Mapoon Cultural Centre Opens

The State Library of Queensland (SLQ) staff had a productive week in the western cape region from 13-16 February 2023. Nathan Williams, Program Officer, Indigenous Services, started the week by visiting the Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council (MASC) to assist with the preparation for the Mapoon Cultural Centre opening and met with IKC Coordinator Richard Sagigi. Later that day, Nathan met with the new IKC Coordinator of Napranum, Allison Kepa, at the Mary Ann Coconut Library for a face-to-face introduction and a discussion about support and programs.

On Monday afternoon, Louise Denoon, Executive Director of Public Libraries and Engagement, and Stephen Smith, Acting Director of First Nations Engagement Branch, flew in to meet Nathan for a quick tour of Weipa.

On Tuesday, Louise, Stephen, and Nathan met with Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council staff to discuss the partnership between NASC and SLQ and the programs run out of the IKC. They also toured the Mary Ann Coconut Library and discussed with IKC Coordinator, Allison Kepa's programs, including First 5 Forever and her work with the Keeping Place.

After the NASC visit, SLQ staff drove to Weipa to meet with the Weipa Town Authority (WTA). They met with Michael Rowland, Chair of WTA, and other officials. They listened to a talk from historian Geoff Wharton OAM about the Cape York collection, which included the history of Napranum, Weipa, and Mapoon.

On Wednesday, Louise, Stephen, and Nathan drove to Mapoon and attended the opening of the Chakara Aged Care Centre and the Mapoon Cultural Centre, where the IKC is located. Visitors included local and state officials and community members, who had the opportunity to explore the Mapoon Cultural Centre that has the Indigenous Knowledge Centre, Cultural Keeping Place, art gallery, café, and artist studio.

The opening included speeches from the Tom Smith – CEO, Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council (MASC), Councillor Aileen Addo – Mayor of Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council, Louise Denoon – Executive Director, Public Libraries and Engagement and Dr Jo Wills – Senior Museum Development Officer, Far North Queensland, Queensland Museum Network.

On Thursday, the last day of the western cape visit saw Louise, Stephen and Nathan fly out from Weipa to Aurukun to meet with Alan Neilan - Acting CEO, Lew Rojahn - Acting Director Community Services Manager, Councillor Keri Tamwoy - Mayor and Councillor Craig Koomeeta - Deputy Mayor with Aurukun Shire Council. This was a chance to chat with the Council about the partnership with State Library of Queensland (SLQ).

The meeting also included a visit to the IKC where Louise, Stephen and Nathan met with Tina Van Bekkum – Family Support Coordinator and Christine Brockhurst – Family Support Worker who runs the First 5 Forever program from the Wik Mungkan Indigenous Knowledge Centre (IKC). A morning tea was held with a couple of Elders and community members.

Following the IKC visit, Louise, Stephen and Nathan returned to Aurukun Shire Council for lunch with Alan Neilan, Lew Rojahn, Cr Keri Tamwoy, Cr Graig Koomeeta and to also met with Baressa Frazer - Kooklan State School Principal and Craig Lynch - Site Manager, Cape York Employment.

Lew Rojahn, Acting Director Community Services Manager took SLQ staff on a tour of Aurukun including the community centre, the women’s art centre and the Aurukun Art Centre before flying out to Cairns that evening.

Overall, the SLQ staff's visit to the western cape region was productive and engaging, with many opportunities to discuss partnerships and programs with local officials and community members.