Overview
Two groups of Aboriginal people live in Pormpuraaw: the Thaayorre people who are traditionally from Pormpuraaw and the areas to the east and south towards Kowanyama and including the Coleman River: and the Munghan who are traditionally from the north including areas along the Edward River and Holroyd Rivers. People survived by fishing, hunting and gathering bush tucker like Nonda fruit.
Nowadays the population of 700 remains predominantly people of Aboriginal decent with a strong attachment to their history and culture. Many families now have homeland outstations on their traditional land.
Many traditional art and craft are practiced, such as the weaving of dilly bags from cabbage palm leaves, dot painting, spear making and canoe carving. Visitors can purchase these artworks at the Pormpuraaw Cultural Centre.
Elders play an active role in teaching traditional culture to students at Pormpuraaw State School, including gathering bush tucker, spear-making, story-telling, singing and dancing.
Established and working in partnership with Apunipima Cape York Health Council since 2006, Apunipima has worked in partnership with the Royal Flying Doctors Service to deliver training to the Hat Teams in Pormpuraaw.
Training was delivered by FNQ Volunteers Inc. Training and Education Unit on behalf of the Royal Flying Doctor Service at two locations in Cape York, Pormpuraaw and Kowanyama. Training sessions were generally well attended except for Pormpuraaw who were struggling to regain momentum due to disharmony within the community, and lack of support from key stakeholders. General comments on participant's forms and at the workshops indicated that Pormpuraaw acknowledged the relevance of training and the need for follow on training.
Health Action Team
- Mr. Sam Bong (Chairperson)
- Mr. Dwayne Beni
- Mr. Dennis Michael (Counselor)
- Ms. Meredith Arwoorkerum
- Ms. Maylene Bally
- Ms. June Mundraby ( Support )
- Ms. Beverly Holroyd
- Ro Coakley
Phone: (07) 4060 4205
Fax: (07) 4060 4285
Address: c/o Post Office - PORMPURAAW QLD 4872