First Nations Regional Rep Douglas Graham has been catching up on the latest activities from across the IKCs.
Kowanyama Digital IKC Launch
The community of Kowanyama has celebrated the opening of The Studio, Queensland’s first Digital Indigenous Knowledge Centre (IKC). Delivered through the Growing IKCs project in partnership with State Library of Queensland, the Studio provides access to cutting-edge digital tools such as drones, podcasting kits, interactive screens, and an eSports room.
The new centre is designed to preserve culture, strengthen digital literacy, and create opportunities for education, employment, and small business development. Opening day featured technology demonstrations, storytelling activities, and a community lunch, with strong enthusiasm from residents.
The Studio is the first of three new digital IKCs, with centres in Doomadgee and Mornington Island to follow later this year.
Mornington Island Digital IKC
Mornington Island has celebrated the opening of its new Digital Indigenous Knowledge Centre (IKC) in Gununa, a hub designed to support digital learning, cultural preservation, and community connection. The centre provides access to digital tools, training, and opportunities, ensuring the community can engage with technology while keeping culture strong.
The launch included a Welcome to Country and performances by the Mornington Island Dancers Youth Group, with strong community enthusiasm for the new facility. This IKC is part of the broader initiative to close the digital divide and will empower residents with skills for education, employment, and cultural storytelling.
Woorabinda
This year, the Woorabinda IKC has proudly contributed to the IKC/Qld Museum Significant Assessment report, funded by a National Library of Australia grant. The report highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating our cultural collections and community heritage.
Building on this momentum, the Woorabinda IKC and WASC have initiated planning and grant submissions for the “Honouring Our Veterans” war memorial proposal, as well as providing letters of support for the Rodeo Grounds Upgrade grant. These projects reflect their shared commitment to honouring local history and enhancing community spaces.
In addition, they have received further Digital Inclusion funding this financial year, enabling delivery of workshops at the IKC using the Digital & You app. Workshops held so far include Who’s Ya Mob First Nations Family History Research, Pocket Cinema, and Podcasting: Sharing Oral Histories.
Looking ahead, new workshops will begin from December 2025 into 2026, including Drone Essentials, Garage Band Music, and 360 Digital Storytelling on Country. These programs continue to empower our community with creative and digital skills, ensuring that stories, traditions, and innovations are shared across generations.
Welcoming New IKC Staff
The Goobalathaldin Knowledge Centre (Mornington Island Digital IKC) has welcomed its new Coordinator, Judith Felton, a proud Yangkaal and Gangalidda woman with over 18 years’ experience as a teacher. Judith is passionate about using digital tools to help the community share and preserve culture, language, and stories.
With her strong connection to Mornington Island and vision for collaboration, Judith will lead the centre as a hub for learning, creativity, and cultural preservation. We look forward to the exciting work she will do in strengthening community knowledge and digital inclusion.
Xin brings a background in Computer Science and Marketing, along with a passion for combining culture, creativity, and technology. Working alongside Cultural Centre Facilitator Mark Weaver, she will help community members use digital tools to share stories, preserve traditions, and celebrate cultural heritage.
Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Kowanyama, strengthening the community’s commitment to keeping culture strong while embracing digital innovation
