Centre at Gumpi recognised at 2026 Queensland awards

QUAMPI at Gumpi (Dunwich) on North Stradbroke Island won the Award for Public Architecture at the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2026 Queensland Architecture Awards in June.

QYAC, the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, marked the result after the arts and cultural centre took the state honour.

Located on Minjerribah, QUAMPI stands as a living expression of Quandamooka people’s culture. It supports exhibitions, performances, workshops, programmes and events.

Those activities strengthen cultural knowledge and connection to Country for community members, Queenslanders and visitors.

QUAMPI Director Avril Quaill described the award as recognition of the centre’s innovative design, deep cultural grounding and role as a beacon for Quandamooka artistic excellence.

“QUAMPI is a beautiful place where Quandamooka culture is lived, shared, and celebrated with Queenslanders and visitors alike,” Ms Quaill said.

She said the honour also recognised Elders, artists and community members who shared the journey and helped bring QUAMPI into existence.

Avril Quaill and Cameron Costello

QUAMPI is part of Minjerribah Futures, a Queensland Government investment programme. The initiative supports the island’s shift from past reliance on sand mining to a future as a leading destination for cultural and eco-tourism.

Meanwhile, the Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works managed the design, procurement and construction of QUAMPI.

That department handled the work on behalf of QYAC and the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

Cox Architecture served as the principal consultant on the project.

QYAC Chair Cameron Costello said the award reinforced the importance of Indigenous-led design in Australia’s architectural landscape.

He thanked the architects, project partners, Elders and community members connected to the centre.

As a result, QUAMPI adds a major industry award to a centre created for cultural practice, public programmes, performances and tourism on North Stradbroke Island.

The Australian Institute of Architects recognition also links QUAMPI to a wider state awards programme in Queensland in 2026.

For QYAC, the result highlights both the building’s public architecture and its purpose as a place where culture is shared through exhibitions, workshops and events at Gumpi.