Mornington Shire Council

Mornington Shire Council is proud to acknowledge the incredible work of Lulu and her team, whose dedication through Lulu's Laundry has created a safe, welcoming, and warm environment for our community. Her service is more than just laundry — it’s a place of dignity, connection, and care that strengthens the fabric of our community. We are proud to have partnered with Orange Sky Australia, North West Hospital and Health Service, Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council and North-West Queensland Indigenous Community Social Services and watch this project go from strength to strength. To see this collaboration recognised at the National Rural and Remote Health Awards, is a testament to what can be achieved when communities and organisations unite with a shared purpose. This recognition highlights the power of partnerships and the impact of local leadership. Lulu’s commitment, alongside the collective efforts of our partners, demonstrates how we can improve health and wellbeing outcomes in some of the most remote parts of Australia. 👏 Thank you, Lulu, for your tireless work and the warmth you bring to community. Your contribution embodies the spirit of community we strive to foster every day.

Mornington Shire Council joins historic moment at LGAQ Indigenous Leaders Forum Mornington Shire Council proudly participated in the recent Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Indigenous Leaders Forum, a landmark event that celebrated unity, leadership, and a renewed commitment to empowering First Nations communities across Queensland. Held on the Gold Coast, the Forum brought together representatives from Queensland’s 17 First Nations councils, including Mornington Shire Councillors and CEO, to witness and contribute to the signing of the Queensland Indigenous Council Leaders Accord—a historic agreement between Indigenous council leaders and the State Government LGAQ. This Accord guarantees First Nations councils a formal seat at the policy-making table, ensuring their voices are heard on critical issues such as housing, infrastructure, health, education, and economic development. It builds on previous commitments like the Rural and Remote Councils Compact and the Equal Partners in Government Agreement, reinforcing the State’s dedication to working alongside Indigenous councils to deliver tangible outcomes for communities LGAQ. Mornington Shire Council’s active involvement in the Forum reflects its ongoing commitment to collaborative leadership and advocacy for community-driven solutions. Councillors and the CEO engaged in meaningful dialogue with fellow leaders, ministers, and policy-makers, reinforcing Mornington’s role in shaping a brighter, more equitable future for Indigenous Queenslanders. Minister Ann Leahy and Minister Fiona Simpson both praised the leadership of First Nations councils, acknowledging their frontline role in addressing complex challenges and driving progress. The Accord now ensures biannual meetings between ministers and council leaders, as well as annual invitations to cabinet discussions, creating a powerful platform for sustained partnership LGAQ. Mornington Shire Council extends its gratitude to the LGAQ and fellow councils for fostering such a constructive and inspiring environment. The Forum was not just a milestone—it was a celebration of shared purpose, cultural strength, and the unwavering belief that local voices must guide local solutions. Stay tuned for more updates as Mornington Shire Council continues to champion initiatives that uplift our community and strengthen our collective future.

🎄 Mornington Shire Council is proud to support the Mornington Island Christmas Appeal 🎄 This initiative is close to our hearts. The Salvation Army Christmas Appeal is about ensuring every child and family on Mornington Island feels the joy and warmth of the festive season. With your help, we can provide gifts, food, and support to those doing it tough this Christmas. 💬 Big or small, every donation makes a difference. When making a donation, please specify “Mornington Island Christmas Appeal” in the comments box to ensure your contribution goes directly to our community. 🔗 Donate here: https://lnkd.in/gFxm_ucz Let’s come together to put smiles on the faces of our kids and bring hope to families across the Island. Your generosity makes a real difference. #MorningtonIslandChristmasAppeal #MorningtonShireCouncil #CommunitySpirit #GiveHope #ChristmasSupport

Goobalathaldin Knowledge Centre Opens on Mornington Island On Tuesday 23 September, Mornington Island celebrated the official opening of its new Indigenous Knowledge Centre in Gununa — now formally named the Goobalathaldin Knowledge Centre, following a resolution by Mornington Shire Council to honour the late Dick Roughsey. Goobalathaldin, meaning “the ocean, dancing”, was Roughsey’s tribal name. A celebrated artist, author, and cultural leader, Roughsey was the first Aboriginal author to publish an autobiography, Chair of the Aboriginal Arts Board, and an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his service to Aboriginal art and culture. The naming coincides with the 50th anniversary of his iconic Rainbow Serpent book in 2025. The $9 million centre — delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government and the State Library of Queensland — is part of the Growing IKCs initiative to boost digital inclusion in remote Indigenous communities. It provides access to iPads, laptops, camera kits, eSports equipment, and sublimation printing, supporting local employment, education, remote work, and microenterprise development. Mayor Richard Sewter stated, “The opening of the Indigenous Knowledge Centre is a vital piece of infrastructure for the community of Mornington Island. This is helping the community to keep up with the digital age we now live in. Mornington Island will not feel left behind as we are an isolated community. The advancement in technology is rapid, and this is a way we can ensure that our community gains access to tools and resources for ongoing learning and development. Special thanks to the Queensland Government for this initiative as we need this for our community’s participation in digital developments, into the future.” The Goobalathaldin Knowledge Centre also serves as a cultural hub, enabling residents to preserve local history, host events, and access essential online services. It is a tangible step toward Closing the Gap and ensuring equitable digital access across Queensland’s remote regions.

