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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Ceramics and flowers for sale now until midday outside the Stratford General Store. Saturday 22nd November. ... See MoreSee Less
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SPEAK UP - ACT NOWSAFCA July meeting tonight - Tuesday 15 July at Stratford Community Hall from 6pmRegister your concern with Cairns Regional Councilwww.cairns.qld.gov.au/property-and-business/development/notification-submissionsReference: 13516/2025 - 51 Old Smithfield Road FreshwaterDeadline for submissions 22 July 2025Friends, something we can all agree on — no matter our politics — is that our community deserves to remain beautiful, healthy, and liveable for our children and grandchildren.That’s why it breaks our hearts to see yet another majestic raintree marked for removal. These trees aren’t just “trees.” They’re living pillars of our neighbourhood.A raintree provides priceless shade, cooling our streets and homes on scorching summer days — something you can feel when you walk under one. Their beauty is unmatched — a living landmark, a piece of our shared heritage.But the impact of losing even one goes deeper than what we see:🌿 They are vital habitat for wildlife — birds, insects all depend on them.🌬 They work every day to clean our air, soaking up carbon and giving us the oxygen we breathe.💧 Their roots improve soil health and help the land absorb rainwater, reducing flooding and erosion.Once a raintree is gone, we can’t just replace it overnight. It takes decades to grow another of its stature and strength.We should all be asking: who benefits from removing it? And who pays the price?Let’s stand up for our community attributes, our heritage, and the creatures that call this place home. The loss of one raintree is a loss for all of us.📣 Speak up. Share your thoughts. Let’s make sure the people making these decisions hear that we value more than concrete — we value life.SAFCA July meeting tonight - Tuesday 15 July at Stratford Community Hall from 6pmRegister your concern with Cairns Regional Councilwww.cairns.qld.gov.au/property-and-business/development/notification-submissionsReference: 13516/2025 - 51 Old Smithfield Road Freshwater ... See MoreSee Less
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