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One of Far North Queensland’s most iconic tourism attractions, the award-winning Mossman Gorge Centre, has celebrated its tenth anniversary of operations as a gateway to Australia’s outstanding World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest.

Managed by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, Mossman Gorge Centre was the vision of Kuku Yalanji elder, Uncle Roy Gibson, who recognised, with the amount of visitors to the Daintree, there was an opportunity to share the Kuku Yalanji culture, while providing a pathway of sustainability and leadership for local Indigenous youth.

“Roy had a dream about having a cultural centre at Mossman Gorge and with the support and funding from the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) back in 2012, his dream became a reality.  In collaboration with the Mossman Gorge Aboriginal Community and Kuku Yalanji Elders, the Centre has been supporting economic, social, cultural, and environmental benefits for the community for an impressive 10 years now,” said Matthew Cameron Smith, CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia.

Today the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre is recognised as an award-winning ecotourism destination that has welcomed over 2.7million visitors and taken over 345,000 people on Dreamtime Walks over the last 10 years, currently delivering these immersive experiences with an over 70% Indigenous workforce.

The Centre provides a range of guided walks through the rainforest, visitor information services, showcases the art and craft of the local Kuku Yalanji community in the on-site art gallery and retail store, houses the Mayi café serving a menu of locally sourced produce with a focus on native ingredients, and facilitates shuttle bus transport to the Gorge.

It was back in 1987 that Uncle Roy started Dreamtime Walks which allowed guests to gain an appreciation of the Kuku Yalanji culture and connection to the Mossman Gorge area, while learning about the way the community has lived in the rainforest for generations.

“Our vision for Mossman Gorge Centre is to keep our culture alive, while walking together as one,” said Gibson.

The anniversary event has also seen Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, in collaboration with Kuku Yalanji elders, recognise the role the centre plays in educating and celebrating Indigenous culture announcing a name change to the “Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre.”

The name change will be showcased through a new brand image celebrating the work of local Yalanji artist and Mossman Gorge Tour Guide, Cameron Buchanan. The artwork is a collection of meeting points, connected by paths and is symbolic of the Kuku Yalanji culture connecting across country.  The meeting points also reflect the region’s prominent mountain range, Manjal Dimbi, which translated means “mountain holding back.”  According to ancient stories, the large rock formation represents Kubirri, who came to the aid of the Kuku Yalanji “holding back” the evil spirit, Wurrumbu.

The celebratory anniversary events included a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, a Yalanji dance performance and local musicians.  For further information on Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre and the eco tours offered visit https://www.mossmangorge.com.au/