Overview
Mapoon is located on the Western Coast of the Peninsula on the Gulf of Carpentaria. By 4WD vehicle it is approximately 45 minutes north of Weipa. It was set up as a Presbyterian mission late last century in 1891, and by 1907, under the Reformatories Act, was operating as an industrial school for children removed from other communities.
Mapoon was the first mission established for Aboriginal people and included South Sea Islanders and other mixed race peoples. The community grew over the years and many fair skinned children from all around the Cape area became a part of Mapoon. In 1963 this all came to an abrupt end. The Government forced people at gunpoint to relocate to New Mapoon near Bamaga. The mission was closed and the people's houses were burnt to the ground. Through sheer determination of the people the community was re-established in 1985/1986 with a Deed of Grant in Trust, led by the Marpuna Community Aboriginal Corporation. The people have come back, this time for good. For many it is a return to the land of plenty. Mapoon's population is approximately 360, with 45 homes, a store, new council chambers, a school and the clinic.
The important feature of the town is that it is well spread out unlike many other cape communities where housing plans are in grid fashion. Mapoon is rich in natural beauty and is renowned for the abundance of "Bush Tucker". It is all of these features that set Mapoon aside and as long as Mapoon's innovative town plan continues, its history is respected and the wishes of the community are heard, Mapoon's future is assured.
Health Action Team
Below is our Health Action Team for Mapoon:
- Chairperson - Christine Cooktown
- Deputy Chairperson - Josie Dixon
- Member - Debra Jia
- Member - Zoe Driscoll
- Member - Beryl Woodley
- Member - Judy Sagigi
- Member - Daphne Barkely
- Member - Sharon Booth
- Member - Alfrieda Mooka
- Member - Peter Guivarra