Kowanyama celebrates the opening of Queensland’s first Digital Indigenous Knowledge Centre

The community of Kowanyama has celebrated a major milestone with the opening of The Studio—Queensland’s first Digital Indigenous Knowledge Centre (IKC).  

The centre was officially opened by the Honourable Steve Minnikin MP, Minister for Customer Services and Open Data and Minister for Small and Family Business, who described the launch as a transformative moment for Kowanyama—one that will expand access to digital tools, preserve cultural knowledge, and create new opportunities for the community. 

‘The Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council’s decision to pilot the digital IKC is an exciting milestone that will empower the community through technology,’ Minister Minnikin said.  

‘It will provide equitable access to digital opportunities that will preserve Indigenous knowledge and traditions and create job prospects within the community. 

‘Our government is committed to getting First Nations communities connected in what is an increasingly digital world. 

The Studio is delivered as part of the Growing IKCs project supported by the Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business through its Digital Inclusion program, run in partnership with State Library of Queensland. 

Along with 3 new digital IKCs, the project supports digital inclusion in existing IKCs through IT equipment, place-based digital skills programs, and training for IKC staff, to build digital literacy and confidence. 

State Librarian and CEO Vicki McDonald AM said State Library’s Digital and You program provides exciting avenues for learning, employment, and cultural preservation. 

‘State Library is proud to lead this initiative which helps close the digital divide and supports digital inclusion in Queensland’s First Nation communities,’ Ms McDonald said. 

‘We are committed to ensuring that First Nations communities across the state, including Kowanyama, can access and benefit from the opportunities offered by digital inclusivity. 

‘Our digital program enables communities to celebrate and share their unique culture, language, and stories through cutting-edge tools such as drones and podcasting equipment. This initiative is about empowering creativity, connection, and cultural expression through technology.’ 

The Studio, Kowanyama Digital IKC 

The new Studio at Kowanyama is a digital hub for learning, collaboration, and innovation. It supports digital literacy, access to online services, and a range of digital applications, providing residents with tools and training to engage with technology in culturally relevant and community-driven ways. 

Available equipment includes a large interactive screen, micro-drones, podcasting kits, laptops, iPads, and scanners. These resources support arts, storytelling and cultural preservation, and opportunities for education, employment, and small business development. An eSports room offers young people a safe, fun, and engaging environment to develop strategic thinking, teamwork, and communication skills, and an introduction to coding and game development to spark interest in digital careers.  

‘This is a space for our people to learn, connect, and grow in the digital world,’ said Councillor Terri Dick, Mayor of Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council. 

‘This particular space has been shaped by the needs, aspirations, and strengths of the community of Kowanyama, ensuring it reflects who we are and where we are heading. 

‘Keeping culture strong through digital tools, the Studio gives us the power to preserve and share our stories, language, and tradition in digital form.  

‘This ensures that culture lives on for generations while being shared in ways that are meaningful and respectful.’ 

Opening day highlights 

Robert Holness, Chair of Abm Elgoring Ambung Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC delivered a Welcome to Country before Minister Minnikin viewed selected artefacts from the Kowanyama Collection at the Kowanyama Culture & Research Centre.  

At the Studio, the Minister met with Cultural Centre Facilitator Mark Weaver and residents as they tested out the new digital equipment and took part in technology demonstrations. Activities included digital storytelling, eSports, and exploring family connections through ‘Who’s Your Mob?’ research. Community members expressed interest and enthusiasm about the equipment and future digital workshops. 

A community lunch including meats cooked in a traditional kupmurri fire pit, was organised by the Kowanyama Land & Sea Ranger team and chefs from Kowanyama’s Blue Café.  

The Studio is the first of 3 new digital IKCs funded through the Growing IKCs project, with centres due to open in Doomadgee and Mornington Island later this year.