Our History
Nearly 40 Years of Spiritual Community in Cairns
The Cairns Spiritual Centre has its roots in a small but meaningful beginning in September 1987. A simple notice placed in the Cairns Post invited anyone interested in spiritualism to attend a meeting about forming a spiritual community in Cairns.
Around forty people gathered at the Lake Street library to hear Ollie Wilson, a member of an English Spiritualist family, speak about creating a place where people could explore spirituality, psychic awareness, and personal development. His vision was to bring together like-minded people who wished to learn, share experiences, and develop their spiritual understanding.
From that first meeting, a small group of dedicated volunteers stepped forward to help bring the idea to life. Among them were Paula Ripley, Michelle Brown, Lesley Wells and Molly Quick, who helped organise the early meetings and guide the group during its formative months.
The First Gatherings
The first open meetings were held at the Lakes Centre on Little Street in late 1987. These gatherings quickly became popular and developed into open circles where people could discuss spiritual topics, practise intuitive skills, and explore meditation and psychic awareness.
Although the group originally began under the name Cairns Christian Spiritualist Church, members soon realised they wanted to create something broader and more inclusive. The decision was made to move away from a church structure and instead form a non-denominational spiritual learning group open to people from all backgrounds.
The name eventually evolved into what became known as the Cairns Spiritual Group, reflecting a welcoming environment for spiritual growth and exploration.
Growing Interest in Spiritual Development
As word spread, interest in spiritual learning continued to grow throughout the Cairns community. Meditation evenings and development circles were introduced to help people learn about intuition, psychic awareness and spiritual connection.
One of the earliest courses, “Introduction to the Psychic and Spiritual,” began with just three students in Molly Quick’s living room. As interest increased, larger venues were needed and classes expanded to community centres around Cairns.
These gatherings helped many people discover and develop their own intuitive abilities while building a strong sense of community among members.
Visiting Teachers and Expanding Knowledge
The group also welcomed visiting speakers, healers and teachers from across Australia and overseas. These guests shared their knowledge through public talks, workshops and demonstrations on topics including mediumship, healing, psychic development and spiritual philosophy.
These visits played an important role in expanding the group’s understanding of different spiritual practices and encouraging members to deepen their own studies.
Supporting the Community
From the beginning, helping others was a central part of the group’s purpose. Volunteers offered healing sessions, counselling support and spiritual guidance for people facing difficult times such as illness, grief or emotional challenges.
Members also supported local charities including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, raising funds and assisting children and families in need.
The group even helped investigate spiritual disturbances or “hauntings” when people sought assistance, always with the aim of bringing peace and balance to those involved.
The First Psychic Expo
In 1991 the group organised its first major public event, a psychic expo called “A Psychic Affaire.” Hundreds of people attended to experience a wide range of spiritual and healing practices including tarot readings, astrology, meditation, massage and energy healing.
The event was a great success and helped raise funds to support the group’s activities and future development.
A Permanent Spiritual Home
A major milestone came in February 1992 when the group secured its first permanent premises at Mulgrave Road. Volunteers worked together to furnish the space and establish what became known as the Cairns Spiritual Centre.
The new centre provided a dedicated place for workshops, development circles, healing sessions and community gatherings. A small spiritual library also began to grow through donated books from members.
(Condensed From Molly Quick 2023)
Continuing the Journey
Over the years the Cairns Spiritual Centre has moved locations and welcomed many new volunteers, teachers and visitors. Despite these changes, the centre has always remained true to its original purpose.
Today it continues to operate as a not-for-profit community organisation run entirely by volunteers, offering spiritual guidance, psychic readings, energy healing, meditation and development opportunities.
Nearly four decades after that first small meeting, the Cairns Spiritual Centre remains a welcoming place where people can connect, learn, share ideas and support each other on their spiritual journey.
