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Cherbourg

The 'Welcome to Cherbourg' sign.

Location

Wide Bay Burnett, 6 km from Murgon and 280 km northwest of Brisbane

Area

31.6 square km

Population

1241, from 40 different groups, including Wakka Wakka and Western Wakka Wakka (traditional owners) and descendants of people brought from other parts of Queensland under past government policies

Language

English is the main language spoken in Cherbourg

Settlement history

Cherbourg, formerly known as Barambah, is Queensland's third largest Aboriginal community. It was founded in 1901 when the Queensland Government set aside 7000 acres of the Cherbourg selection as an Aboriginal reserve.

In 1904 the Protector of Aborigines forcibly relocated more than 300 Aboriginal people from 13 different tribes to Barambah.

Aboriginal people at Barambah were required to clear the area by hand. Early conditions in the community were so harsh, most people continued to live off the land and live in bush humpies.

In 1931 Barambah was renamed as Cherbourg. In the 1930s the government provided rations for the inhabitants and began to construct proper accommodation in the Cherbourg township. By 1934 the population was more than 900 people, representing 28 different language groups.

The size of the settlement has steadily increased with ventures in agriculture, beef cattle and joinery becoming increasingly successful. The community celebrated its centenary in 2004. Cherbourg became independent in 1986 when the Queensland Government issued the community with a Deed of Grant in Trust.

Community services

Cherbourg's community services include a hospital, health service, women's and children's shelters, primary school and a TAFE College.

Law and order is supported by 7 Queensland police officers, community police, a youth justice service and a community justice group. Another 19 to 22 police are stationed in nearby Murgon.

State government funding also supports emergency relief, family support and youth services, child care and school holiday activities, family violence support and early intervention programs. There are also support programs to help people suffering from drug and alcohol misuse.

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Last reviewed: 26 August 2009