Celebrating community and knowledge sharing: Warraber Indigenous Knowledge Centre

Indigenous Knowledge Centres (IKCs) are vibrant community hubs that foster lifelong learning. Warraber Indigenous Knowledge Centre, one of ten IKCs in the Torres Strait Islands, is no exception. 

Patricia Harry, Warraber IKC Coordinator, has been pivotal in launching two highly popular programs: the Elders’ Program and the Women’s Program.  

The Elders’ Program 

The Elders’ Program offers a variety of activities designed to engage and empower the community's senior members. Participants engage in Kulkalgau Ya language activities, handicrafts, puzzles, and games, creating a space where cultural practices and languages are kept alive. This program is a testament to the power of collaboration, supported by the Healthy Lifestyle Program, the Warraberalgal Land and Sea Rangers, and the Meriba Ged Ngalpun Mab employment agency. 

Patricia emphasises the significance of this program, stating, “It’s important for Elders to share their knowledge of the past with the younger ones because today, with technology, traditional ways are being lost. We want the younger ones to try traditional cooking at home and not just wait for special occasions.” 

The weekly gatherings are highly anticipated by the Elders, who cherish the opportunity to connect with their peers and engage in meaningful conversations. These interactions strengthen community bonds and ensure that Traditional Knowledge is passed down through generations. 

The Women’s Program 

The Women’s Program at Warraber IKC offers activities such as sewing, crocheting, beading, singing, and sharing Island recipes.  

“We have two sewing machines at the Indigenous Knowledge Centre, but no overlocker, so some ladies will bring extra machines to share with the group,” said Patricia. This collaboration and resource-sharing highlights the community's dedication to supporting one another. 

The Women's Program provides a creative outlet for participants and strengthens intergenerational ties as traditional crafts and Island recipes are shared and preserved.  “It’s rewarding to see the participation; to see good outcomes from my activities within the community,” Patricia said. 

Impacting lives: the ripple effect of knowledge sharing 

The programs at Warraber IKC and other IKCs in the region are not just about preserving culture—they are making a tangible difference in people’s lives, where community can come together to share knowledge, and learn from one another. 

State Library’s enduring partnership with local government delivers more than 325 public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres (IKCs) across Queensland. In every bustling city and town, libraries and IKCs are social, cultural and digital hubs that offer much more than you think.