General News
23 October, 2025
Boost to town’s coffers
MORE than 300 people have celebrated the strength, creativity and resilience of communities at the Community Development Queensland (CDQ) Conference at Port Douglas last week.
The conference was organised by Port Douglas Community Service Network and Mossman Support Services, both members of the Far North Queensland Collective Conference Organising Committee.
The three-day conference was held at the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre, Port Douglas Community Hall and Clink Theatre and brought together community practitioners, local leaders and volunteers from across Queensland, Australia and New Zealand to share knowledge, inspire innovation and strengthen connections between communities.
Sessions focused on key regional priorities, such as resilience building, place-based practice, social inclusion and the importance of collaboration in creating positive local change.
Held biennially since 1974, the conference is held in different regional locations across the state, bringing together passionate individuals committed to strengthening communities.
Organisers of the event believe that rooted in the values of social justice and human rights, community development begins with everyday conversations, at home, in workplaces, among neighbours and within community groups.
“These connections spark collective action and positive change,” a spokesman said.
“Driven by Community Development Queensland and hosted by regional partners, the conference is a space to celebrate, inspire and deepen a shared commitment to citizen-led community development,’ he said.
“It provides an opportunity for community members and practitioners to connect, share best practices and build skills to create meaningful change.”
Port Douglas Community Service Network chief executive officer Emma Travers believes the event provided many benefits to the Douglas Shire.
“Alongside the immediate community benefits of the conference, hosting the event in Port delivered a welcome boost to the local economy, with hundreds of visitors staying in local accommodation, dining in restaurants and exploring the Douglas Shire,” she said.
Ms Travers said the organisers were proud to showcase the beauty and community spirit of the region, highlighting the vital work being done by local organisations to support and strengthen Far North Queensland communities.
“We are also very grateful for the support of the whole Douglas Shire community, especially local businesses in helping us to showcase our beautiful region,” she said.
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