The Project

About five years ago, the Weipa-Napranum Reconciliation Committee decided that it would be a great project to build a cultural / visitors centre to tell visitors to the Western Cape something about the indigenous culture, environment and history of the region, to encourage visitors to respect the culture and lands of local people and to promote national reconciliation.  For the purposes of the Centre, the region extends along the western Cape York Peninsula coast from Aurukun Shire in the south to Mapoon in the north.

In 1998, a regional stakeholder group called the Western Cape Regional Consultative Group (WCRCG) took on responsibility for fund-raising and an application to the Natural Heritage Trust of Cape York was successful.  The design team included Phil Harris, Troppo Architects, Adelaide; David Lancashire, Principal of David Lancashire Design, Melbourne and Geoff Wharton, Community Relations Consultant and Historian.  WCRCG Appointed a regional development officer in 2002 to be responsible for the ongoing development and management of the Centre.

Discussions were held with traditional owners, rangers and community council staff in the Aurukun, Mapoon and Napranum communities to develop the content of displays.  Canoes and works of art were commissioned from traditional craftspeople and all information was checked with specialists within the region and in other parts of Australia.

The Centre was officially opened by Ronnie John (Alngith elder), Jacki Kruger and the Hon. Alex Somlyay, Federal Member for Fairfax on 25th May 2002.