Welcome to Stratford and Freshwater Community Association

SAFCA was established by the two communities in 1985 to improve and maintain the amenity and liveability of Stratford and Freshwater. It was incorporated in 2005 and celebrated 30 years at a street party in 2015.

A history of 30 years of community engagement can be found here

The AGM is held in August each year, before the monthly general meeting.

Stratford and Freshwater Community Association Inc (SAFCA) meets at 6.00 pm on the third Tuesday of the month, usually at Stratford Community Hall.

stratford heritage trail cairns

Aerial View of Stratford, 1940.
Image: Cairns Historical Society (B4266).

Stratford and Freshwater Heritage Trail Maps

There are two heritage trails in our area, Stratford and Freshwater. They consist of self guided walks (parts can be driven by car) with information boards at important sites. The aim of the project was to engage the local community by recording and sharing our history. Funded through Q150, Cairns Regional Council and the sponsorship of local businesses, organisations, residents and SAFCA members, the Heritage Trails record and preserve the rich and diverse history of the area.

Click the images to view and print.

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Stratford and Freshwater Community Association

14 hours ago

NOTICE OF MEETING - Monthly meeting of SAFCAPlease join us at Stratford Community Hall tomorrow Tuesday 18 August at 6pm if you would like to hear more about what is happening behind the scenes in your local community. All welcome. If you would like to be involved more, Membership is just $5 annually.See you Tuesday 🙂Don't forget the 30th Anniversary Commemorative Tree Planting at Jalarra Park this Saturday 24 October from 8.30am. SAFCA and the local community worked hard to establish this park magnificant back in 1996! One of the largest community open spaces in Cairns.Image courtesy Alex Monckton. Taken from the top of the Southern hill looking toward Smithfield ... See MoreSee Less

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Stratford and Freshwater Community Association

1 day ago

Jalarra Park 30th Anniversary Commemorative Tree Planting8.30-10am Saturday 24 October 2026All Welcome!More information text or call Margaret: 0431 415 653Jalarra Park 30th Anniversary Commemorative Tree Planting8.30-10am Saturday 24 October 2026All Welcome!More information text or call Margaret: 0431 415 6533 TREES FOR 3 DECADESCome and enjoy Morning Tea and be part of celebrating 3 decades of Jalarra Park. There will be 3 special native timber trees planted to celebrate this wonderful park in Stratford. TIMETABLE FOR THE EVENTDATE: 24 October 2026TIME: 8:30am to 10:00am LOCATION: Picnic tables near the playground at the park.Three speakers will address the gathering prior to the plantingMs Kristy Vallely - Councillor Division 6 - Cairns Regional Council Ms Margaret Marton – History of Jalarra Park and forward PlanningMr Rob Jago – Native Tree Guru - Information about the three trees.PLANTING THE 3 TREES 1. Buckinghamia celessima - Councillor Kristy Valley and Elizabeth Taylor 2. Acronychia imperforata - Rob Jago & Peter McNally 3 Stenocarpus sinuatus - Community friends of Jalarra Park.For catering purposes RSVP to Margaret Marton: mmarton54@outlook.com ... See MoreSee Less

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Stratford and Freshwater Community Association

1 day ago

Jalarra Park 30th Anniversary Commemorative Tree Planting8.30-10am Saturday 24 October 2026All Welcome!More information text or call Margaret: 0431 415 6533 TREES FOR 3 DECADESCome and enjoy Morning Tea and be part of celebrating 3 decades of Jalarra Park. There will be 3 special native timber trees planted to celebrate this wonderful park in Stratford. TIMETABLE FOR THE EVENTDATE: 24 October 2026TIME: 8:30am to 10:00am LOCATION: Picnic tables near the playground at the park.Three speakers will address the gathering prior to the plantingMs Kristy Vallely - Councillor Division 6 - Cairns Regional Council Ms Margaret Marton – History of Jalarra Park and forward PlanningMr Rob Jago – Native Tree Guru - Information about the three trees.PLANTING THE 3 TREES 1. Buckinghamia celessima - Councillor Kristy Valley and Elizabeth Taylor 2. Acronychia imperforata - Rob Jago & Peter McNally 3 Stenocarpus sinuatus - Community friends of Jalarra Park.For catering purposes RSVP to Margaret Marton: mmarton54@outlook.com ... See MoreSee Less

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Stratford and Freshwater Community Association

1 month ago

UPDATE: We are very pleased to advise our Cr Kristy Vallely has confirmed CRC Placemaker Strategy officers will present at our meeting on the Strategy and specifically how Jalarra Park Stratford will be part of it. Jalarra Park is 30 years old this year. Member Margaret Marton is organising a celebration for 24 October at the Park. Jalarra Park's next 30 years looks promising!NOTICE OF MEETING - Monthly meeting of SAFCAPlease join us at Stratford Community Hall next Tuesday 15 September at 6pm if you would like to hear more about what is happening behind the scenes in your local community. GUEST SPEAKER Janine Hall on the proposed waste dump on the Barron River flood plain.All welcome. If you would like to be involved more, Membership is just $5 annually.See you Tuesday 🙂Pic: The young Tabebuia street tree in Old Smithfield Road is at last mature enough to give a fantastic display! ... See MoreSee Less

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Stratford and Freshwater Community Association

1 month ago

NOTICE OF MEETING - Monthly meeting of SAFCAPlease join us at Stratford Community Hall next Tuesday 15 September at 6pm if you would like to hear more about what is happening behind the scenes in your local community. GUEST SPEAKER Janine Hall on the proposed waste dump on the Barron River flood plain.All welcome. If you would like to be involved more, Membership is just $5 annually.See you Tuesday 🙂Pic: The young Tabebuia street tree in Old Smithfield Road is at last mature enough to give a fantastic display! ... See MoreSee Less

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