Contact Us

CAFNEC is committed to ensuring community bookings for Rose Blank Gallery are accessible during this transition time. We are doing the best we can with the information provided to us, so if you have any questions about past or future bookings, please contact us at cominoshouse@nullcafnec.org.au. 

Terms of Hire and Payment for your Booking

CAFNEC welcome groups to the facilities of the Rose Blank Gallery, and to assist in the smooth operation of the Centre we ask that the following points be observed.

1. BOOKINGS

1.1 All bookings to be made via the booking calendar online

1.2 All bookings must be paid in advance through the online booking calendar

2. CANCELLATION OF BOOKINGS

2.1 Cancellation of a booking must be made by email to the cominoshouse@nullcafnec.org.au, 5 days prior to booking. Please note any refunds will not include the booking fee of approximately $2.  

2.2 Regular hirers will be required to pay 100% of the hire charges for any bookings cancelled within five days of the booking. These charges will be included in the monthly invoice.

3.  STORAGE

3.1 Hirers must only store equipment in approved storage areas. Equipment must be clearly marked with
hirers details

3.2 Hirers are required to have adequate contents insurance should any items be stored at the facility.
CAFNEC will not be held liable for any damage or loss of hirer’s property.

3.3 No flammable materials, chemicals or alcohol to be kept in storage areas.

3.4 CAFNEC reserves the right to remove any item stored in a non-approved area.

4. EQUIPMENT

4.1 Setting up, stacking and storage of chairs is the responsibility of the hirer.

4.2 Chairs must be returned to the storage room – no other items to be left in this room.

4.3 Chairs to be stacked neatly up against the wall opposite the doorway – NO ITEMS to be placed against the wall where    Telstra/NBN communication boxes are.

4.4 Tables to be placed against the walls.

4.5 Kitchen facilities support re-heating only and does not support full meal preparation.

5. CLEANING

5.1 Cleaning services are NOT included in the hire charge. Cleaning equipment may be found in the kitchen. A cleaning charge will be made if facilities are left in an unsatisfactory condition.

5.2 All hirers must take away all rubbish, food scraps and bottles etc. It is not to be left at Cominos House.

6. OTHER OBLIGATIONS

6.1 No boxes etc. to be left in the kitchen area.

6.2 Contact cominoshouse@nullcafnec.org.au before you place any signs on the building, fences or in the grounds.

6.3 Ensure that any child on the premises is under the control of a responsible adult.

6.4 No dogs are permitted in the immediate vicinity of the building or on the established lawn/garden bed areas unless it is an Assistance Dog.

6.5 Paintings are not to be removed from the walls. 

6.6 Ensure that the premises are vacated by 10.00 pm. 

7. END OF SESSION HIRE

Please make sure that when your group leaves the Gallery:

7.1 Floor is swept (mopped if necessary);

7.2 If tables are used, they are to be wiped down;

7.3 Kitchen benches and sink are clean;

7.4 Urn is turned off;

7.5 Food, drinks etc. removed from fridge;

7.6 Air conditioner and fans turned off;

7.7 Lights turned off; and

7.8 Doors are locked.

The high set timber home is a typical example of a middle-class residence from the end of the 19th century. Originally, it stood at the corner of Abbott and Florence Streets, on the then outskirts of Cairns, a site which today is occupied by the Holiday Inn.
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Early council records indicate that the house was built in 1877. Architectural features, such as the ‘Union Jack’ verandah balustrading, are typical of the time. A copy of the property title dated 1899 can be viewed.

The house was built by Mr. Alfred Street, a builder and member of the first Cairns Council and let to tenants,
In 1921 the block was subdivided and the house was sold to William McDonald Forbes, who lived here with his family until 1927.

In 1927 Mr. George Cominos bought the Forbes’ house for £1,255 which was then a very significant amount of money. It served as a home to his family and relatives for almost 40 years, until its relocation to the present site in 1988, when the land was sold for development.

The timber home was offered to the Cairns City Council for relocation, and was moved to its present position on the corner of Greenslopes and Little Streets for use as a community centre. For many years, Cominos House was conserved as authentically as possible and maintained by ‘Friends of Cominos House’.

The House and its history has inspired renowned Cairns based artist Ludji Peden to produce a watercolor painting of the building which is available as framed prints or postcards. Ross Originals have also reproduced an image of the house for embroidery.