Last year I attended a reunion of the Kwong Sue Duk family; a huge family descended from Kwong Sue Duk who lived in Cairns in the 1890's. It made me realise that there is virtually nothing in our city that acknowledges and celebrates the many Chinese people who came to live here in the late 19th century.

Both the state government and the Council have contributed to a project that will recognise and celebrate the Chinese heritage in Grafton St between Shields and Spence St: the old China town area. Older residents will remember that there was a Chinese temple and Chinese owned shops there right up til the 1980's.

After consultation with the Chinese community, the proposal is:
• a Chinese Heritage Display board/cabinet
• a Chinese style pergola with seating
• a red theme with perfumed flowers incorporating gardenias which are native to China, the White Himalayan magnolia and Jade Vine
• a sculpture near the site of the old temple

Members of the Chinese community are really pleased that this project is proceeding and we are all looking forward to the completion of the project later this year.