History

The Cairns and District Junior Eisteddfod Association is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the Junior Performing Arts in Far North Queensland. From our humble beginnings in 1955 a committee was formed and at a meeting held at the Cairns City Council Chambers in October 1955, chaired by the Mayor of the time Mr. W. J. Fulton, was born, “The Cairns Juvenile Eisteddfod”.

The first Eisteddfod was held from 28 May to 2 June 1956 in the Hibernian Hall, Corner Lake and Florence Streets.

Mrs. Phyllis Rogers the first Secretary was a very active member of the Cairns Community and served with the Eisteddfod as Secretary for three years.

Our Eisteddfod was held at the Hibernian Hall until 1968, at which time we went to the Rex Theatre in Sheridan Street, and in 1969 to The Youth Centre on Mulgrave Road, and in 1970 to the C.N. Croswell Assembly Hall at Cairns State High School. This was our venue until 1975, when we moved to the Cairns Civic Theatre

Our president, Mrs. Vivian Bordujenko, opened our own hall in 1986 – “The Cairns & District Junior Eisteddfod Assoc. Inc. Hall” in Greenslopes Street, Edge Hill. The Music and Speech were held in our own hall from the 41st Eisteddfod and continues until now.

 We are always pleased to welcome visiting competitors who come from throughout Queensland and interstate. A Management Committee stages the Eisteddfod with support from Sub-Committees and Members.  New Members are always welcome and our meetings are normally held the 1st Wednesday of the month at the C.D.J.E. Hall, 67-71 Greenslopes Street, Edge Hill at 7.00pm.