2025 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair Opening

Representing the Premier of Queensland and representing the Minister for Education and the Arts, Member for Mulgrave, Mr Terry James; Member for Algester, the Honourable Leanne Enoch MP; Member for Cairns, Mr Michael Healy MP; Assistant Minister for Northern Australia, Tourism, and Pacific Island Affairs, Senator the Honourable Nita Green; Member for Leichardt, Mr Matt Smith MP; Mayor, Cairns Regional Council, Councillor Amy Eden, and Councillors; Mayor, Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council, Councillor Ronaldo Guivarra; Chairperson, Torres Strait Regional Authority, Mr George Nona; Chairperson, Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, Dr Bianca Beetson and Board Members; Artistic Director, Mr Teho Ropeyarn; fellow Patron, Professor Henrietta Fourmile-Marrie AM; Elders; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands on which we gather, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here tonight.

I thank Uncle Hendrick Fourmile for the Smoking Ceremony he performed earlier, and Gregory Fourmile of the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji for his Welcome to Country.

We are so fortunate that the rich and ancient cultural traditions of our First Nations people continue to inspire our contemporary understanding, and in this—the 50^th year of National NAIDOC Week—and as Patron of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, I am proud to take part in an event that highlights and celebrates the immense talents of our state’s incredible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creators.

This year, the CIAF returns to this innovative community venue—the Tanks Art Centre—where sixteen years ago, the initiative first began.

Over the next few days, the commercial galleries, exhibition spaces and even the exterior of the Centre itself will be a place where the creative expression of over 30 exhibitors and 48 artisans will provide an experience that will be truly memorable.

This evening alone, we will be treated to dance, live music, digital projections and visual art that will set the stage for a program that is absolutely bursting with artwork and activities designed to entertain and delight, but also to challenge.

This year’s CIAF theme, Pay Attention! asks contributing artists to explore their own experiences and provide their interpretation of issues important to them, and to raise questions about the future.

This aligns well with the NAIDOC week theme, which looks to the next generation and the young leaders of tomorrow, who will carry the wisdom of their Elders into a world as yet unknown, but one which we all have the power to shape.

In less than two weeks’ time, I will be travelling to the Gulf of Carpentaria, on my second official trip to the region, visiting remote Indigenous communities including Doomadgee, Mornington Island and Aurukun. My main objective is to listen—to discover more about each community’s successes and challenges. In focussing on health centres and conversations with young people, I am upholding the promise I made to Queenslanders when I was sworn in as Governor—to encourage health and wellbeing and to promote literacy, particularly for Indigenous youth, whose energy and passion hold the key to the ongoing viability of their communities.

The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair is an integral part of the journey to a more equitable future, because it not only celebrates exceptional ability, but it invigorates the exploration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, especially through the voices of emerging artists.

I congratulate Artistic Director, Mr Teho Ropeyarn, for overseeing such an impressive event, and thank the Chairman, Board, staff and volunteers of the CIAF and Tanks Art Centre, sponsors, partners, and all those who are ensuring First Nations people have this platform to showcase their work.  

It is now my honour, as Governor and Patron, to declare the 2025 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair officially open and wish you all tremendous success!

Please enjoy the evening.