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Pormpuraaw

Location

Western Cape York, 680 km from Cairns. Roads are always closed during the wet season

Area

4455.8 square km (includes 13 homeland outstations occupied on a part-time basis)

Population

653, includes the Thaayorre and Mungkan peoples

Language

Pormpuraaw people are rightly proud of the strength of their language and culture. Many Pormpuraaw children speak a local Aboriginal language as their first language. The Thaayorre people mainly speak Kuuk Thaayorre and related dialects. The Mungkan people speak a variety of Kugu or Wik languages

Settlement history

Superintendent J.W. Chapman established Pormpuraaw as an Anglican Mission in 1938. Many of the previously dispersed peoples from the surrounding lands came to live in the new mission settlement. It was called Edward River Mission until 1967 when the Anglican Church handed the administration of the community to the Queensland Government.

In 1986 the community council assumed local government responsibilities under a Deed of Grant in Trust. In 1987 the community changed its name to Pormpuraaw, which was taken from the local dreamtime story about a burnt hut, or Pormpur in traditional owners' Kuuk Thaayorre language.

Community services

Pormpuraaw's community services include a health care centre, child care centre, women's shelter, home and community care service, arts centre and primary school.

A justice centre is the venue for monthly magistrate courts. A local Justice of the Peace presides monthly over council by-law offences.

The Pormpuraaw Police Station has 2 police officers and 6 community police officers. Pormpuraaw State School has an 'Adopt-a-Cop' program with 1 police officer regularly visiting the school and talking to kids about safety and the law.

State government funding also supports drug and alcohol programs, youth leadership development, family support, child care, a women's shelter and a healing centre.

More information

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Last reviewed: 21 January 2009