TSA delivered a full overhead rigging upgrade for the Cairns Convention Centre, designing, supplying, and commissioning an integrated system comprising a 36-axis chain hoist array, 42 metres of five-chord box truss, and a Raynok control system. The result is a production-ready rigging grid that increases capacity, flexibility, and confidence for large -scale live events.
THE BRIEF
A major venue needed rigging infrastructure to match its ambitions.
As the Cairns Convention Centre expanded its event program, the technical demands placed on the arena increased significantly. Touring productions were becoming larger and more complex, placing greater load, control, and safety requirements on the venue’s overhead infrastructure.
To continue attracting high-profile events and future-proof the space, the venue required a comprehensive rigging upgrade – one capable of supporting higher loads, enabling precise control, and integrating seamlessly with existing AV and building systems.
TSA was engaged to design, supply, install , and commission a complete overhead rigging solution that would meet these requirements while providing long-term reliability and compliance.
OUR APPROACH
End-to-end delivery, from engineering to handover.
TSA managed the project in full – taking responsibility for engineering design, system selection, installation, commissioning, and final sign-off. The solution was carefully engineered to integrate with the venue’s existing infrastructure while minimising disruption and ensuring operational continuity.
Particular focus was placed on load management, system redundancy, and operator usability – ensuring the rigging grid would not only meet current production needs but remain adaptable as requirements evolve.
SCOPE OF WORKS
A fully integrated overhead rigging system.
Chain Hoists
36-axis EXE -Rise chain hoist array, each fitted with Chain Hoists encoders and load cells for precise positioning and real – time load monitoring
Control System
Hoist control system —power packs, network nodes, and central control console, with multiple control positions connected via fibre optic network
Truss Structure
42 metres of five -chord box truss sections
Loose Supply
8 × 500kg EXE-Rise chain hoists, 4 × 250kg EXE -Rise chain hoists, and TSA’s own Atlas channel controllers
Supporting Equipment
Portable hoists, load monitoring equipment, additional loose supply items, and all ancillary rigging hardware
THE RESULT
A rigging grid built for the long haul.
The system was fully commissioned and tested in accordance with industry standards – covering control system integration, load management performance, and operational safety. TSA also delivered operator training to ensure the venue team could confidently manage the system in day-to-day use .
With the upgrade complete, the Cairns Convention Centre now has a robust, flexible overhead rigging infrastructure capable of supporting complex productions and large-scale events. The new system reduces reliance on temporary solutions, improves operational efficiency, and gives the venue confidence to host more ambitious events well into the future.
TSA has continued to support the venue since installation through ongoing service
support and additional asset investment – ensuring the system keeps pace with the venue’s evolving needs.
