Aboriginal Shire of Yarrabah facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Aboriginal Shire of Yarrabah Queensland
Location within Queensland
Population	2,505 (2021 census)
• Density	15.75/km2 (40.8/sq mi)
Established	1987
Area	159 km2 (61.4 sq mi)
Mayor	Ross Andrews
Council seat	Yarrabah
Region	Far North
State electorate(s)	Mulgrave
Federal Division(s)	Kennedy
Website	Aboriginal Shire of Yarrabah
LGAs around Aboriginal Shire of Yarrabah: Cairns Coral Sea Coral Sea Cairns Aboriginal Shire of Yarrabah Coral Sea Cairns Cairns Cairns

The Aboriginal Shire of Yarrabah is a special local government area in Far North Queensland, Australia. It is located east and southeast of Cairns on Cape Grafton. This area is managed under a special agreement called a Deed of Grant in Trust. This agreement follows the Local Government (Community Government Areas) Act 2004.

In 2021, the Aboriginal Shire of Yarrabah had a population of 2,505 people.

History of Yarrabah

Early Mission Days

The Yarrabah area started as an Anglican Mission in 1892. Over time, Aboriginal people from nearby areas moved or were brought to live at this mission. The Gungganydji people were the main group who settled there.

Government Takes Over

In the 1960s, the Anglican Church stopped managing the mission. A government department, the Department of Aboriginal and Islander Affairs, then took over running the community.

Self-Management Begins

On 29 October 1987, a special agreement called a Deed of Grant in Trust (DOGIT) was given to the Yarrabah community. This agreement gave the community more control over their land on Cape Grafton. Like other DOGIT communities, Yarrabah then had a Community Council. This council was elected by the Aboriginal people living in the community.

Population of Yarrabah

In 2016, the Aboriginal Shire of Yarrabah had 2,559 people living there. By 2021, the population was 2,505 people.

What the Council Does

The Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council works differently from a typical local government. This is because they manage the land for the community under a special agreement. Their responsibilities include managing local fishing, helping with employment, and overseeing alcohol management.

The Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council also runs an Indigenous Knowledge Centre. This centre is located on Noble Drive in Yarrabah. It helps preserve and share local knowledge and culture.

Leaders of Yarrabah

Here are the mayors who have led the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council:

• 2004–2008: Vincent Mundraby
• 2008–2012: Percy Conrad Neal
• 2012–2016: Errol Neal
• 2016–present: Ross James Andrews