KAKADU GROOVES - territorystories.nt.gov.auterritorystories.nt.gov.au/bitstream/10070/250903/1/Wire.pdf · Sarah Martin Design displayed a range of handmade jewellery, screen printed

Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Warruwi, Minjilang, Maningrida and Gunbalanya

[email protected] 08 8979 9465 Published by West Arnhem Regional Council Edition 318 31 July - 13 August 2014

this edition

Jabiru’s premier cultural event is back for 2014. the Mahbilil Festival will run with Gurrung sports Carnival on 5-6 september.

defending champions Kia Kaha (above) will take on challengers Reluctant Champs in finals.

the Maningrida community remembers much-loved school teacher emma Bell.

european first contact in Arnhem Land is revealed in these amazing images.

MAhBiLiL FestiVAL ARCs UP

netBALL hots UP FoR FinALs

tRiBUtes FLoW FoR eMMA

histoRY WRitten in stone

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KAKADU GROOVESRichard Grace, upright bass player with Tracey Bunn’s band, at Kakadu Groove.

CONTINUED PAGE 2 >>

THE only sounds to rival the smooth country pop, jazz and blues musicians on stage were the shouts and laughter of kids enjoying a great

afternoon out in the park.

Bathed in the orange light of a tropical sunset, Lake Jabiru was the perfect venue for a relaxing afternoon and evening of laid-back tunes, art, food, and market stalls.

In fact, the inaugural Kakadu Groove on Saturday 19 July was such a success that the organising committee is already at work planning next year’s show.

One of the organisers, Steve Winderlich, who also MC’d the event, at one point asked the crowd if they would like to see an event like this again.

The answer from the crowd was a resounding YES! Kakadu Groove showed what can happen when the community pulls together to make its own fun.

Musicians came out of the woodwork, stallholders brought arts and crafts along for sale, families brought picnic blankets and a few drinks, the Jabiru firies cooked up buffalo hamburgers, and there were cheese platters to go around, plus home-made curries, and glow sticks for the kids.

The West Arnhem Wire | 31 July - 13 August 2014

if you have an upcoming event you would like to see listed in this space please phone Mark at the Wire on 8979 9465 or email [email protected].

Join us in welcoming the 2014 Black dog Ride, including our own Mick hutton from Jabiru Fire station, at a free community breakfast at Lake Jabiru Park on the Picnic day holiday, 9am Monday August 4.

whAt’S On

West Arnhem Wire - Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang

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AUGUSt SEnIORS MOnthSat 2 Bingo night, Jabiru Golf Club 7pmMon 4 Black dog Ride free community breakfast, Lake Jabiru Park 9am Fri 8 Back to the 70s 80s, Jabiru sports & social ClubSun 9 Alligator Fishing Club Fishing Challenge, 0409495195Sun 9 Alligator Fishing Club Kids’ Fishing Fun day, Yellow Waters Cooinda 10-3pm 0409495195thu 14 eRA info day and Ranger Mine tour, town Plaza 9am-3pm Fri 15 seniors Month afternoon tea, Gunbalanya Community Care 1.30-3.30pmSat 16 subway ‘eat Fresh’ comes to Jabiru Golf Club for JAFFA fundraiserSun 17 Jabiru Golf Club, Gary dunstan & JAFFA fundraising weekend ambrose and trivia quizMondays Bowali track guided walk, Croc hotel Foyer 8.30amMondays twined together, traditional weaving demonstration, Border store, east Alligator River 2-4pmMondays Rock Art slideshow, Aurora Kakadu Lodge Jabiru 7.30pmtuesdays Jabiru Art & Craft Group, Kakadu Youth Centre 7.30pmtuesdays Jabiru Playgroup, Jabiru Lake Park 9.30-11amtuesdays six seasons of Kakadu, Mardugal campground 7.30pmwednesdays Gun-gardun guided cultural walk 8.30amwednesdays Bardedjilidji guided cultural walk 9am 89381120wednesdays Mixed social tennis, JssC 5.30pmwednesdays Pool comp, Jabiru Golf Club, 6.30pmwednesdays Wildlife slideshow, Aurora Kakadu sth Alligator 7.30pmthursdays italian night, JssC Bistrothursdays Kakadu Rangers guided walk, Gunlom 8.15amthursdays Mums’n’bubs stretch classes, Jabiru Community hall 11am-12pmthursdays Buffalo days slideshow, Aurora Kakadu Lodge 7.30pmFridays Kakadu Rangers guided walk, Manngarre 8.15amFridays Morning Fitness Class, Jabiru school MPA 5.45–6.30amFridays Badge draw and raffles, food specials, Jabiru Golf Club 7pmSaturdays thick Lines/thin Lines traditional painting demonstration, Border store 2-4pmSaturdays Ranger guided walk, nawurlandja 5pmSaturdays Kakadu’s Bushtucker slideshow, Gunlom 7.30pmSundays Ranger guided walk, Gunlom 8.15am

