Dear valued Member,
As we approach the end of 2024, the Cairns Show Association would like to extend our deepest gratitude to every one of you for your unwavering support and dedication. Your contributions have been instrumental in making this year’s events a resounding success. From the distinguished Cairns Show Wine Awards to the vibrant and much-anticipated Cairns Show to the thrilling Cairns Show Auto Spectacular, none of these cherished annual events would be possible without the continued engagement of our esteemed Members.
This time of year offers a moment to reflect on our remarkable journey. Through the challenges and triumphs, your commitment has allowed us to uphold the spirit of our community and continue the legacy of these iconic events.
We are delighted to share our ‘Year in Review’ newsletter, where we look back on the highlights of 2024, celebrate our collective achievements, and express our sincere appreciation for your role in our success.
Thank you for being an integral part of the Cairns Show Association family. We look forward to another year of growth, joy, and shared experiences.
Regards,
Ian Allen
President
Cairns Show Association
Year in Review Contents:
- Cairns Show: Review
- Cairns Show Wine Awards: Review
- Cairns Show Auto Spectacular: Review
- Cairns Show Association: Ambassadors & Committee Members
- Cairns Showgrounds: Events
- Holiday Wishes from the President
CAIRNS SHOW 2024
Connecting the City to the Country
As Australia’s largest regional agricultural show, the Cairns Show continues to be a beloved annual event, uniting the vibrant city life with the rich rural heritage of our region. The 119th edition, held in 2024, was a resounding success, bringing more smiles, a boost in attendance, and a celebration of community spirit that resonated far and wide.
Highlights from the 2024 Cairns Show (17th – 19th July):
- Attendance: This year’s Show welcomed approximately 67,400 visitors, marking another successful event that brought together people of all ages for fun and festivities.
- Competitions: With over 4,100 entries across 32 sections, the competitions showcased local talent in arts, agriculture, and culinary creations. The Indigenous Arts category saw a significant rise in entries, beautifully displayed in the Fred Moule Exhibition Centre, celebrating the richness of Indigenous culture.
- New Sites: We welcomed a mix of new and returning exhibitors, adding fresh energy and diversity, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
- Bush Tukka Garden Market: Improved signage and better use of space led to increased foot traffic and positive feedback, earning the market a nomination for an international award.
Volunteers: A big thank you to our volunteers, who filled 96% of the 227 positions, ensuring the Show ran smoothly and successfully. - Short Videos: With the help of Camco Television, we produced 9 dynamic YouTube videos, receiving an impressive 67,300 plays, capturing the excitement of the Show.
- Star 102.7/4CA: Thanks to ARN’s support, sideshow alley vouchers and family pass giveaways boosted attendance. Their social media reach extended to 22,460 people on Facebook and 1,629 on Instagram.
- CRC Community Stage: The Community Stage featured 35 diverse acts over three days, from school musicians to cultural dancers, drawing enthusiastic crowds. A highlight was Whitfield State School’s KO Kids celebrating their 30th Anniversary.
Mark your calendars for the next Cairns Show, scheduled 16th – 18th July, 2025!
The Cairns Show remains a cornerstone event, where the city meets the country, creating lasting memories and strengthening the bonds within our community. We look forward to seeing you in 2025 for another unforgettable experience!
CAIRNS SHOW WINE AWARDS 2024
To Examine Wine Quality and Style in the Context of a Tropical Location
Now in its 32nd year, the Cairns Show Wine Awards continues to be a prestigious platform where winemakers from across Australia bring their finest wines to Cairns for our expert judges to taste and evaluate. This event celebrates the diversity, innovation, and craftsmanship of Australia’s wine industry, offering a unique opportunity to showcase the nation’s best wines in the heart of tropical North Queensland.
2024: A Year to Remember
The 2024 Cairns Show Wine Awards, held from June 19th to 22nd, was an outstanding success, highlighting the exceptional talent and passion within the industry.
- 316 Wines Judged: Each wine was carefully evaluated by a panel of expert judges, reflecting diverse flavors and meticulous craftsmanship that captivated the senses.
- 72+ Wineries Represented: Leading wineries from across Australia submitted their finest selections, underscoring the Awards’ growing reputation on the national stage.
