The LNP has committed to build Queensland’s first Chinese Culture and Heritage Centre if elected this month.
The hub will be a centre for cultural exchange, offering spaces for performances, festivals, and educational programs. It will also house rare and valuable artifacts, ensuring they are properly preserved, safeguarding an important part of our national history.
Shadow Arts Minister, Dr Christian Rowan MP, joined LNP candidate for Cairns, Yolonde Entsch, to make the $2.7 million commitment as part of their focus on working harder for Queenslanders, while under Labor Queensland was heading in the wrong direction.
“The LNP’s commitment will bring to life a vibrant hub dedicated to showcasing the rich cultural heritage and historical contribution of the Chinese community to Far North Queensland,” Ms Entsch said.
"Our local Chinese community has connections to Cairns since the gold rush in the 1880s.
“The Centre will attract international visitors, especially from China, and support local multicultural events like Chinese New Year.
It will also add to Cairns’ reputation as a cultural, educational, and tourism destination in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Dr Rowan said providing opportunities for multicultural communities to celebrate the arts and performances by sharing them with wider audiences was important to building community harmony.
The Cairns and District Chinese Association has worked for 40 years to secure support for this project.
CADCAI President Mrs Lau Chu Chan said the commitment will honour the past while promoting an appreciation of the diverse cultural influences that continue to shape the region.
“This will be Queensland’s first Chinese Culture and Heritage Centre. We will have the space we need so CADCAI can train our Lion, Dragon and Molihua Dance groups.”
Dr Rowan said Labor had overseen $20 billion-plus in project cost blowouts that could have instead delivered grassroots community facilities.
“Queenslanders should have a government that delivers the programs and services needed for the State’s future, supporting our communities,” Mr Rowan said.
“Queensland needs a fresh start, nothing will change unless we change the government.
“Only the LNP has the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future.”