Mowanjum Community
| Mowanjum | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postcode(s) | 6728 | ||||||
| Location | 10 km (6 mi) south east of Derby, Western Australia | ||||||
| LGA(s) | Shire of Derby-West Kimberley | ||||||
| State electorate(s) | Kimberley | ||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Durack | ||||||
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Mowanjum is a medium-sized Aboriginal community, located 10 km south east of Derby in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, within the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley.
History
The Mowanjum community was established as a mission of the Presbyterian Church in the late 1800s. The most recent living area was established in the mid seventies, following government requirements for additional land for the Derby Airport.
Strong links to traditional country have been preserved and the numerous outstations, including Pantijan, Kunmunya, etc. are directly linked to both European and traditional history. Mowanjum's outstations are under Mowanjum community management. Mowanjum includes people from three main language groups:
Governance
The community is managed through its incorporated body, Mowanjum Aboriginal Corporation, incorporated under the Aboriginal Councils and Associations Act 1976 on 23 January 1981.
Town planning
Mowanjum Layout Plan No.1 has been prepared in accordance with State Planning Policy 3.2 Aboriginal Settlements. Layout Plan No.1 was endorsed by the community on 23 July 2003 and the WAPC on 23 September 2003. The Layout Plan map-set and background report can be viewed at http://www.planning.wa.gov.au/2711.asp.