- 300+ Wine Enthusiasts Attended: The Public Tasting event drew an impressive crowd of over 400 attendees, offering an unforgettable experience of sampling exceptional wines and engaging with the stories behind the bottles.
Looking Ahead
Congratulations to all participants and winners for making this event a celebration of viticultural excellence.
We look forward to the 2025 Cairns Show Wine Awards, set for June 11th to 14th, as we continue to honor the art of winemaking in Australia. Stay tuned for more details!
CAIRNS SHOW AUTO SPECTACULAR 2024
The Cairns Show Auto Spectacular: A Roaring Success in its Third Year since COVID!
We are thrilled to share the success of the Cairns Show Auto Spectacular, now in its third consecutive year since the easing of restrictions—and what an incredible event it was! Held over two action-packed days, October 12th and 13th, the event brought together automotive enthusiasts, competitors, and spectators for a thrilling celebration of all things automotive.
- Participation: 196 entrants showcased their vehicles and skills across Show & Shine, Go to Whoa, Motorkhana Time Trials, and the DYNO Challenge. 76% were from Cairns, with additional participants from the Tablelands, Townsville, and beyond, highlighting the event’s growing reach.
- Community Engagement: Around 2,000 spectators attended, including adults, concession holders, and families, making it a vibrant community event.
- Awards: 93 trophies were presented, recognizing the incredible talent and dedication of competitors.
- Charity Auction: $7,715 was raised for Sailability Cairns, with President Jeff Crofts expressing heartfelt gratitude for the community’s generosity.
“An utterly unbelievable outcome—we are just all blown away by the fantastic sponsors for the prizes and the unbelievable generosity of the amazing car enthusiast group! This will make an unbelievable difference for us. Huge thanks to... the Cairns Show Association for choosing us and making it all happen!”
- Prizes & Giveaways: Lucky attendees won a Luxury Reef Cruise from Passions of Paradise and family vouchers from Giants Pizzeria. Kids enjoyed Goodie Bags and a fun spinning wheel, courtesy of Triple M.
- Refund Competition: Sponsored by AGRO Motorsports, this unique competition gave participants a chance to win back their entry fees, adding excitement to the event.
- Special Guests: Esteemed judges Owen Webb and Rachael Durbridge, along with Chris Kelly from The Never Late Podcast and Gavin Kelso from Cruizn Magazine, added prestige and media coverage.
A huge thank you to our team, volunteers, participants, and sponsors for making this year’s event a standout success. We can’t wait to see you in 2025 for an even bigger celebration of automotive culture!
CAIRNS SHOW AMBASSADORS 2024
We are proud to introduce and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional 2024 Cairns Show Ambassadors:
- Rowena Petersen (Cairns Showgirl)
- Sam Cristaudo (Cairns Show Rural Ambassador)
- Grace O’Kane (Cairns Show Young Rural Ambassador).
- Amelia Martin (Cairns Show Young Rural Ambassador Runner-Up)
These outstanding individuals have dedicated their time and energy throughout the year to champion the Cairns Show and the broader Agricultural Industries. Whether leading parades, gracing race days, or representing us at various community events across Far North Queensland, our Ambassadors have truly gone above and beyond to showcase the spirit of the Cairns Show.
Their passion and commitment not only highlight the importance of agriculture in our region but also inspire others to become involved in this vibrant community.
Are you or someone you know passionate about agriculture and the show industry? If you’re considering taking on a leadership role or know a young individual who would make a fantastic ambassador, keep an eye out—applications for the 2025 Cairns Show Ambassador program will be opening soon! Join us in continuing this proud tradition and help make a difference in our community.
Learn More…
CAIRNS SHOW ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS FOR 2025
We are delighted to announce and congratulate the newly appointed 2025 Cairns Show Association Committee! This exceptional group of individuals has been chosen to lead and guide our cherished event into another successful year. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to our community are truly inspiring, and we are confident that under their leadership, the Cairns Show will continue to thrive and grow.
