Cultural groups - Cassowary Coast

There is a great interest in the arts and culture throughout the region with several art societies and performing arts groups always keen for new members. There are award winning dance schools and a wide variety of musical tuition available.

 

The Young Performers Competition is a youth eisteddfod held annually in Innisfail.

 

Innisfail is home to two cultural spaces - the North Queensland Conservatorium of Music (affectionately known as "the Con Theatre"), a purpose built theatre with magnificent acoustics, and the auditorium of the Johnstone Shire Hall, recently refurbished after Cyclone Larry, which hosts dance competitions and other local events , as well as touring acts of high quality.

 

The Mamu Aboriginal Corporation and the Girringun Aboriginal Corporation represent the interests of the indigenous people of the region. Indigenous artists are a growing force here.

 

The first European settlers were largely from an Anglo-Celtic heritage, but were joined by South Sea Islanders, Chinese. French and Germans. A large wave of Italian migration began before World War I and continued post-World War II. There are also communitiesof migrants from Spain, Malta, Greece, Yugolsavia, India, the Philippines and Laos.

 

These diverse groups have added a richness to the cultural life of the region and many have their own cultural organisations to ensure their traditions are conserved. Cassowary Coast Regional Council supports the Local Area Multicultural Program(LAMP) and provides services to the diverse communities within the region.