Cairns Historical Society 2025 AGM and Awards
Saturday, 11 October 2025
The Annual General Meeting of the Cairns Historical Society was held on Saturday, 11 October at the Cairns Museum, presided over by President Clive Skarott.
Business for the meeting included the tabling of the 2025 Annual Report (available to read here) and the election of officers. David Goodman and Megan Lilly were re-elected to the Board, and Dr Tahnee Innes was nominated to the role of Indigenous Director, following the resignation of Fiona Jose.
The Society extends its sincere thanks to Fiona Jose for her valued contribution to the Board .
The meeting also provided an opportunity to recognise outstanding contributions to the Society and the wider historical community through the presentation of awards.
About Dr Tahnee Innes
Dr Tahnee Innes is a Yawuru-nation descendant from Broome, Western Australia, and currently a Lecturer in Anthropology at James Cook University, Cairns.
With a PhD in Anthropology, Dr Innes’ research focuses on how museums and descendant communities engage with collections, archives and cultural materials. Her experience spans Native Title, environmental politics, intangible cultural heritage and applied work with First Nations communities across North Queensland and Cape York.
Set within global repatriation discourse, Dr Innes’ doctoral research, Spirit, Story, Symbol, explored how contemporary Indigenous artists and educators engage with archival materials such as artefacts, language recordings and historical documentation. Her work highlights how Indigenous people are increasingly shaping and reinterpreting archives — transforming museums from places of storage into places of living engagement.
Dr Innes’ appointment strengthens the Society’s ongoing commitment to collaboration, community involvement and the inclusive sharing of Far North Queensland’s diverse cultural heritage.
S.E. Stephens History Award
Named in honour of founding member and first President Stephen Ernest (Ernie) Stephens, this annual award recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to researching and sharing the history of Far North Queensland.
This year’s recipients are Dr Maureen Fuary and Marjorie Earl.
Dr Maureen Fuary
A longstanding member of the Cairns Historical Society and retired academic from James Cook University, Dr Fuary has dedicated her career to teaching, researching and writing about the Torres Strait, its culture and people. Her extensive body of work, including more than 26 academic papers, book chapters and journal articles, reflects her deep commitment to understanding and sharing the stories of Far North Queensland’s communities.
Marjorie Earl
Well known and highly regarded for her research and storytelling, Marjorie Earl has made a substantial contribution to preserving and promoting North Queensland history. Her ongoing research into WWI and WWII servicemen and women of the region has helped catalogue and commemorate their service. Through her Lost Cairns & District Facebook page, she continues to bring local history into people’s everyday lives with stories and photographs that connect the community to its past.
Life Memberships
Life Membership is the highest honour the Cairns Historical Society can bestow, recognising exceptional service and long-term dedication.
Chika Sands
For more than 14 years, Chika Sands has contributed her time and expertise to the Society, particularly through her work investigating Japanese-language content within the collection and supporting translation and cultural understanding. In recent years she has facilitated international collaboration to assist in the repatriation of a Japanese flag, an initiative that will form part of the Society’s 2026 sesquicentennial celebrations.
Kerry Culloty
Kerry Culloty has provided over 17 years of volunteer service, particularly in the Images Department where she has worked tirelessly to process and catalogue photographs and related materials. Kerry continues to represent the Society at community events and is an exemplary member of our volunteer team.
