Envirofiesta History

Envirofiesta is a free entry, one-day environmental festival which has been staged annually over the past 14 years by Cairns and Far North Environment Centre (CAFNEC). This unique festival incorporates a diverse program of environmental and cultural activities for the broader community of Far North Queensland. The event's innovative program provides education and information on conservation issues in a fun, festive and non-threatening atmosphere for the community. Envirofiesta aspires to inspire high standards of conservational values, for the future of our fragile region.

This is created by the contributions of environmentally motivated performances, music, workshops and stalls. The festival's program has expanded considerably since its conception, with a dedicated team of innovative volunteers to ensure a program that adequately reflects the aim of the event.

Envirofiesta is created by extensive volunteer efforts. This includes networking within our community, involving: schools; indigenous organisations, government and non government conservation groups; disadvantaged groups; arts groups; media and local businesses. These valuable contributions are crucial to ensure the success of Envirofiesta. Attention to detail is taken to carefully monitor the production, to ensure that recycled materials are used for all installation, design and infrastructure requirements. Great emphasis is placed upon the recognition and celebration of local indigenous cultures, through song, dance, talks, art, and craft.

Envirofiesta encourages the broader community to place emphasis upon positive environmental and social change through participation.

Envirofiesta raising funds for the environment.
If you would like to make a donation to envirofiesta or
campaign please post a cheque to:

CAFNEC
P O Box 323N,
North Cairns. Qld 4870 Australia

Let us know where you would like your donation to go.
Email Us for more information

mail@cafnec.org.au

About Cairns and Far North Environment Centre (CAFNEC)

CAFNEC was originally formed in 1981 and was incorporated in 1985, when a number of local conservation groups felt a need for administrative services, a contact point and wider representation. Since that time CAFNEC has been a base for community action and education on environmental issues in our region.

Over the past 20 years CAFNEC has steadily grown and is a member of Queensland Conservation Council (QCC) and the Australia Conservation Foundation (ACF) and is recognised as the Environment representative for Far North Queensland, Australia.

Our organisation is frequently asked to arrange conservation representation in consultations with government agencies and with interests concerned with land management and conservation. CAFNEC has always operated from a grass–roots level and aims to actively involve participation from the local Cairns Community. CAFNEC has 344 Members 12 Member Groups / 1 Part time & 1 Casual Employee. [as at July 2002]

CAFNEC continues to be a powerful advocate for conservation and environmental issues in Far North Queensland. CAFNEC is involved in some of the most dynamic campaigns in the country, committed to the preservation of some of the most intact eco systems on the continent including Cape York Peninsula, the Gulf region and Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest Areas.

Aims of CAFNEC

CAFNEC provides an administrative service and contact point for conservation issues in Far North Queensland and CAFNEC is a representation base for community concerns and education on environmental issues.

Envirofiesta Aims to,

· Increase community Environmental awareness.
· Celebrate the importance and preservation of our natural environment.
· Strengthen partnerships between the environment, artistic sectors and cultural sectors of the community.
· Celebrate and bring awareness to the diversity of cultures within our community and foster reconciliation between indigenous
and non-indigenous Australians.
· Generate community involvement in local conservation issues.
· Encourage young people to value the diverse range of unique environments and cultures we have in Far North Queensland.
· Express these aspects of our community by participation in events such as a recycled art exhibition recycled fashion parade, street performance and environmental and cultural workshops.
· Raise funds to help keep CAFNEC in operation.
· Provide community access to environmental / alternative choices.
· CAFNEC has the opportunity to present the organisation face to face with the public to strengthen its image, relationships, networks and membership.
· Increase training and skills for our volunteers.
· Provide a platform for Environment groups, Organisations and Eco-friendly businesses to present their conservation programs in our region, providing access, education and awareness to the community.