Please join us in recognizing and celebrating the following committee members:
Carol Allen, Ian Allen, Margrit Allen, Jan Anderson, Judy Alyce, Bevan Clayton, Raven Cook, Michael Fischer, David Green, Linda Halliwell, Kent Hams, Dean Hoult, Amanda Hunter, Glen Hunter, Ley James, Nathan Lee Long, Glenda McAuliffe, Warren March, Malcolm O’Hara, Rob O’Malley, Michael Pattini, Narelle Phipps, Les Plath, Danny Sale, William (Bill) Smith, Christine Stoddart, Robert Stoddart, Des Tong, Michael Tonion, Louis Underwood and Chris Van Dorssen.
Francis (Ley) James Named Honourary Patron
We are proud to announce that Francis (Ley) James has been appointed the Honourary Patron of the Cairns Show Association. Ley’s longstanding dedication and invaluable contributions to our community have been instrumental in the growth and success of the Cairns Show.
EXCITING EVENTS HOSTED AT THE CAIRNS SHOWGROUNDS
This year, the Cairns Showgrounds has been a vibrant hub of activity, hosting a wide range of events that brought our community together. From educational initiatives to thrilling expos and entertainment spectacles, here’s a look at some of the standout events:
- School Savvy – Centacare: Providing essential back-to-school supplies and resources to families in need, this initiative ensured that every child in our community was prepared for the school year.
- Markets FNQ: A lively marketplace showcasing the best of Far North Queensland’s local artisans, food vendors, and craftspeople, offering a unique shopping experience for all attendees.
- Cairns Expo: This comprehensive exhibition highlighted the latest in home, outdoor living, and adventure, attracting enthusiasts from across the region.
- Red Hot Summer Tour: A must-attend event for music lovers, featuring iconic Australian rock artists and drawing crowds for a day of unforgettable performances.
- Pure Lightness: Pure Lightness was a captivating market experience, showcasing a stunning array of crystals, gemstones, and metaphysical products. Whether seeking a personal connection or a meaningful gift, Pure Lightness provided an enriching environment for all.
- Fashion Thrift Society: A sustainable fashion event where thrift enthusiasts could discover stylish pre-loved clothing, promoting eco-friendly shopping habits.
- Questacon Science Circus: Engaging minds young and old, this traveling science show brought interactive exhibits and exciting demonstrations to Cairns, sparking curiosity and learning.
- Cairns Swap Meet, Car, Bike & Truck Show: A paradise for automotive enthusiasts, this event featured a diverse range of vehicles and a bustling swap meet for collectors and hobbyists.
- Bird Expo: Hosted by FNQ Bird Breeders, this expo was a must-visit for bird enthusiasts and anyone curious about the vibrant world of aviculture.
- Bull Throttle: This year’s Bull Throttle event brought an electrifying blend of motorsport and rodeo to the Cairns Showgrounds, delivering heart-stopping excitement for fans of all ages.
- BLA Cairns Youth & Careers Expo: Empowering the next generation, this expo connected young people with career opportunities, education pathways, and inspiring industry leaders.
- Your Wardrobe Cairns: A unique event offering a treasure trove of pre-loved clothing and accessories, allowing fashion lovers to refresh their wardrobes sustainably.
- Salvation Carols: The Salvation Army Carols, hosted by Cairns Churches, brought the community together for a heartwarming evening filled with festive cheer, music, and the spirit of giving.
- Calvacade of Lights: The Cavalcade of Lights, hosted by Hit 102.5 (Southern Cross Austereo), kicked off at the Cairns Showgrounds, setting the stage for a magical journey around Cairns to explore the city’s most dazzling Christmas light displays.
These events have not only provided entertainment and education but have also fostered community spirit and engagement. We look forward to welcoming even more exciting activities at the Cairns Showgrounds in the future!
THANK YOU & HOLIDAY WISHES
Dear valued Member,
As we come to the end of another fantastic year, we want to take a moment to express our sincere thanks for your ongoing support and dedication as a valued member of the Cairns Show Association. Your involvement and commitment have been vital to the success of our events and initiatives, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you contribute.
Your support means so much to us, and we are proud to have you as part of our community. It has been a pleasure, and we are excited for the continued success we can achieve in the years ahead.
With the holiday season upon us, we’d like to wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year. We hope this time brings you peace, happiness, and moments to cherish.
We look forward to seeing you next year for another great year of the Show!
Kind regards,
Ian Allen
President
Cairns Show Association