Sponsored content
First Nations peoples. RAPs focus on strengthening relationships, fostering respect and creating meaningful opportunities, helping embed these principles into everyday operations rather than treating them as symbolic gestures.
For the Centre, the RAP provides a clear roadmap for integrating reconciliation into the way it operates. It reflects a commitment to cultural safety, learning and education, authentic storytelling and long‐term partnerships with First Nations communities. Through initiatives spanning employment pathways, First Nations procurement, cultural protocols, art, food and delegate education, reconciliation becomes an active part of the Centre’ s day‐to‐day practice and event delivery experience.
The RAP has been shaped with guidance from Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Elder and respected cultural advisor professor Henrietta Marrie AM, whose leadership has supported the Centre’ s reconciliation journey. Her involvement ensures cultural integrity remains central to decision‐making and delivery.
“ This Innovate RAP is an opportunity to continue building a strong relationship based on listening, truth telling and respect for Country and culture,” professor Marrie said.“ When an organisation like the Cairns Convention Centre commits to reconciliation in practical ways, through employment, partnerships, cultural safety and the stories shared with visitors, it helps create a more informed and respectful meeting place.”
This commitment is visible throughout the Centre, including through its curated First Nations artwork and the official RAP artwork commissioned as part of its expansion. Created by local First Nations artist Elverina Johnson and titled Reef Connections, the artwork reflects deep cultural connections between land and sea.
Importantly, the Centre’ s reconciliation journey sits within a broader destination‐wide commitment. Across the region, Tourism Tropical North Queensland maintains a destination RAP and a First Nations Tourism Action Plan, guided by its Indigenous Steering Committee. Together, these initiatives help ensure cultural experiences are supported, visible and respectfully integrated.
Cairns is also home to more than 40 Indigenous tourism experiences across the region, many of which are First Nations‐owned and operated. From reef and rainforest journeys to cultural storytelling, tropical islands, tablelands and outback landscapes, delegates have opportunities to engage with living culture and Country in meaningful ways before and after their events.
For event organisers and delegates alike, Cairns offers a culturally rich and respectful destination for world class business events. Anchored by a convention centre committed to embedding reconciliation across the way it operates, gatherings in Cairns create meaningful connections, deepen understanding and leave a positive legacy grounded in respect for Country and culture. n
ISSUE 142 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 51