Woorabinda

Settlement history

Woorabinda, which means 'kangaroo sit down', was established in 1926 and officially gazetted in 1927. Most of the people who populated Woorabinda at that time were removed from the Taroom settlement.

During its early period, the Woorabinda population grew considerably. Aboriginal people were relocated from different traditional lands from north, south, west and east Queensland. Woorabinda celebrates its survival through the re-enactment of the Taroom trek undertaken by those Aboriginal people in 1926.

In 1986 complete control was invested in the Woorabinda Community Council. A Deed of Grant in Trust was issued to the council on 27 October 1986.

There are currently 2 native title claims over Woorabinda, 1 from the Gunghulu people and 1 from the Wadja Wadja people.

Community services

The state government has established a government service hub in Woorabinda. The service hub aims to improve service delivery by the Queensland and Australian governments and non-government sectors.

Woorabinda based community services include a community health centre, a women's shelter, a primary school and secondary school, child care centre, Anglicare service, aged persons hostel, blackboy outstation, post office, banking facilities, sports complex, pastoral company, food takeaway shop, retail store, radio station, vacation care and children's activity programs.

Law and order is supported by 5 to 10 police officers plus 3 police liaison officers and a community justice group.

Visiting the community

If you want to visit Woorabinda, please observe cultural protocol by first contacting the Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council on 07 4920 9800. The council can help arrange guest rooms if you need accommodation.

Woorabinda is a 'dry' community and heavy penalties apply for bringing alcohol into the community.

More information

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