Aurukun, Queensland
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Aurukun ( ) is situated approximately 100 km south of Weipa in far North Queensland, Australia. The town faces west to the Gulf of Carpentaria.
In the wet season, roads are impassable. Aurukun is isolated by distance from mainstream Australian life.
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[edit] Background
The population of Aurukun Shire in 2005 was approximately 1100 people, with approximately 900 indigenous individuals who belong to five distinct tribal groups. The traditional language is predominantly Wik Munkin with a mixture of other dialects. English is taught in the school. Aurukun has a plethora of clan and tribal names. There are some twenty families from 13 tribal groups, which are split into two factions - the "Top end" and "Bottom end". Violent conflict between the two groups creates problems in the community on a regular basis.
The area is rich in bauxite.
[edit] History
The Aurukun Mission (known then as the Archer River Mission Station) was established on 4 August 1904 for the Presbyterian Church of Australia by the Reverend Arthur and Mrs Mary Richter, two Moravian missionaries and managed under the provisions of the Queensland Aborigines Act. (Several of the current residents were taught by these missionaries and remember them well.) Aboriginal people were relocated from a large surrounding area, many against their will, to the mission settlement.
In 1978, the Queensland government decided to take over control of both the Aurukun and Mornington Island Reserves. Both communities were against this and protested seeking the help of the Federal government.
After lengthy negotiations, legislation for self management of the two reserves was introduced into federal parliament and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (Queensland Reserves and communities Self Management) Act was passed on 7 April 1978.
Further negotiations took place between State and Federal Ministers and on the 22 May 1978, the Local Government (Aboriginal Lands) Act came into force giving a 50 year lease to the Aurukun Shire council to be trustee for the land within the boundaries.
It is worth noting that the Aurukun and Mornington Shire councils remain the only Aboriginal Communities in Queensland constituted as local authorities.
With the coming of the missionaries, children were confined to dormitories to isolate them from the influence of their people. However many people remained outside the mission up until the 1950s, ensuring the culture remained strong.
Aurukun is located on bauxite-rich land. Without consideration of the protests of the community, the Queensland Government passed a bill to authorise mining. In 1975 the community was placed under direct State government control. In 1978 they were given a 50-year lease on their land under the administration of the shire clerk and other white staff, but were nominally under the control of an elected Aboriginal Council.
Following the Wik case the land has reverted to Native Title held by the Wik people. The significance of this claim cannot be underestimated.
The focal area of the Wik lies between the Archer and Edward Rivers of Western Cape York Peninsula and inland to Coen. Most Wik people still live in this triangle.
[edit] Education
There is a preschool and State primary school which caters for students up to the conclusion of Year 10. Aboriginal children account for 99% of classes which are referred to as "clans". There is also a marine training division and light engineering TAFE courses run by the Western Cape College. Visits by other training specialists include sewing, restaurant training and cooking.
[edit] Utilities
[edit] Electricity
Electricity is supplied by FNQEB through three generators operating 240 volts 24 hours a day. There are frequent power surges and interruptions.
[edit] Water
There is town water and water tank. There are frequent interruptions.
[edit] Sewerage
A sewer system is in place in the community.
[edit] Recreation
There is a new saltwater chlorinated swimming pool and a new large basketball hall / recreational centre. There are outdoor basketball courts and a rugby field. Aurukun participates in football carnivals and softball with other communities in the Cape region every couple of months.
Bushwalking, fishing and some camping are the dominant pursuits for tourists visiting. Visitors are required to apply for a permit from the Aurukun Shire Council prior to entering the community.
Possum Creek is a swimming hole 30km's West of the town. Sandy Creek is a swimming hole 40km from Possom Creek. Emu Creek is a 4wd track 37 km's to the old road turn off and then 80km's of Bush track. Aurukun landing is 1.5 km from town and provides access to Archer river (crocodiles present) Umban is a 4wd camping ground just under 2 hrs drive.
[edit] Medical
The Aurukun Health Clinic is staffed by Community Health with six nurses. RFDS doctors conduct clinics three days each week, with other visiting specialists visiting every two months. Emergencies are flown to Cairns by the RFDS. The nearest permanent G.P. to Aurukun is at Weipa Hospital.
There are no veterinary services available in Aurukun.
