Cairns Convention Center Commitment to Inclusion » Exhibitions

Submitted by Adam Baggs of Soaring Worldwide

The Cairns Convention Center on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef has been shortlisted for the region’s prestigious People Management Awards. The Cairns Business Excellence Awards recognize outstanding business practice, service excellence and environmental sustainability.

The venue is already leading the way in sustainability, having recently launched a menu of eco-friendly homegrown produce that supports local farmers and suppliers, and is now proud to be recognized for its talent strategy and, more specifically, its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity And gain recognition. Its motto is “Passion is our essence” and “People are our essence” is its people management philosophy.

Globally, one in seven people has a disability, and the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is more than twice that of people without disabilities. To address this gap, the center takes a broad and innovative approach, from thoughtful architectural design to progressive workplace initiatives, to create a more inclusive and accessible workplace.

Key accessibility features include full wheelchair access throughout the centre. For example, all meeting rooms are wheelchair accessible, and the arena and auditorium have multiple wheelchair and companion seats. Wheelchair and portable toilet facilities are adequate, and lifts and escalators connect the various floors of the building. In addition, in addition to independent disabled toilets, the venue also has a dedicated changing area. For those with hearing and visual impairments, we have a state-of-the-art hearing enhancement system and Braille signage throughout the facility.

Flexible working plans allow for reduced hours and work-from-home settings where necessary, and external communications such as job postings are continually reviewed for screen readability.

The center also works with disability employment providers through initiatives such as the federally funded Tourism Tasting Program. The program connects Cairns tourism businesses with disabled employees, promoting disability inclusion and improving recruitment processes. Tourism Taster staff co-ordinator Trudy Nagle said: “Cairns Convention Center has been a very supportive partner of the Tourism Taster project, with several people with disabilities holding roles in various teams at the convention center such as kitchen, AV, events, venue presentations and research. “

Additionally, the Cairns Convention Center recently launched its Sunflower Program for people with hidden disabilities. This initiative allows customers and representatives to voluntarily share that they have a hidden disability and may need additional assistance. Participants can wear Project Sunflower logos, such as lanyards, pins or wristbands, to discreetly indicate that they need help. All full-time team members at the center are trained in hidden disability planning to ensure they provide the necessary care and attention. Temporary team members are currently undergoing training.

Cairns Convention Center general manager Janet Hamilton stressed the importance of including people with disabilities in the workforce. “Our commitment to inclusion drives our people management strategy, ensuring our practices are accessible and supportive. This dedication not only improves our workplace but also sets the standard for others to promote disabled people Inclusion and equal opportunity for all. “We aim to provide a place that is inherently accessible, not an afterthought. We want all guests, regardless of ability, to have access to excellence and excellence at our centre. An equal experience.”

For more information about the Cairns Convention Center please visit: