A new Digital Indigenous Knowledge Centre has opened in Doomadgee in North West Queensland, giving local residents a place to record and share cultural stories while also building digital skills for education, work and everyday services.
The facility, known locally as Gudidja Marralda Gwarrdon, meaning Look, Listen and Think, is only the third centre of its kind in the state. It has been delivered through a partnership between the Queensland Government, the Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council and the State Library of Queensland.
The centre is designed to support both cultural preservation and practical access. Community members can use the space to create digital records of local knowledge, including stories, language and history, helping ensure they are carried forward to future generations. At the same time, the centre offers access to technology such as laptops, tablets, scanners and digital cameras.
It also provides a space for training and workshops, with a focus on building digital literacy, supporting small business development and encouraging creative projects such as digital arts and video storytelling. For a remote community like Doomadgee, access to these tools can open pathways that are often harder to reach in isolated regions.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the facility will play a role in improving access to services and opportunities, particularly in areas like education, employment and health.
She said the centre will help residents access online services, while also gaining practical skills that are increasingly important in daily life. Ms Simpson pointed to the role of digital inclusion in helping address gaps in outcomes across regional and remote communities.
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy described the opening as an important step for the community, noting the value of partnerships in delivering services in remote areas. She said the centre will help expand access to digital tools while supporting both cultural and economic opportunities.
State Librarian and Chief Executive Officer Vicki McDonald said the centre will also support the preservation of cultural knowledge while encouraging creativity and connection within the community. She said the initiative adds to a growing network of similar centres across Queensland, each tailored to local needs.
The centre reflects ongoing efforts to support remote communities through access to technology, training and cultural resources. While the focus remains on Doomadgee, similar projects across the state are being used to strengthen community engagement and improve access to information and services.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
