General News
25 September, 2025
New $9 million Indigenous Knowledge Centre officially opened
The Mornington Island community now has access to state-of-the-art digital services.
Mornington Island’s new Indigenous Knowledge Centre was officially opened this week in a partnership between the local council, Queensland government and State Library.
The $9 million centre will provide every Mornington Island resident with access to digital devices and boost digital literacy in the remote community, supporting local job prospects, remote training, remote working, and micro businesses.
The facility gives residents access to iPads and laptops, digital camera kits, document and photo scanners, eSports kits, interactive digital screens, and sublimation printing.
The new community facility is part of the state’s Growing IKCs project, which represents the Crisafulli government’s commitment to ensuring every Queenslander can navigate the digital world.
The Mornington Island IKC was officially opened by mayor Richard Sewter, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson and State Librarian Vicki McDonald.
Dancers from Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation performed, and show bags with giveaways from the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and the State Library of Queensland were handed out as part of the celebrations.
People browsed books, played puzzles, searched online, watched the giant screens with rolling imagery of locals and the beautiful Mornington Island landscapes, and played with X-Boxes.
Cr Sewter said the opening of the Indigenous Knowledge Centre was a vital piece of infrastructure for the community.
“This is helping the community to keep up with the digital age we now live in and ensure Mornington Island won’t feel left behind as an isolated community,” he said.
“The advancement in technology is rapid, and this is a way we can ensure that our community gains access to tools and resources for ongoing learning and development.
“Special thanks to the Queensland government for this initiative, as we need this for our community’s participation in digital developments, into the future.”
Ms Simpson declared the Mornington Island IKC the best facility she had seen.
She said the IKC would open doors to employment, education, health services, as well as access to online services, including banking and social support.
“The Crisafulli government continues to deliver for remote and discrete Indigenous communities, which were forgotten about under the former Labor government’s out-of-sight and out-of-mind approach during their decade of decline,” the Minister said.
“These Digital Indigenous Knowledge Centres are critical projects in addressing Closing the Gap targets in childhood development, learning potential, employment and education, economic participation, culture and languages, and access to information.
“This project, in collaboration with the State Library, partners with 16 Indigenous councils to boost digital inclusion in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“I am pleased to officially open this fantastic new community facility on Mornington Island on behalf of the Crisafulli government.”
Ms McDonald said she was excited to launch Queensland’s second digital IKC, following the opening of the first centre in Kowanyama in July.
“State Library is committed to closing the digital divide to ensure Queensland communities like Mornington Island can enjoy the benefits of the digital economy,” she said.
“State Library is delivering digital inclusion programs to ensure a stronger economy by expanding digital opportunities in regional and remote Queensland.
“The new digital Indigenous Knowledge Centre will enable the community to create, record and support the culture and history of Mornington Island.”
The new IKC can host meetings and events, be a social gathering space and offer an array of recreational reading, digital literacy and learning options.