Following the established progression for RAPs, the Innovate plan builds on the foundational Reflect plan, which the venue launched in 2024.
The latest plan includes 17 actions and 82 deliverables across four areas: relationships, respect, opportunities and governance.
Actions as part of the new plan include cultural awareness training for staff, development of a First Nations inspired menu, boosting the number of bush medicine plans in the convention centre’s garden, promoting First Nations stories through both event programs and the venue’s digital platforms, promoting First Nations tours and experiences, collaborating with First Nations businesses for delegate and speaker gifts and working on procurement strategies with the aim of raising engagement with First Nations suppliers.
“Cairns Convention Centre is proud to launch our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, which sets a clear path for embedding reconciliation into how we work, who we partner with and how we welcome the world,” said Cairns Convention Centre’s general manager, Janet Hamilton.
“This plan strengthens our commitment to creating employment pathways for First Nations Peoples, growing procurement with First Nations owned businesses and continuing to build a culturally safe and welcoming space for everyone who walks through our doors.
“Through authentic storytelling, art, food and experiences, we want delegates to connect with the richness of First Nations cultures, and we want our industry to see reconciliation as something we do, not just something we say.”
The plan is endorsed by Reconciliation Australia and was created in collaboration with Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji Elder, Professor Henrietta Marrie, who will also help the convention centre develop their First Nations menu.
“This Innovate RAP is an opportunity to continue building a strong relationship based on listening, truth telling and respect for Country and culture,” said Marrie.
“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.
“It also creates opportunities for First Nations voices, knowledge and businesses to be part of how people connect here.”
