Napranum

Settlement history

Weipa mission was established in 1898 after E. Brown, who had trained with the Reverend Hey at Mapoon, was sent to establish a mission on the Embley River at Weipa.

In July 1904, 2500 square miles were gazetted as an Aboriginal reserve. Indigenous men from Mapoon assisted in the establishment of the new mission.

In 1956 bauxite was discovered in the Weipa area. After the granting of mining leases in the area and the construction of the Port of Weipa the mission was moved next to the new township.

The population in 1965 was 293. On 1 February 1966 the control of the mission was transferred from the Presbyterian Church to the Queensland Government. At this time Comalco made numerous attempts to relocate the whole community of Napranum elsewhere, but then opted to build a new town across the Albatross Bay (Weipa). On 1 October 1989 local government responsibility was given to the Napranum Council.

The Napranum population includes at least 46% Indigenous people who are not traditional owners. Many came originally from Coen, Mapoon, Aurukun and other communities. Napranum also has a large population of Torres Strait Islanders, as well as South Sea Islanders and non-Indigenous people.

Many people migrated to Napranum in search of work opportunities with Comalco and have subsequently made their homes there.

Community services

Napranum's community services include a health clinic, child care and preschool programs. A bus service between Napranum and Weipa transports children to and from the school everyday.

There are community patrols to ensure child safety.

State government funding supports the delivery of drug and alcohol demand reduction and counselling services, youth development, domestic violence prevention, family support and child care.

More information

• regional office contacts
• alcohol limits
• Quarterly report on key indicators in Queensland's discrete Indigenous communities July-September 2008

Other sites

• PCYC Cape Indigenous Program – Napranum