The Dreamtime Cultural Centre is located just outside Rockhampton on the Bruce Highway near Limestone Creek. It was the brainchild of Kathleen Nola James (1933–1993), founding member and coordinator of the Central Queensland Aboriginal Corporation for Cultural Activities (CQACCA), which was registered in 1980. Nola envisaged a cultural centre for Rockhampton and publicised and raised funds for the venture. In 1985 the Rockhampton City Council and CQACCA reach an agreement that led to the Dreamtime Cultural Centre's establishment. Funding was sourced from Commonwealth Bicentennial and Department of Aboriginal Affairs grants. The land on which the Cultural Centre is located was originally occupied by the Darumbul Tribe and still contains their traditional ceremonial rings. The Centre was officially opened in April 1988 by former Prime Minister of Australia Robert (Bob) James Lee Hawke, with subsequent expansions in November 1988 and March 1992 for the Torres Strait Islander and Dugong complexes, respectively. The main building of the Centre is named after Nola James, who served as the Centre's Cultural Director from 1984 to 1993.