We are celebrating our decade-long anniversary!
We’ve come a long way since 2012 and it’s been real pleasure to bring the fun to all of Cairns. And, most of all, it’s been a fascinating experience getting to know our customers and retailers from so many different sectors and walks of life.
I clicked PUBLISH on my first post just over 9 years ago. Never would I have dreamed that I would still be adding posts almost a decade later. Writing on this blog for the last nine years has been a learning journey, a reflection tool, and a fun way to capture some big events that have happened here in my role at the Plaza.
On the 5th September 2012, Mount Sheridan Plaza opened its doors after undergoing a $65 million dollar expansion. The Centre increased its floor size by more than 5 times, adding the first new-concept Kmart in the country, first The Reject Shop in the city, a state-of-the-art Parents room.
At the time this was the largest commercial enterprise in the southern corridor with 65 retail outlets including two national supermarkets, Coles and Woolworths, together employing over 500 locals from across retail and services sectors. 21 of the original tenants still call the Plaza home.
The Centre’s catchy advertising jingle “For things you need and more” was released and true to form, the Centre offers the community much more than the usual shopping experience, including:
- A Community Hub with free book exchange, free newspapers, reading area, children’s play area
- Free Wifi in the Food Court
- Free Pet Parking
- Free loyalty clubs with attractive retailer offers and discounts
- Free Walking Group
- Free school holiday events
- Monthly competitions with thousands in cash and prizes
- Monthly community markets featuring local growers, makers and producers
- JP Service Desk
Over the years Mount Sheridan Plaza has grown a reputation as the shopping centre of locals, for locals, and perhaps this stems from its heritage as being the only shopping centre in Cairns that is both family-owned and managed, with the Green family of Bundaberg at the helm.
We have had more than 8,400,000 visitors over 10 years, held a Baby and Toddler Show, visited yearly by the Easter Bunny and Santa himself, supported hundreds or charity and community organisations, Cancer Council, Salvation Army, sporting groups, held our annual Spelling Bee hosting 42 schools and over 500 participants, partnered with the Cairns Taipans, Cairns Festival, Cairns Show and Northern Pride.
Collaborated with the Orchid Society to host their yearly flower show, partnered with Cairns Aquarium, The Hilton, Peppers to bring you amazing Valentine’s Day competitions. Stage act performances from The Jungle Book, The Smurfs, Kung Fu Panda, Peter Rabbit, Ugly Dolls and Tom and Jerry. People have enjoyed pre polling and free vaccination clinics.
Supporting the yearly Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal, Cairns Toy Run, The Mayor’s Christmas Appeal, we have ran over 600 events competitions and promotions with thousands of attendees including our huge annual Halloween bash.
I get so much joy when I write this blog and I hope you do too! It’s like a a mini-book excitement injection for me that reminds me of all the incredible moments and memories made at the Plaza and in our community over the past 10 years. Thank you!