MEDIA RELEASE                                           30th June 2025

Cazalys to bring new life to former Tjapukai site with a family focused northside club

Cazalys Cairns has today unveiled plans for a landmark new venue in Smithfield, set to transform the long dormant Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park site into a vibrant, family-friendly community hub.

The proposed development, known as Cazalys Northside, will deliver a relaxed hospitality precinct designed for locals and visitors, blending a café, restaurant, sports bar, children’s play areas, and lush outdoor spaces into one dynamic venue.

“This isn’t just about opening another club, it is about creating a place where the whole community can come together,” said Jason Wale, General Manager of Cazalys Cairns.  “We’ve listened to what families in the northern suburbs want: a safe, modern venue where parents can unwind, kids can play, and everyone feels welcome. That’s exactly what Northside will deliver.”

The venue’s design reflects Cairns’ tropical lifestyle, with open-air dining, interactive play zones, and shaded terraces overlooking the lagoon and rainforest hills. Located adjacent to Skyrail and other tourism drawcards, Northside is set to become a new destination for both residents and visitors.

But it’s what happens behind the bar that truly sets Cazalys apart.

“Every dollar we make gets reinvested into the community,” said Jason Wale, General Manager of Cazalys Cairns. “For decades we’ve backed grassroots sport, upgraded facilities, and helped build stronger, healthier communities across the region. Northside will continue that tradition.”

With over 30,000 members and a long legacy of supporting junior footy, elite athlete pathways, and local charities, Cazalys has become more than just a club, it is a cornerstone of community life in Far North Queensland.

Northside will also create more than 120 new jobs and contribute nearly $20 million annually to the local economy, all while reactivating a culturally significant site with respect and care.

“This is a club for locals — built by locals,” said Mr Wale. “We’re proud of our past, but we’re even more excited about what’s next, and this is just the start of the beginning at this precinct.”