
Council tenders and procurement
Current opportunities to tender for Cairns Regional Council work and procurement opportunities are listed below.
Internal Audit Services
Council is inviting submissions from suitably qualified and experienced Auditors to assist Council in undertaking internal audit services as part of Council’s Internal Audit function. Closes 4.30pm, 5 June 2025Design for Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre
Council is seeking tenders for the services of a Principal Consultant to prepare concept, preliminary, detailed design and tender documentation for the Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre. Closes 4.30pm, 11 June 2025Stakepark Construction - Jeff Pezzutti Park
Council is seeking services from suitably qualified and experience Skatepark contractors for the delivery of the Jeff Pezzutti Park Activity Space Project. Closes 4.30pm, 4 July 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: 4 June 2025 | 10am to 11am
Where: Cairns Chamber of Commerce Office | Cost: Free | Register Here
Understanding your insurance premium
Join the Cairns Chamber of Commerce for an essential seminar on “Understanding Your Business Insurance Premium,” with a focus on natural disaster coverage to help you make informed decisions and better protect your business.
When: 13 June 2025 | 10am to 11am
Where: Cairns Regional Council | Cost: $15 | Register Here
Free business sustainability forum
Join Business Chamber Queensland’s ecoBiz team and hear from experts on practical ways to future-proof your business.
When: 18 June 2025 | 7am
Where: Crystalbrook Riley | 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
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
Have your say: Draft Growth Strategy
Council has released the Towards 2050 Draft Growth Strategy: a long-term, community-informed plan to guide Cairns’ growth to 2050.
With the population expected to increase by over 72,000, the city will need 33,000 new homes and 32,000 jobs. The strategy focuses on using existing urban areas efficiently by:
- Ensuring enough land in new and greenfield areas
- Supporting infill development in central locations
- Providing diverse housing options
- Designing sustainable, resilient infrastructure
Underpinning the strategy is a focus on protecting and celebrating our unique blue and green tropical landscape, and creating great tropical neighbourhoods that respond to our climate.
Residents can share feedback from 2 May to 24 June at local events or online.
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.
Charity in Bloom Long Lunch for the Mayor's Christmas Charity
A long tropical lunch in the stunning surrounds of the Cairns Botanic Gardens, raising vital funds to provide food hampers for local families and older community members who need a helping hand to make their Christmas season joyful.
Industry in focus: Tourism
In 2022/23 the local tourism industry directly generated an economic impact of $1,364M output, $640M value add and supported more than 6,777 jobs in Cairns.
Case Study: The Great Reef Census
The Great Reef Census is using over 100,000 photos from 600+ reefs to track the health of the Great Barrier Reef!
With help from volunteers and marine fleets, this project provides vital data for conservation and protection.
See how they are going to preserve this global treasure.
By the numbers
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