SEPtEMBERSat 6 Mahbilil Festival, Jabiru Fri 5-Sat 6 Gurrung sports Carnival, Jabiru

OCtOBERFri-sat 3-4 2014 Alligator Fishing Club Challengesat-sun 18-19 Lurr’a Festival, Maningrida

Jabiru’s much-loved singing police officer, Linda Sayers (shown here at Kakadu Groove) said goodbye on Thursday 31 July to take up a position with one of the Youth Engagement offices in Palmerston. Linda, who has served the local community for the past two years, said “I’d like to take the opportunity to thank the people of Jabiru for making my time here most enjoyable - I love you all very much!” We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

OUT AND ABOUT

KAKADU GROOVES FROM FRONT PAGE

Children’s Ground were selling art from local families, while Injalak Arts and Crafts came from Gunbalanya with a fabulous range of fabrics, cushions, artworks, bags and cushions.

Sarah Martin Design displayed a range of handmade jewellery, screen printed cushions, baskets and bags, and the Alligator Fishing Club were there selling raffle tickets for this year’s boat.

The Kakadu Groove Committee had sausages, buffalo burgers, and cheese platters available, which helped cover the cost of the show, while Perlin Simon had a great range of curries and pulled pork with rice.

J.U.I.C.E. were selling a trio of home-made dips and glow-in-the-dark toys for the kids. Not only did this contribute to the success of the night, but it also raised money towards the purchase of a new 16.5 metre inflatable obstacle course for the Jabiru town pool.

The food stalls proved very popular, with most vendors selling out by the end of the evening.

Linda Sayers got the ball rolling with a themed set of love songs before the Kakadu Crew took the stage. Having scored a hit at the Jabiru’s Got Talent show at the school fair, Sebastian, Daniel and Nathaniel entertained the crowds with their rendition of the Justice Crew hit, Que Sera.

Steve Winderlich and his collection of musicians, known in this incarnation as TBA, provided an eclectic soundtrack to wile away the sunny afternoon.

After having put in a brief appearance busking at Jabiru Plaza earlier in the day, Perth-based

musician Ivan Zar plugged in his brass-bodied Dobro just before sunset, bringing his brand of slide guitar blues to the Territory for the first time.

Headline act Tracey Bunn did not disappoint, with excellent musicianship and heartfelt tunes rounding out the evening’s entertainment.

For their part, the 250-strong crowd were well behaved, happy to relax and enjoy the free entertainment and convivial atmosphere. Security guards reported no incidents, and on Sunday morning the grounds of the park were pretty much spic’n’span.

The event would not have been possible without the efforts of the committee and the volunteers (you know who you are) with sound equipment supplied by West Arnhem College and Jabiru Police.

Special mention should go to sound engineer Stu Whitby from Jabiru Area School, who showed great dedication by camping out at the park as security after setting up the rigging and light show on Friday.

Thanks also to Blueridge Engineering, ERA, Spotless, Bowali Visitors Centre and the officers and volunteers from the Jabiru Fire Station.

Congratulations to raffle prize winners Johnno from Kakadu Contracting, ERA Contractor Jeffrey, Leigh Sloane from Jabiru Health Clinic, Muzza’s team at the Jabiru Golf Club, and Rene’e Masa from Kakadu Bakery.


3West Arnhem Wire - Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang

MAHBILIL FESTIVAL BACK FOR 2014

Performers at the 2010 Mahbilil Festival. INSET: One of the amazing giant paper scultpures scattered around the Mahbilil Festival site at Lake Jabiru Park.

Tourists enjoying a meal aboard Sea Swift’s working cargo vessel the Trinity Bay, that runs tours from Cairns to Thursday Island.

THE annual Mahbilil community festival is returning to Jabiru in 2014, to be held on Saturday 6 September.

