Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships

Napranum

About Napranum

Location

Napranum is a small community located on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula, 6km from the main centre of Weipa.  

Languages

The predominant language spoken in Napranum is Creole. English and Thanikwithi [Than-ik-with-i] are also spoken. The use of an interpreter may be necessary to assist complainants, witnesses, victims and offenders who come before the courts.

History of Napranum

Napranum facts and figures

For 2011 and 2016 census information on education, employment, income, housing figures and more for Napranum, build a statistical profile on Know Your Community.

Native title information

Search for native title information on the National Native Title Tribunal website.

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Visiting Napranum

Getting to Napranum

Napranum is located only 6 km from Weipa and can be easily accessed by road all year round. Regular flights operate from Cairns to Weipa, and flights are also available to Weipa from other communities in Cape York. 

Seasonal considerations

Road conditions are often difficult throughout Cape York, especially during the wet season when large pot holes will appear and roads can be washed out or completely inundated by water. Napranum is generally only accessible via road from communities other than Weipa for 4 to 5 months of the year during the dry season. During this time fires can also restrict vehicle access along roads and caution should be taken.

Alcohol restrictions

Alcohol restrictions apply in Napranum. 

Local government

Search the local government directory for information about the Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council. 

Who to contact if you have questions about your visit

Sorry business

Sorry Business’ is a term used during the time of mourning following the death of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. Torres Strait Islanders may use the terminology ‘Bad or Sad News’. The term can also refer to the past practice of forcibly removing children from their families. The intensity of mourning is reflective of the importance of the family or person who has died. The mourning process enables healing for the family and community involved.

Business with the Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council will continue during the mourning period, however it may be difficult to access other services within the community at this time. Communication with the council at these times may assist with any questions you have. The council will endeavour to provide timely advice of any Sorry Business in the community to ensure that visitors have adequate time to re-adjust travel arrangements. Essential services such as policing, child safety, health, education and justice still continue throughout this period. 

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Community justice group

The role of the Community Justice Group (CJG) is to ensure that clients of the service are given appropriate cultural support for court matters. The CJG also provides cultural reports to the courts at sentencing and bail applications, assistance to the courts in managing community-based offences, and networking to implement crime prevention initiatives.

Members of the CJG work closely with a number of justice agencies including the Queensland Magistrates Court, Department of Corrective Services, Queensland Police Service, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service. The CJG works to support the community’s understanding of and access to the justice system by working in conjunction with Shire Council by-laws and victim support agencies.

Key ways the CJG is able to assist the community and the courts include:

  • participation in community consultations relevant to the CJG’s role within the criminal justice sector
  • preparation and presentation of written and oral sentencing submissions to the court
  • defendant support and referral (including court support)
  • victim support and referral (including court support)
  • support for debtors wishing to access the State Penalties and Enforcement Registry.

The local CJG for Napranum is:

TWAL Council of Elders Local Justice Group
PO Box 165 Weipa 4874

Contact:
Coordinator: Tanya Poi-Poi
Director/Chairperson: Bow Waqata

Phone: 07 4069 8071
Mobile: 0499 818 904
Email: twaljustice[at]hotmail.com

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Community services

Use the Queensland Government's one place service directory to find up-to-date contact information for local support services including:

  • legal advice and support services
  • youth justice and support groups
  • domestic and family violence support
  • drug and alcohol services
  • mens' and women's groups
  • accident, emergency and medical services

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More information

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