Aurukun is one of the larger communities in the Cape with a population of approximately 1,200 and is a part of Western Cape York Peninsula.
The community of Aurukun is located on the north–west coast of the Cape York Peninsula, 178 kilometres (2hrs 30mins) by road south of the mining town of Weipa and 811 kilometres (11hrs) from Cairns.
The shire has an area of 7,500 sq. km. and is bounded by the Holroyd River and Pormpuraaw Deed of Grant in Trust lands to the south, Cook Shire and Archer Bend National Park to the east, the Gulf of Carpentaria to the west and Cook Shire to the north. It has about 107 km of Gulf of Carpentaria coastline.
Nearly the entire population (99.6%) lives within the Aurukun township and most residents are Traditional owners of the shire and surrounding lands. There are 5 spiritual clan groups: Apalech, Winchanam, Wanam, Chara and Puutch. There are 15 outstations that are occupied during the dry season. One feature in common with many other Indigenous communities is a very stable (immobile) population. Many Aurukun residents who can travel away to receive education and training prefer to return home with their families and use their skills in roles benefiting the community. Wik, Wik Waya and Kugu people are the oldest living culture and the community is rich in traditional cultural practices.
It is Deputy Mayor Craig Koomeeta’s second stint on Council having served from 2000–2003 under Jacob Wolmby when he was just 22 years of age. Now 43, the Apalech man has a strong family history in the community. His father Edwin Merkool Koomeeta was a councillor in the eighties and his older sister Vera Koomeeta has just retired as a councillor.
Photos thanks to Aurukun Shire Council
© Western Cape Chamber of Commerce 2024
