C150 Public Lecture Series - October

This is a free public event – bookings are required to assist with seating and catering.
As part of the Cairns 150 celebrations, the Cairns Historical Society and Cairns Museum are presenting a series of free public lectures throughout 2026. Held every second month, each lecture afternoon features two talks exploring key moments, people and themes from Cairns and Far North Queensland’s history.
LECTURE #1
Recent Archaeological Investigations of Chinese Gold Mining Communities in the North
Dr Kevin Rains
Discovered in 1868, the Ravenswood Goldfield offers valuable insights into Chinese life and activity on Far North Queensland goldfields. Drawing on recent archaeological investigations, this lecture examines Chinese homesteads, market gardens and commercial sites, and traces the connections between Ravenswood and northern ports such as Cooktown and Cairns through patterns of migration and enterprise.
LECTURE #2
Roger Mainwood
In the final lecture of the C150 Public Lecture Series, prominent Cairns architect Roger Mainwood explores the architectural development of the city. Drawing on decades of professional experience and a deep appreciation of Cairns’ built environment, this lecture examines how design, function and heritage have shaped the city’s architectural identity.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Dr Kevin Rains is a historical archaeologist and heritage manager with extensive experience delivering heritage projects across large-scale infrastructure developments. He holds a PhD from the University of Queensland, with research focused on the overseas Chinese social landscape of early Cooktown.
Roger Mainwood is Director of TPG Architects and has led or contributed to numerous local and state heritage projects, including the Tanks Arts Centre, the conversion of Wharf Shed 3 into the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, and the refurbishment and adaptation of the School of Arts Building into the Cairns Museum.
Register now to secure your seat.