BuildingAURUKUN a strong legacy
CELEBRATING community and its achievements over the past 40 years has ignited a drive in the small remote town of Aurukun.
With about 1500 people living in the Cape York community, leaders and local influencers are working together to create a positive legacy for generations to come.
Aurukun Shire Council Mayor Dereck Walpo said he was passionate about providing new training and employment opportunities for his town and its people.
“We are growing rapidly,” he said.
“Aurukun Shire Council prides itself on providing much more than essential services for Aurukun and we will con- tinue working to better enhance the community’s lifestyle.
“For the past few years we have been focusing on additional community services like aged care and child care in addition to upgrading essential services, including water, sewerage and roads.
“We’re putting in the footprint now for the future.”
Mr Walpo said a third accommodation facility had also recently been completed and opened to help attract training and employment opportunities in the community.
“I believe that since I came on board all the achievements we’ve made are a shared win between my CEO and my councillors,” he said.
“All the dreams that we wanted to achieve became a reality and about that.”
Aurukun’s sense of pride was demonstrated at the weekend when about 500 people came together for a free community concert to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the formation of the Aurukun Shire Council.
Nationally acclaimed Australian I’m passionate duo Busby Marou headlined the concert and several local performers also took to the stage including the Aurkun State School band, local performer Craig Kametto and members of the local art centre.
Mr Walpo said the 40th anniversary celebrations were something that Aurukun people would always remember.
“I’m proud to be part of this celebration,” he said.
“We are here to recognise the excellence and achievements of council and community since 1978.
“Tonight is our main event in our celebration here and we are so lucky to have Busby Marou performing.”
As part of the 40th celebrations council also introduced the Aurukun Shire Council Deadly Employee Awards to recognise those who are contributing to the community in a positive way.
Mr Walpo said it would be the first of many new initiatives to continue growing and improving the community.