For many in Cairns, Christmas can be a time of hardship rather than celebration, but the Mayor's Christmas Charity has helped change that story, a legacy that continues as the city celebrates its 150th year.
Led by Cairns Mayor Amy Eden, the annual initiative today launched its 2026 campaign, celebrating 30 years of raising funds for food hampers and essential items for local families and seniors in need.
This year's launch event, held on the Eastern Event Lawn on the Cairns Esplanade, brought together long-standing charity partners, community organisations, volunteers and sponsors who play an important role in delivering the program each year.
Councillor Eden said the 2026 campaign theme, "30 Years of Giving," recognises the extraordinary impact of three decades of community generosity.
"Today, we celebrate 30 years of generosity, 30 Christmases, and 30 years of compassion and community spirit. This is something truly extraordinary," Cr Eden said.
"Every hamper tells the story of someone doing it tough, and that's why this charity matters. It lets people know they're not alone.
"As the need has grown, so too has the generosity of our community, and that is something Cairns should be incredibly proud of."
Established in 1996, the charity has become a cornerstone of local support, delivering more than 18,000 much-loved Christmas hampers to people in need over the past 30 years.
In its first year, the charity delivered 347 hampers, and by 2025 had grown to raise more than $94,000, supporting the delivery of 910 hampers.
As part of the 30-year milestone, organisations are encouraged to take part in a special initiative by purchasing 30 hampers.
In recognition, participating organisations will receive a gold star on the Mayor's Christmas Charity Giving Tree.
"The gold star recognises a legacy of generosity and carries meaning far beyond a simple symbol," Cr Eden said.
"It is a visual representation of the real impact generosity and kindness can have."
The campaign will culminate later this year with the Cairns 150 Year Ball, a major fundraising event for the charity and a key highlight of the city's sesquicentennial celebrations.
Held on Saturday, 19 September 2026, at the Eastern Event Lawn, the black-tie event will be delivered in partnership with Underwood Party Hire, celebrating 150 years of Cairns and the company's 100-year milestone.
The evening will feature a curated three-course meal showcasing local produce, live entertainment, raffles and auctions, with tickets set to go on sale in July.
Community members are encouraged to get involved by donating, attending events, or partnering with the charity throughout the year.
Cairns Regional Council acknowledges and thanks the 2026 Mayor's Christmas Charity partners: Kenfrost Homes, FGF Bitumen, Heightened Security, HEH Civil, i-LEC, Sunbird Home Care and James Cook University.
Councillor Eden said she is continually humbled by those who step up each year to donate and volunteer.
"This charity belongs to our community. It is powered by the kindness of local businesses, community groups and individuals who give so generously year after year, and I thank you all for your support."
