Cairns Historical Society

Members of the Cairns Historical Society were excited to report that their discussions with the Cairns Regional Council had been successful with an agreement for a four-year funding program to provide for a museum manager and some operational funds, largely to meet the costs of air conditioning in the renovated School of Arts building.  They are continuing to work with the Council on the budget for the Fit Out of the new museum and are hoping for an agreement some time in the coming months.  The history trailer continues to be the major outreach program and under the leadership of Beth Pearson, the trailer has visited over a dozen schools.  The Society also participated in displays for Child Safety Week, Carnival on Collins and the Healthy Ageing Day event held on the Esplanade.  Pauline O'Keefe continues to be the person to see for information on the First World War in the Cairns region and she has been asked to join a committee for organising the centenary of Anzac Day event for next year.  We are also lobbying her to raise the possibility of a re-enactment of the Cane Beetles march of 1915.  Pauline is also keen to add to the Society's collection on World War One and is interested in exchange images between other Society in the area.