The resident population of Mona Mona fluctuates between 30-50 people, but holds significant cultural and historical importance for the surrounding Kuranda region and local clan groups. This includes the Djabugay people, who are the tribal owners of Mona Mona and come from the rainforests along the Cairns and Tableland region.
A key priority for the community has been a focus on the maintenance and sharing of cultural histories and stories. This sharing was recently demonstrated via the Mona Mona 6 day long, 100 year anniversary, and remembrance and celebration week with the theme ‘Remembering the past, Creating the future’. Activities for the event included cultural workshops, historical display, horse ride along the old road from Oak Forest to Mona Mona, church services, storytelling, dancing, concerts, food, and movies all focussed around entertaining and educating all members of the families attending.
The event was hosted by the Mona Mona Bulmba Aboriginal Corporation, and coordinated by Biri Duffin. The week was supported by donations and the goodwill of several individuals and organizations. Another key partner in preparing the community was the team from the Ngoonbi Cooperative Society, who were instrumental in providing ground support and resources leading up to the celebrations and throughout the week. Mona Mona Bulmba also invited Jobfind to play a part in the preparations, including setting up bush showers for participants to use, offering support to reduce waste and assisting where possible. Together, a group of outstanding volunteers and Jobfind participants worked tirelessly in preparing remote Mona Mona for the many families who camped and participated across the school holidays. Families who attended, really enjoyed the week long activities.
Since July, Jobfind, the local Remote Jobs and Communities Program (RJCP) service provider, has begun developing Community Action Plans with the key stakeholders and community organisations to reinvigorate Mona Mona community. Jobfind is committed to working with Mona Mona, and the surrounding communities over the long term, enabling community members to preserve their cultural heritage and build a stronger community through local engagement, activities and employment, enterprise and up skilling that supports current and future generations to benefit from opportunities for prosperity, choice and self-determination.
