About Us
The Cairns Catholic Diocesan Archives is dedicated to preserving the records of the diocese’s administrative, cultural, and spiritual activities. Our mission is to safeguard the personal, corporate, and social memory of the diocese, in accordance with Canon and Civil Law. By maintaining these records, the Archives supports the diocese’s commitment to transparency, and the celebration of its rich heritage.
Diocesan archives
What is in our collection?
The Diocesan Archives collection consist of the following:
- Limited sacramental records from 1877
- Papers generated by previous Bishops
- Inactive diocesan administrative records
- Photographs
- Religious and liturgical objects
- Textiles
- Art works
- Books
Services
In addition to the preservation and documentation of resources, the Archives team also provides:
- Research for diocesan agencies
- Research support for historians and researchers, including family history.
- Subject to the approval from the Bishop of Cairns, archives staff may also assist in the preparation of items for exhibition purposes (e.g. Historical display for anniversary of the establishment of a parish).
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact us
The Cairns Catholic Diocesan Archives will be closed until March 2026. This will include a temporary suspension of research services. No external research requests will be processed, except those received from individuals requiring copies of personal sacramental records. Internal enquiries will continue to operate as usual, but due to staffing availability and time constraints, additional time may be required to complete enquiries.