A significant ceremony has been held at Cairns Airport to unveil a key feature of the $55 million international terminal overhaul, as the major development nears completion.
A large, eye-catching canoe crafted by renowned Torres Strait Island artist Toby Cedar has been suspended from a mirrored ceiling in the remodelled departures lounge, showcasing the region’s rich culture to visitors as they embark on their travel.
The piece was selected by Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker at the 2023 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair. Mr Cedar attended a celebration in the terminal on Wednesday, as local Djabugay Nation members welcomed the artwork on Country.
Mr Cedar said: “I initially created this work for educational purposes, to demonstrate how my ancestors used to travel for trading and hunting.”
“The way it has been displayed at Cairns Airport has blown me away. Looking into the mirror above, you can see the inside and bottom of the piece, so many different angles. Everyone who visits Cairns can become part of the journey.”
Mr Barker said the prominent installation would enhance customers’ airport experience.
“Our region’s rich culture and history are key drawcards for international visitors,” he said.
“The art looks exceptional and creates a stunning sense of place. But we have also provided an opportunity for travellers to further immerse themselves in our unique local culture while visiting Cairns Airport. We see Toby’s creation as a symbol of voyage and adventure for all.”
It comes as the extensive terminal overhaul nears completion, after commencing in April 2023. The project included sweeping improvements, such as:
• Two large, new baggage belts, enabling timely luggage collection by passengers
• Overhaul of the check-in and arrivals areas, with modern furnishings
• Refurbished departures lounge, including new Escape Lounges experience
• Remodelled bathrooms
• Four glass airbridges, offering mountain views on arrival
• Efficiencies with arrivals SmartGates, enabling processing for kids aged 7 and over
• New flooring, escalators and elevators
• Replacement of check-in and hire car counters
Construction is due for completion at the end of November, with new retail and dining offerings and additional art enhancements to follow in 2026. A new covered car park adjacent to the international terminal is also slated to open early next year.
Mr Barker said completion of the terminal’s construction phase was timed ideally ahead of the festive season.
“We are heading into a busy period, with more than 120,000 passengers expected to travel through the international terminal during December and January,” he said.
“Passengers will be welcomed to a dynamic, contemporary terminal with key infrastructure improvements to streamline their journey.”
Visit cairnsairport.com.au for more information about the $55 million international terminal refurbishment.
About Toby Cedar
Toby Cedar is a proud Torres Strait Island man born in Dampier, Western Australia. He comes from the Peiudu tribe Erub (Darnley Island) with his lubabat (totem) being Wada (frigate bird), Op Nor Beizam (tiger shark), Deumer (Torres Strait pigeon) and wind identity, Koki (north west).
Toby enjoys creating both traditional and contemporary works which are all heavily influenced by his Torres Strait culture, his totems, his father’s stories of childhood and early adulthood on the islands – hunting, fishing, gardening, dance and family life. Many of his pieces are made to be used in dance, which is very important in Torres Strait culture.
Toby works with many materials but especially bamboo, coconut shell, feathers, pearl shell, resin and wood, creating three-dimensional totemic animals crafted into headdresses, weaving and wood carvings.