21 July 2025

'Far-sighted initiative' connects Kowanyama to digital economy

| By Cape York Weekly
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Kowanyama is celebrating the opening of the Studio Indigenous Knowledge Centre – the first of its kind in Queensland – on 17 July. Photo: Supplied.

It is a library, but not as you know it.

With not a book in sight, Kowanyama opened the doors to its Studio Indigenous Knowledge Centre (IKC) on 17 July as part of a pilot project that is the first of its kind in Queensland.

Designed to help community members develop digital literacy, the digital IKC will create new opportunities for learning, employment, and cultural preservation.

Residents will have access to digital equipment such as micro-drone kits, podcasting equipment, iPads, laptops, video and audio kits, document/photo scanners and eSport kits to help boost digital inclusion and create new opportunities to play a role in the state’s digital economy.

Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council agreed to host the pilot IKC as part of the State Government’s Growing IKCs program, and Minister for Customer Services and Open Data Steve Minnikin praised the organisation’s decision to be the first cab off the connectivity rank.

“The Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council’s decision to pilot a digital Indigenous Knowledge Centre, you have to be given a gold star, absolutely A-plus, a huge tick,” he said at the official opening.

“It’s indeed a milestone for this wonderful, wonderful community and the digital IKC, if I can just call it the IKC.

“It’s all about … empowerment through technology.”

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With similar IKCs set to be built on Mornington Island and in Doomadgee, State Librarian and chief executive officer of the Queensland State Library Vicki McDonald highlighted the importance of the initiative as a transformative step for First Nations communities.

“At State Library, we are committed to ensuring that First Nations communities across the state, including Kowanyama, can access and benefit from the opportunities offered by digital inclusivity,” she said.

“Our digital program enables communities to celebrate and share their unique culture, language and stories through cutting-edge tools such as drones and podcasting equipment; this initiative is about empowering creativity, connection, and cultural expression through technology.”

Kowanyama Mayor Territa Dick described the IKC as a “far-sighted initiative” that would allow the western Cape York community to embrace the booming digital economy while using the technology to preserve culture.

“The Kowanyama community will directly benefit from this far-sighted initiative, which brings vital opportunities for our people to operate within the digital economy,” she said.

“This particular space has been shaped by the needs, aspirations [and] strengths of the community of Kowanyama, ensuring it reflects who we are and where we are heading.

“Keeping culture strong through digital tools, the Studio gives us the power to preserve and share our stories language and tradition in digital form.”

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