In celebration of Chinese New Year, on the final day of the Year of the Snake - representatives from government, community, design and construction gathered to officially break ground on the Chinese Culture and Heritage Centre in Cairns, marking a symbolic beginning for the project as it enters construction.
The ceremony brought together all key parties responsible for bringing the project to life. In a shared gesture of renewal and optimism, attendees turned the first soil together — symbolising the physical commencement of construction, and a collective step forward into a new chapter for cultural connection, heritage preservation and community legacy in Far North Queensland.
The ‘groundbreaking’ ceremony recognised the strong collaboration between community leaders, project partners and local industry that has enabled the vision for the centre to move from concept to reality.
Among those present to celebrate the milestone were Minister for Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson, Member for Barron River Bree James, Member for Mulgrave Terry James, Cairns & District Chinese Association Inc. (CADCAI) President Nathan Lee Long, Chairman of the (CADCAI) Building Committee Jim Turnour, Previous Past President Lai Chu Chan, Architect Roger Mainwood of TPG Architects, and Builder Beau Moriarty of MyBuildGroup.
Once completed, the purpose-built Chinese Culture and Heritage Centre will provide a dedicated home for cultural artefacts, education, performance and community activities, strengthening the cultural precinct opposite the Chinese Friendship Gardens in Edge Hill. The centre will house the The Lit Sun Gong temple collection from the Original Template in Grafton St, Construction in 1876-1877. The new centre will serve as an important place for storytelling, learning and shared experiences, celebrating the significant and enduring contribution of Chinese Australians to the region.
Construction is now underway, with completion anticipated in late 2026 and the official opening to coincide with Chinese New Year celebrations in 2027.