‘Kangaroo, sit down’… and let us tell you a little about a community named Woorabinda

Woorabinda (meaning kangaroo sit down) is a remote indigenous community located in Central Queensland, 170km south-west of Rockhampton and 65km south of Duaringa.

Overflowing with heartfelt history and intriguing stories, it is situated on the traditional lands of the Wadja and Ghungalu Aboriginal peoples.

There are approximately 52 clans represented in Woorabinda, with a vast number of language groups from across Queensland. The shire has a population of 1200.

Aside from a small hospital, school, and grocery store, the Woorabinda community proudly owns and operates four large farming properties across the region, producing grain, cotton, chickpeas and beef.

Placing emerging artists in the spotlight, the Woorabinda Arts and Cultural Centre was opened in March 2021, creating a space that supports local economic development, and shares a specific focus on Indigenous arts in Central Queensland.

With arts and culture recognised as key mechanisms for strengthening Indigenous communities, building pride and engagement, the Centre provides an outlet for local works, and creates vital career pathways for Woorabinda’s artists.

Much more than just a gallery, the Woorabinda Arts and Cultural Centre is a community asset where artists can work, participate and hold workshops.

NRL is also in the blood of the Woorabinda community, with an annual Legends of League game welcoming some of Australia’s best rugby league players held annually.

With families and fans travelling from across Queensland to attend, the Carnival showcases teams from under 6s right up to open men’s and women’s, with players attending from Cherbourg, Woorabinda and even Palm Island.

The hotly contested match between the Australian Legends of League team and the Woorabinda Warriors this year placed Antonio Winderstein, Ben Hannant, Scott Prince, John Hopoate in the NRL legends team, while Reggie Cressbrook headlined the Woorabinda team.

Just 15kms from the township of Woorabinda, you will find Blackboy Outstation – an accommodation, conference and camping facility that offers housing and space for group gatherings. Aside from a workshop and conference space, Blackboy Outstation also provided a quarantine facility for the community throughout the recent pandemic and has also offered a community-based alternative to custody for members of Torres Strait Island communities.

Woorabinda is also located 134kms from Blackdown Tableland National Park which provides a vivid and visual reminder of the Ghungalu people’s continued connection to this country.

Hop over and find out more about Woorabinda today – https://www.woorabinda.qld.gov.au/

‘Kangaroo, sit down’… and let us tell you a little about a community named Woorabinda

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