Doomadgee Visitors Centre
A The Doomadgee Visitors Centre is a new cultural and tourism destination that celebrates local stories, showcases Indigenous culture and provides a welcoming gateway for visitors to the Gulf of Carpentaria.
About the Project
Work spanning urban design, landscape architecture, masterplanning, co-design, engagement and consultation, development application, economics social and business case, costings
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Doomadgee Visitors Centre and Conservation Area
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2022 - today
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Catherine Simpson, Upendo Kowero, Meridian Urban, Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council and community.
The Visitors Centre provides an educational experience for tourists and visitors to Doomadgee. The staffed centre will include information on Doomadgee; its history, cultural practices and places of interest; including the Riverfront Walk, Town heart, caravan park and the Lagoon. There will also be information on sight-seeing tours and walks, the National Park and Nicholson River.
An associated shop will have wares for sale including art pieces by local artists, pottery and sculpture, as well as bush remedies, honey and provisions which will support the centre and local economy.
The centre of the structure includes a small cafe space with entry from the front (Goodedawa Road and Doomadgee Road); linked internally to the visitors centre. The cafe will contain chairs and tables and has a small commercial kitchen and store-room in the back area.
The western wing contains a workshop for hosting educational events including art and sculpture workshops.
The Visitors Centre is intended to provide:
An educational experience for tourists and visitors to Doomadgee.
A cultural economy hub for local to sell locally made art pieces, pottery and sculpture, as well as bush remedies and produce.
A café to create local jobs and a welcoming venue for visitors.
A big stage, shelter and cultural kitchen and BBQ area for community performances, events and intergenerational learning.
A cultural bush walkway to educate visitors and strengthen cultural knowledge transfer on Doomadgee’s special trees, plants and animals in Doomadgee including the iguanas, dingoes and laginda. This development seeks to position Doomadgee as a must-visit destination in the Gulf region, as well as a platform for strengthening culture and connection to Country.
Outcomes and Benefits
This project will deliver enduring cultural, economic and social outcomes that directly align with the long-term outcomes of Our Country, Our Future program:
Strengthening culture and connection to Country – the centre will provide spaces for storytelling, practice and transfer of cultural knowledge.
Maintaining and growing the value of Country – the centre will enable sustainable tourism and cultural enterprise that reflects Doomadgee’s identity and aspirations.
Owning and managing Country sustainably – the centre and supporting infrastructure will be owned and managed by Council to ensure alignment with cultural, social and economic goals.
Influencing policy and opportunity for Country – this project showcases a community-driven model for urban renewal of a remote mission settlement.
