The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.
Quinkan and Regional Cultural Centre opens
The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, today congratulated the local communities who contributed to the Quinkan and Regional Cultural Centre which was officially opened at Laura on Cape York Peninsula.
'The centre is a credit to those involved in the project's development as well as their ongoing involvement in the presentation of activities, events and programs which will enhance the culture and vitality of the community,' Senator Kemp said.
'As a heritage tourism venture, the Quinkan and Regional Cultural Centre will attract visitors to the remote areas of Australia, and build international interest in Australia's Indigenous culture and heritage.'
The highlights of the centre are the dozens of Indigenous rock art sites, for which Laura is famous and which demonstrate a variety of painting styles and techniques, dating back over 13,000 years.
The centre is part of the Queensland Heritage Trails Network and is designed to celebrate Indigenous cultural heritage. The Network is made up of 43 projects, linking many of the significant features of Queensland's natural environment, Indigenous cultures and social history through the development of major sites.
'To support the Queensland Heritage Trails Network, conceived to mark the Centenary of Federation, the Australian Government committed $48 million from the Australian Government's Federation Fund. The $2 million required for the development of the Quinkan and Regional Cultural Centre project was also met by the Australian Government,' Senator Kemp said.
The Queensland Government provided $39 million towards the Network and $23 million was contributed by local governments and private sector sponsors.
'Visitor information, tour booking services and sales of Indigenous art and craft will make the centre a thriving asset to the local communities,' Senator Kemp said.
CANBERRA
26 August 2004
Media contact: Adrian Chippindale, 02 6277 7350 or 0407 208 743