The Mossman Gorge Centre was officially opened yesterday under a huge marquee where a ceremony marked the culmination of 20 years of vision and hard work.

With Mt Demi the perfect backdrop, there was an immense sense of pride amongst those who have contributed to the realisation of the $20 million project.

In front of hundreds of people celebrating the opening, general manager of the Mossman Gorge Centre, Greg Erwin, described the opening as an "historic milestone" in an "exciting time for the local community."



Amongst the dignitaries who played a role in the opening ceremony were Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin, Elder of the Mossman Gorge Community Roy Gibson, Chair of the Mossman Gorge Committee Karen Gibson, and Dawn Casey of the Indigenous Land Corporation.

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The centre, which employs 60 indigenous staff make up 90 per cent of employees, opened to the public in June and visitors have come in their thousands to learn more of the local Kuku Yulanji culture.

The message at the opening was clear, the centre will help preserve and share the world's longest surviving culture, and provide a strong base for future training and employment in the Mossman community.