Minjerribah Cultural Centre to attract thousands to North Straddy

The Palaszczuk Government has today committed $4.5 million to construct the Minjerribah cultural centre on North Stradbroke Island.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones today travelled to the island to announce funding as part of plan to create jobs and grow the tourism industry on North Stradbroke Island.

“We’re committed to developing new attractions on North Stradbroke Island to create jobs for locals,” she said.

“More than ever before, we’re seeing that tourists want a unique cultural experience when they come to Australia.

“Minjerribah’s rich culture and natural beauty is its greatest asset.”

The Minister said the project would create 37 jobs (18 ongoing) and attract more than 20,000 people a year to North Stradbroke Island.

It’s expected to generate more than $8.5 million a year for the local economy during construction and more than $2.5 million for local businesses once up and running.

Ms Jones said the Minjerribah cultural centre would share the art and culture of the Quandamooka people with a global audience.

“With conference and dining facilities by the waters of Deanbilla Bay in Goompi (Dunwich), this centre will allow local operators to tap into the growing business tourism market,” she said.

“The centre will become a key link in southeast Queensland’s tourism landscape - connecting Meeanjin (Brisbane) to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) in the itineraries of astute cultural tourists who we know stay longer and spend more.

“It will also become a launch point for the unique Indigenous tours and experiences available for visitors across the island.”

The Minister the Quandamooka Art, Museum and Performance Institute would be known as QUAMPI and was expected to be complete in 2021.

“This cultural centre will bring together ancient artefacts with contemporary art, music, dance and performance. It will also give First Nation artists a platform to be part of exhibitions and events,” she said.

“The name QUAMPI refers to the local pearl shell of oysters that have been a favoured food of Quandamooka people for thousands of years.”

Minister Jones said QUAMPI was one of the priority projects of the $25 million economic transition strategy to establish Minjerribah as a globally recognised cultural and eco-tourism destination.

Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) chief executive Cameron Costello said QUAMPI would be a place for Quandamooka people to share their culture, heritage and art with visitors from all over the world.

“Quandamooka culture is in a period of renaissance with language, traditional arts and crafts, particularly fibre art, dance and performance all thriving on Minjerribah,” he said.

“QUAMPI will be the centrepiece for Quandamooka culture, providing an authentic Indigenous experience for visitors, as well as a place for our people to come together and explore and strengthen culture, providing a source of ongoing employment and pride for our community.”

Mr Costello said PriceWaterhouseCoopers had estimated the construction would generate about $5 million in Indigenous sub-contracts noting that most of this will be through payments to the Indigenous suppliers based on Minjerribah, including QYAC officers.

QYAC will lead an inclusive consultation process with Quandamooka Elders and Traditional Owners, the Minjerribah community and key stakeholders over the coming months to discuss the role of the cultural centre on the island, programming activity, community collaborations and potential connections with existing and future businesses.

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Media contact: Jack Harbour 0419 620 447