The main street in Doomadgee

Doomadgee
Fascinating Aboriginal settlement near the Gulf of Carpentaria.
The Aboriginal mission of Doomadgee was originally established on the coast near Burketown in 1931. It was established by the Christian Brethren after the local police sergeant in Burketown had suggested that the local Aborigines, predominantly the Gundalita people, would be happier if they were removed from the fringes of the township.

The settlement was moved inland to its present location after a cyclone in 1936 made conditions on the coast impossible. The coastal site had never been satisfactory as it lacked a good and reliable water supply.

The present site was settled in 1937 with the building of log hostels and a school. Located on the Nicholson River and with a good local well the people survived on bush tucker and vegetables they grew in their gardens.

In the early 1980s the government moved to establish self administration at the mission. The Christian Brethren workers, most of whom were working as school teachers, helped to establish the Aboriginal council and for a number of years worked in conjunction with the local elders to ensure that there was a smooth transition of power. In 1983 the Gundalita people gained control of the town and in 1988 the last of the mission people moved out. The town is now controlled by the Doomadgee Aboriginal Council.

Today the town has a population of about 1200 of whom 1100 are Aborigines.

Of particular interest are the two old dormitories in the town. To the south of the Doomadgee Aboriginal Council, immediately next door to it, is the old Girls Dormitory and to the north (over the road) is the Boys Dormitory. In the 1930s and 1940s the brethren ran the town along strict christian lines and the Aboriginal boys and girls weren't allowed to make contact with each other. Unfortunately one of these dormitories burnt down in 2003.

There is a general store in the town which provides the traveller with both food and fuel. There are minimal accommodation and no eating facilities. Contact the Doomadgee Community Council (07) 4745 8188 for permission to stay in a council-run guest house.

Things to see:  

The Old Dormitories
Of particular interest are the two old dormitories in the town. To the south of the Doomadgee Aboriginal Council, immediately next door to it, is the old Girls Dormitory and to the north (over the road) is the Boys Dormitory. In the 1930s and 1940s the brethren ran the town along strict christian lines and the Aboriginal boys and girls weren't allowed to make contact with each other. Unfortunately one of these dormitories burnt down in 2003.

Art work on the walls of April's home

Aboriginal Art
Ask Letitia at the Store if you can visit the home of "April" who is one of the tribal elders in town. As long as she permits it, you can take photographs of her home, which has been decorated with quite exceptional aboriginal paintings. She has a wealth of knowledge about her people, and is quite willing to pass on some history, and teach you a few words in her native tongue.

Swimming and Fishing
The river has a couple of excellent swimming areas, which in the heat up there is most welcome. Ask for directions at the local store. There are also some rather well-sized barramundi to be caught, but ask the locals first.