The time-honoured Cairns Amateurs Carnival will take on a new twist this year after celebrating its Sapphire Jubilee.
Over the past 65 years, Cairns Amateurs has served as one of the state’s most iconic regional events under the auspices of the Far North Queensland Amateur Turf Club.
With hundreds of thousands of people having enjoyed the on-course action over the decades, the Carnival is equally synonymous for its incredible annual ball, providing the perfect backdrop for the country to meet the city.
In 2024, a new steering committee featuring prominent business and tourism leaders will succeed the FNQATC Committee, which has been tirelessly running the Carnival since its inception, while the Cairns Jockey Club will also increase its direct involvement in the iconic event.
“The Cairns Amateurs Carnival is more than just a race meeting, it’s a celebration of everything that is great about Far North Queensland,” Racing Queensland’s CEO Jason Scott said.
“It’s a week-long celebration of fun, food and frivolity, set against the backdrop of one of the most idyllic places in the world.
“For more than half a century, the volunteer Committee has done a tremendous job running the Cairns Amateurs and by establishing a new steering committee, we think the next 65 years can be bigger and better.
“We’d like the Cairns Amateurs Carnival to preserve its status as the Far North’s must-attend event for locals, Queenslanders and inter-state travellers alike.”
David Goodman, who has served on the FNQATC Committee for the past 15 years and was elected President in early 2021, said it had been an honour to be involved in the Cairns Amateurs, but the time was right for a new structure to take the Carnival forward.
‘’All Committee members, past and present, have put their time and effort into ensuring the success of the Cairns Amateurs on an honorary basis,’’ Mr Goodman said.
“I’m sure a full Committee of fresh faces with an invigorated outlook will drive Cairns Amateurs to greater success.”
Further announcements including the composition of the new steering committee will be made in the near future.