Art Deco in the Tropics - Innisfail
Inc., North Queensland, Australia

The society was formed in 2002 after a town meeting facilitated with the small town revitalisation facilitator Peter Kenyon. Robin Grow President of Art Deco Society Inc. Victoria said at the meeting that "Innisfail had one of the largest collections of Art Deco buildings in a CBD district in Australia".

Art Deco in the Tropics - Innisfail Inc. was formed to promote and conserve the cultural heritage of Innisfail and its surrounding districts and to attract visitors to our unique town and its environment.

We plan to do this by:

• using education and promotion to increase the awareness and understanding of the Art Deco style
• promoting other styles that relate to the Art Deco era
• working with Council and building owners to encourage the retention, conservation and appreciation of Art Deco buildings
• communicating with Art Deco Societies in Australia and internationally
• working with educational bodies to increase awareness of our Art Deco heritage
• working closely with local businesses to increase their awareness of the economic benefits of Art Deco tourism
• encouraging sympathetic designs in new developments

These photos from top to bottom are:

1. the water tower in East Innisfail
2. the centre piece of a warehouse in Ernest Street
3. the facade elements of the Shire Hall, showing old colours
4. the Rockmans buildiing showing the rounded corners, a typical Art Deco feature Edith Street
5. a section of a leadlight showing the sunburst pattern
6. one of the upright pieces on the facade of the Kotzas building Edith Street
7. a column of the Spanish Mission building in Rankin Street
8. the Cane Cutter statue on the Esplanade

Most of the buildings have been restored since the horrific cyclone devastation of 2006. Cyclone Larry induced a rebuilding campaign which today has resulted in a city of colour, variety, vitality and warmth. Cyclone Yasi in 2011, left little detrimental effect on the buildings in Innisifail.

The statue of the Cane Cutter tells of the long association Innisfail has had with the cane producing industry. You can find it installed on the Esplanade in front of the RSL Club.