Woodward family celebrates 110 years in Cairns

Charles Woodward, owner and founder of the CaPTA Group and third generation of the Woodward family, is this week celebrating the 110th anniversary of his family’s involvement in the growth of Cairns.

On 30th November 1905, Charles Woodward Senior (1884-1957) arrived in Cairns to join MacDonnell, Henchman and Hannam Solicitors (now known as MacDonnells Law). Charles subsequently moved into the real estate industry, starting a furniture business as well as a sugar cane farm.

Charles’ son Jack Woodward (1916-2005) was a Second World War navigator, surviving three crash landings before earning his name in the Cairns region as a property valuer, auctioneer, cane farmer and land developer.

Both Charles Senior and Jack were Aldermen on the Cairns City Council.

The current generation of Woodwards retain the family’s pioneering spirit.

After a working holiday in Europe in the early 1970s, Charles Woodward realised the tourism potential of Cairns and, with his wife Pip, purchased an orange orchard in Kuranda which later became Rainforestation Nature Park.

The CaPTA Group today consists of Rainforestation Nature Park, Tropic Wings Coach Tours, Jungle Tours & Trekking, Wildlife Habitat, Cairns ZOOM & Wildlife Dome, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, ABC Sales & Maintenance and Careers Training Centre.

The fourth generation of Woodwards have followed in Charles’ footsteps, forming part of the management team at the CaPTA Group. Michael is the Systems & Projects Manager, Ben is the Director of Sales & Marketing, and Peter a Director of CaPTA and the Managing Director of Respax.

The Woodward family continue to support the growth of the Cairns tourism industry, with a number of new developments and improvements for their touring companies and attractions planned for 2016.

Charles and Pip Woodward are also the founders of COUCH, a local cancer charity that campaigned successfully for radiation treatment services in Cairns, and are now developing a Cancer Help & Wellness centre on land donated by the Woodward family. This land was originally purchased by Charles Woodward Senior in the 1920s and has been owned by the Woodward family ever since.

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