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An autonomous, prosperous and sustainable community and council

Poruma

Poruma Island (in local language) is otherwise known as Coconut Island and is located 130km north east of Thursday Island.

Poruma Island is a coral cay island in the Central Island Cluster Group.

Language group

The language spoken of Poruma Island is Kulkalgau Ya dialect of Kala Lagaw Ya.

Population

Approx. 210 residents

Facilities

  • Airport (including helipad)
  • Council office
  • State school (year pre-prep to year 6)
  • Health centre with permanent nurse
  • Two grocery stores
  • Sporting facilities - multipurpose outdoor court, sports oval
  • Council workshop / compound
  • SES shed
  • Water plant reservoirs / filtration collection wells
  • Ergon power station
  • Barge ramp with small pier
  • Seafood (Crayfish) factory

Transportation

TSIRC operational hours

Monday to Friday, 9am - 12noon; 1pm - 4pm

 

Contact: Mokathani Lui DM

Email: mokathani.lui@tsirc.qld.gov.au

Phone: 07 4083 2713

 

Contact: Thamey Pearson MSAO

Email: thamey.pearson@tsirc.qld.gov.au

Phone: 07 4083 2704

Visitor approval

Accommodation

Council Accommodation

Sawadgee Donga

15 x single rooms, shared kitchen and amenities

Air-conditioned

Accommodation is located the eastern part of the island near the airport and water storage lagoons.

 

Poruma Campus Flat

1 x single room, including kitchen / bathroom

Contact: Susan Billy

Email: sbill26@eq.edu.au

Phone: 07 4069 4209

 

Accommodation keys are to be collected and dropped off at the Council Office prior to departure from Poruma Community.

All approved visiting guests are required to sign the Council’s visitor book to document the visit for record purposes.

Bookings can be made by emailing the MSAO at Poruma Office.

Shops

IBIS Shop

Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 9am - 5:30pm

Saturday, 9am - 12noon

AUSMA Shop

Operating hours: Monday to Saturday, 3pm - 5pm; 8pm - 9pm

Sunday, 3pm - 5pm

Community social groups

  • URAB Dance Group
  • Poruma Fishermen Association
  • Poruma Zagethau Lag
  • Kulka Balas rugby league team
  • Mui Kuzi men’s touch football team
  • Poruma men’s group
  • New Day Concert Group
  • Poruma Native Title Group

Religions

St Andrews Church, Anglican

Mr Eldridge Mosby

ACC Assembly of God Church

Pst Frank Fauid

Tehillah Ministry

Pst Jackson Ahwang

Pst Fred David

Gazetted holidays

Gazetted holidays for Poruma Island Community include:

  • 20 June - Halfway Island Native Title Determination Day
  • 7 July - Masig/Poruma and Warraber Native Title Determination Day
  • 20 July - Poruma and Warraber Indigenous Protected Area Celebration
  • 30 November - St Andrews Day.

Public access facilities

Olandi Pearson Memorial Hall

Facilities include:

  • indoor commercial kitchen
  • two toilets
  • large air-conditioned area (which can be utilised as a meeting / catering venue).

The external space includes an outdoor area (eight outdoor huts and large sand area) that’s used for cultural practices such as traditional Island Dancing in the community. Maximum capacity is 300 people.

Bookings for the Community Hall venue can be made at our Poruma Office.

IKC

  • Located at the Council Building and available for public access during specified hours.
  • Internet and printing services are available.
  • Maximum capacity is 20 people.

Bookings for IKC venue can be made at our Poruma Office.

Council Conference Room

  • Available for hire as a meeting venue.
  • Capacity 30 people (maximum).

Bookings for Conference Room venue can be made at our Poruma Office.