General News
8 March, 2025
Car fanatics help out sailors
SAILABILITY Cairns has been able to buy a new boat and trailer, as well as expand their operations, after a $7715 donation from the Cairns Show Auto Spectacular.
Held for the first time in 2004, the auto spectacular is a celebration of everything automotive, featuring competitions including the show’ n’ shine, motorkahana time trials and dyno runs.
Cairns Show Association secretary-manager Ian Moller-Nielsen said Sailability Cairns was a remarkable charity and a great recipient.
“Each year, the Cairns Show Auto Spectacular selects a local non-for-profit organisation to support through its charity auction on the first night of the event,” he said.
“In 2024, the chosen organisation was Sailability Cairns, a remarkable charity dedicated to providing sailing opportunities for people with disabilities.
“During the 2024 Cairns Show Auto Spectacular, Sailability Cairns was, not only the charity partner, but also had a booth set up at the event.
“This allowed them to raise awareness and share their mission with attendees, helping to spread the word about their invaluable work within the local community.” Mr Moller-Nielsen also said the partnership between the auto spectacular and Sailability Cairns was unique.
“Auto spectacular would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Sailability Cairns for allowing them the opportunity to raise money for such a worthy cause,” he said.
“Although Sailability Cairns will not be the chosen charity for 2025, they may still make an appearance at the event, continuing to inspire and support the community with their incredible work. It’s partnerships like these that make the Cairns Show Auto Spectacular so much more than just an event – it’s an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people in our local community.”
Sailability Cairns is a volunteer-run organisation that gives individuals with disabilities the opportunity to experience the joy of sailing in a safe, supportive environment.
Sailability’s Jeff Crofts gave “a huge thanks” to the show association for choosing Sailability Cairns as the charity for the auto spectacular and the “amazingly generous car enthusiasts for making such a difference for our charity”.
Sailability Cairns also received $5000 from Cairns Airport as part of their annual $25,000 Christmas giveaway.
