Tjapukai to begin $12 million redevelopment

The $12 million transformation of Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park into Australia's leading venue to experience Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is set to begin.

Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park Chief Executive Geoff Olson said the rich cultures of many of Australia's Aboriginal people as well as Torres Strait Islander culture would be showcased at Tjapukai.

Olson explained "Tjapukai will continue to tell the ancient and powerful stories of Indigenous Australia and provide employment for Indigenous people, but will do it for multiple Indigenous cultural groups as well as our local Djabugay people.

"With the guidance of leading cultural interpretation specialist Story Inc, Tjapukai will be an authentic cultural experience where visitors will be able to see the world through the eyes of Australia's Indigenous people.

"As part of the revitalisation, Tjapukai's brand will be refreshed by Cummins Ross, an Australian company which has worked on leading domestic and international rebranding campaigns."

Olson said careful planning had gone into staging the redevelopment so Tjapukai could remain open during the 12 month redevelopment process and continue to offer cultural experiences to guests although from different areas of the park's extensive grounds.

Olson added "architect Toland has designated the first stage to be a complete revamp of the Cultural Village which includes the Dance Theatre, boomerang and spear throwing fields and activity huts.

"Upon completion in May 2013, the Cultural Village will offer a full range of new day and night product with new performances currently being developed by Ozworks Entertainment which has created live shows for theme parks around the world.

"Once that work is completed, the main building including the kitchen and restaurant will be remodelled to incorporate theatres and new displays."

Olson said Indigenous Business Australia, the owner of Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, had made a significant investment in the future of the business at a time of growing optimism in the Tropical North Queensland tourism industry.

Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park is located at Caravonica, just 20 minutes from Cairns in Tropical North Queensland.

For more information go to www.tjapukai.com.au

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