Kowanyama
- Location:
- Western Cape York on the Mitchell River, approximately 300 km south of Weipa and 620 km northwest of Cairns. Road access is often cut during the wet season.
- Area:
- 2,571.9 square km. This includes 18 outstations some of which are permanently occupied.
- Population:
- 1,112 - includes the Kokoberra, Yir Yorant (or Kokomnjen) and Kunjen clans.
- Language:
- The three main language groups – defined by their relationship to the Mitchell River – are Yir Yorant, Yik Thangalkl (together comprising Kokomenjen group) Uw Oykangand and Olgol (together comprising the Kunjen group) and Kokobera.
History of settlement
Kowanyama Mission (formerly known as Mitchell River Mission) was founded around 1917 by the Anglican Church. In 1964 Cyclone Dora destroyed the mission and the state government rebuilt the community. Three years later the church handed control of the mission to the then Department of Aboriginal and Islander Affairs. The mission became a government administered reserve known as Kowanyama. In 1987 the community was granted a DOGIT over the Mitchell River Delta. Cultural and economic activity revolves around the Mitchell River and its resources, with its traditional story places and local fishing sites.
Kowanyama’s community services include a health clinic, home and community care facility, a mothers and babies centre, Land and Natural Resource Management Office, state school to Year 10, a community education and training centre and a women’s shelter. Law and order is supported by a police presence of eight to 10 officers and a community justice group. The State Government funds, youth crime prevention and drug and alcohol misuse programs, child care services and the construction of a multi-purpose facility.
Last updated: 15 July 2008.