🎉 Love working with kids and making a difference? Mornington Shire Council is hiring a full-time Youth Activities Coordinator to bring energy, care, and creativity to the Gununa Youth Hub! This is a hands-on role where you’ll help shape the social, personal, and physical development of children and young people through fun, safe, and engaging activities. From sports and games to daily routines and holiday programs, you’ll be part of a collaborative team creating a welcoming space for kids to thrive. You’ll coordinate activities, support attendance tracking, and help deliver programs that matter—while building strong relationships with families and service providers. If you’ve got experience working with youth, a passion for community, and a heart for positive change, we want to hear from you! ✨ What’s in it for you? ✦ 6 weeks recreational leave ✦ 15 days sick leave ✦ 4 return flights ✦ Subsidised accommodation ✦ A chance to change lives Mornington Island locals are strongly encouraged to apply. This is an on Island position. Let’s build something amazing together! Apply via Seek. 📩 Interested in applying? Reach out to our Recruitment Officer at hr@mornington.qld.gov.au 

🌟 Ready to lead, inspire, and make a real impact? Mornington Shire Council is on the lookout for a passionate full-time Youth Hub Coordinator to bring energy, creativity, and heart to our vibrant Youth Hub! This hands-on role is all about empowering young Indigenous people through meaningful programs like Engage in Life and Learning, On Country, and the Youth Hub itself. You’ll be the driving force behind movie nights, sports, fishing trips, holiday fun, and more—creating safe, engaging spaces for youth to thrive. You’ll lead a dynamic team, manage day-to-day operations, and collaborate with service providers to deliver unforgettable experiences. If you’ve got a background in Social Work, Psychology, or youth services—and a knack for connecting, mentoring, and leading—this is your moment. ✨ What’s in it for you? ✦ 6 weeks recreational leave ✦ 15 days sick leave ✦ 4 return flights ✦ Subsidised accommodation ✦ A chance to change lives Mornington Island locals are strongly encouraged to apply. Let’s build something amazing together! Apply via Seek. 📩 Interested in applying? Reach out to our Recruitment Officer at hr@mornington.qld.gov.au 

With the official opening of our new Indigenous Knowledge Centre (IKC) set for later this month, it was wonderful to welcome the Hon David Crisafulli MP, Premier and Minister for Veterans, this week for a tour. The IKC will be a hub for learning and technology, with the Premier’s visit coinciding with Mornington Island State School students participation in the State Library of Queensland’s Digital training workshop.

𐃆 Cultural artefacts returned home to Gununa 🪃 On Friday 29 August 2025, Mornington Shire Council and Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation proudly welcomed Baw Baw Shire Council representatives—Mayor Danny Goss and Melissa Forlano, Coordinator Arts and Culture, West Gippsland Arts Centre—to Gununa, Mornington Island, for a deeply meaningful occasion. The event marked the formal repatriation of culturally significant artefacts originally transported to Victoria in the 1970s, now returned to their rightful home. Mayor Richard Sewter greeted the delegation at Gununa Airport before hosting a morning tea and ceremonial handover at the Mornington Island Arts Centre. The ceremony featured a powerful Welcome to Country by Roxanne Thompson, didgeridoo performance by Johnny Williams, and the presence of Elder Edgar Wilson, Councillors Farrah Linden and Renee Wilson, and members of the local community. The artefacts—spears, ceremonial dance hats, boomerangs, carved dugongs, fish nets, shields, necklaces, and bark paintings—were formally presented to Uncle Edgar and Mayor Sewter. Laxton Roberts conducted a smoking ceremony to cleanse the items, acknowledging their journey and the ancestors who created them. These artefacts will now be housed in the Mornington Island cultural keeping place, preserving their legacy for future generations. Mayor Sewter expressed deep appreciation for the gesture. "Mayor Goss’ journey across thousands of kilometres to return these items is not lost on our community. Though brief, this visit carries immense significance. These artefacts form part of our story, and their return strengthens our cultural continuity." We thank Baw Baw Shire Council for their commitment to cultural respect and reconciliation. This moment stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, shared history, and enduring connection to Country. #CulturalRepatriation #MorningtonIsland #Gununa #LGA #Reconciliation #KeepingPlace #MirndiyanGununa #BawBawShireCouncil #MorningtonShireCouncil #IndigenousKnowledge #Culture