Check out our Media Release on the Cairns Local News Website.

The Cairns Agricultural, Pastoral and Mining Association (CAPMA), organisers of the iconic Cairns Show, has been awarded $32,812 through Round 125 of the Queensland Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund, supporting a key facility upgrade at the Cairns Showgrounds.

The funding will be used to upgrade the air-conditioning system in the De Jarlais Venue, ensuring the space remains cool, comfortable, and usable during the sweltering summer months typical of Far North Queensland’s tropical climate. The venue is a heavily used community space, hosting competitions, exhibitions, meetings, and events throughout the year.

Cairns Agricultural, Pastoral and Mining Association was one of sixteen organisations in the Cairns electorate to receive funding in the latest round, which distributed more than $417,000 to local community projects.
Member for Cairns, Michael Healy MP, congratulated the Association on the successful application and said the upgrade would deliver practical benefits to the community.

“The Cairns Showgrounds are an important community asset, and upgrades like this make a real difference to how these spaces are used,” Mr Healy said. “Improving cooling in the De Jarlais Venue will enhance comfort and accessibility for exhibitors, volunteers, and the public.”

A spokesperson for the Cairns Agricultural, Pastoral and Mining Association welcomed the funding, highlighting the importance of climate-appropriate infrastructure in Far North Queensland.
“Keeping our venues cool is essential in our tropical conditions,” the spokesperson said. “This upgrade will significantly improve comfort for everyone using the De Jarlais Venue, particularly during the warmer months, and allow us to continue hosting events safely and effectively.”

The Gambling Community Benefit Fund, established in 1994, returns gambling profits to Queensland communities by supporting not-for-profit organisations delivering projects that provide lasting local benefits.
Official confirmation of the funding will be received from the Department of Justice and Attorney-General in the coming days, with planning for the air-conditioning upgrade to follow grant finalisation.

Cairns Agricultural, Pastoral, and Mining Association

Annual General Meeting

Dear Valued Members,

We are pleased to announce the upcoming 2025 Annual General Meeting and Election of Office Bearers and Committee Members of the Cairns Show Association. This important event will take place at the De Jarlais Function Centre, Cairns Showgrounds on Friday, November 28th, commencing at 7:00 pm.

Nomination Forms for the Election of Office Bearers and Committee Members are available online (see button below) or in person at the Cairns Show Office, located within the Showgrounds. We encourage you to complete and submit your forms through one of the following methods:

1. Email: reception@cairns-show.com
2. Post: PO Box 811 Bungalow, QLD 4870
3. In person: Visit the Cairns Show Office at the Showgrounds

Please ensure that Nomination Forms reach us no later than Friday, November 21st, 2025, by 5:00 pm.

To confirm your attendance, kindly RSVP by Friday, November 21st, 2025, at 5:00 pm. You can do this via telephone at (07) 4042 6699 or through email at reception@cairns-show.com.

We appreciate your continued support, and we look forward to your participation in this significant event.

Sincerely, Ian Allen – President, Cairns Show Association