• 58 organisations receive $337k in funding
• Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival receives $40,000
• Art and film events funded

Community, sporting, arts and events groups have shared in $337,850 in grant money to be distributed by Cairns Regional Council.

Grants have been presented to 58 organisations, ranging from swimming clubs through to performing arts workshops, Cairns Menshed, community kindergartens, and activities for seniors.

“This grants process really highlights the range of healthy and creative activities we have in the Cairns Region,” said Mayor Val Schier, who presented the grants.

Among the Major Events Grant recipients is Port Douglas Event Management (PDEM), which will receive $40,000 toward the inaugural Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival to be held in November this year.

PDEM's managing director Sam Cullen said the funding will help create an event which will draw visitors to our area on an annual basis.

"We are thrilled with the confidence that Cairns Regional Council has placed in the destination to hold what will become an iconic Australian event.

"Local and regional support of the event is paramount to ensure the event is successful and we're looking forward to the regional community getting involved by participating in one of the many Great Barrier Reef Marathon Festival events, or simply cheering on the runners."

Other recipoents included the Cairns Blues Festival, Festivals Up North and The Roots Music Agency’s ReggaeTown world music festival who received $10,000 each.

A further $30,000 has been allocated as Developmental Events Grants to help the Cairns Underwater Film Festival, Cairns Ukulele Festival and the Go Troppo Arts Festival thrive.

Also featuring in an events-based grant stream is the Cairns Adventure58 Film Festival, which will receive a $5,000 boost.

“This is the only film festival in Australasia that is dedicated to adventure films,” Cr Schier said.

“With our reputation as an adventure base growing – and events such as Challenge Cairns to bring further international exposure – this film festival has the potential to open up a whole new side of Cairns.”