A message from Artistic Director Rhoda Roberts AO

“This festival is a vital cultural initiative that provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the richness of our ancient  cultures through cutting-edge technology, fostering community connection and creative expression.  Building a new platform for arts and cultural practitioners, highlights the diversity and vibrancy of culture in a way that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.”

A message from Mayor Amy Eden, Cairns

“This stunning event together with a rich program of dance, music, workshops and educational talks have firmly established the Shine on Gimuy Festival as a must-see cultural tourism event in Far North Queensland creating jobs and new collaborations which will grow State, National and International visitation to Cairns/Gimuy during the October shoulder tourism season by significant investment positions the region in the lead up to the 2035 Olympics.”

A message from Mark Olsen, CEO of TTNQ

“Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) is very pleased to support the growth and continuation of this unique event and spectacular regional festival.

First held in Cairns in October 2023, Shine was Queensland’s inaugural, First Nations major annual festival, showcasing local and regional First Nations culture with a focus on environmental education. The festival, a multi art-form authentic experience, provides a platform to increase the knowledge and understanding of First Nations culture and stories to local, regional, interstate, and international audiences.”

A message from Michael Healy MP, Member for Cairns, Shadow Minister of Tourism, Jobs and Training

“This outstanding festival has been held in Cairns since 2023 when it attracted 33,000 local, domestic and international visitors to over 49,000 attendees last year. The Shine On Gimuy Festival is a key event in the Queensland Music Festival’s tropics trail.”