This vibrant community event has been running for many years and brings together music, arts and culture from the Mirarr people and across the Top End. The one-day celebration of cultural diversity and community is the premier cultural event on Jabiru’s calendar, bringing together a range of local Aboriginal and balanda (non-Aboriginal Australian) arts and crafts, food stalls, entertainment, parades, market stalls and installations. It is run in conjunction with West Arnhem Regional Council’s Gurrung Sports Carnival, which brings men’s AFL and women’s basketball teams to Jabiru from all four Aboriginal communities in the Regional Council, as well as teams from Darwin and further afar. In the Kakadu region, the year is divided into six seasons, and the Mahbilil festival has always been staged in early September, or Gurrung, when the afternoon breeze, Mahbilil, rises and the magpie geese fly in huge numbers across the wetlands and lay their eggs.After the previous season when the country was burned and cleansed, Gurrung is all about regeneration. The Mahbilil festival continues to be a well-established and popular annual event in Jabiru with locals and visitors alike. It is an important event for Jabiru, bringing various elements of the community together and celebrating the lifestyle and culture of this place we call home. During daylight hours, it is a family-friendly event crammed with activities, workshops for kids, rides, displays, Indigenous art exhibitions

and demonstrations of weaving, painting and other crafts. Food features prominently, with large earth ovens with buffalo, barramundi and the specialty of the region, magpie goose. Many people join in the fun with competitions that include spear throwing and magpie goose cooking, ensuring plenty of action.As evening falls the music and performance programs crank up, with bands from interstate, Darwin and across Arnhem Land, along with

fire performances and video projections throughout the night. Set by the stunning lake in Jabiru, Mahbilil make the town come alive and celebrate! More program information will be available soon.

Jabiru is the gateway to World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park (300km from Darwin) and there are a number of accommodation options in town from camping through to resorts.

SHIPPING TOURS FLOATED FOR TOP END TOWNSVISITORS will soon be able to cruise from Darwin to Nhulunbuy (Gove), via Arnhem Land’s remote coastal communities, on board a working cargo ship as part of a unique new tourism venture being supported by the Territory Government. Freight company Sea Swift has secured a $100,000 grant from the NT Government to help start the cargo tours, as part of a $1.3 million pool of NT and Federal funding for tourism development and infrastructure.The new Sea Swift Cargo tours are set to begin in October this year with a guide and passengers on board. It will stop off at Galiwinku on Elcho Island on the return leg back to Darwin from Nhulunbuy.Chief Minister Adam Giles said it was an example of the kind of projects the Territory Government would support to build sustainable

economic activity in the region.“This new venture opens the door to a totally new mode of tourist arrivals to Gove and I’m excited about the opportunities it presents

for local businesses,” he said.“The weekly tours will encourage tourists to spend considerable more time on the ground exploring East Arnhem which will help increase local expenditure through visitor accommodation, food and beverage sales, tours, activities, and retail purchases.“Sea Swift will also be directly working with Traditional Owners to share their stories on the tours as well as engaging local tour operators in Gove to promote their businesses to passengers including fishing trips, bush tours, art centres and retail stores.“Expanding these new local tourism opportunities will help sustain the economy of Gove in the long-term and create jobs, once the Refinery has wound down.”Sea Swift will use the $100,000 grant from the Government in addition to $200,000 of its own

money to refit an existing cargo vessel, the ‘Malu Trader’ to accommodate passengers.The new cruise cargo vessel will be based out of Darwin’s East Arm port.The service will be modelled on Sea Swift’s popular Trinity Bay Passenger tour in Cairns, which has been operating successfully for more than 20 years.“Passengers can take their cars on the ship, which will be fitted out with ensuite cabins, a central common room where meals will be served and an outdoor deck area where tourists can relax, lounge and fish if they wish to while steaming between destinations,” Mr Giles said.General Manager of Sea Swift Chris Sheppard said he was confident the new cruise service would be a great success.

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West Arnhem Wire - Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang4

The West Arnhem Wire is the only regular source of news and information in the Kakadu and West Arnhem Land region. More than 600 copies are distributed fortnightly to Jabiru, Warruwi, Minjilang, Maningrida and Gunbalanya.

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TRIBUTES FOR MANINGRIDA TEACHERTHE community of Maningrida is in mourning as tributes flow for Emma Bell, the popular teacher at Maningrida School killed when Flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine on 17 July 2014.

At just 30 years of age, Emma had earned a reputation as an outstanding educator who developed a strong, productive and respectful relationship with each of the homeland communities where she taught.

Emma moved to the Maningrida community last year from her home town of Lithgow in the Blue Mountains. She was returning from holiday to start the new school term when she was killed.

The Maningrida Footy facebook page became the site for an outpouring of heartelt emotion and grief from the tightly knit community.

Maningrida College principal Stuart Dwyer told the NT News the tragedy had been like “losing a family member”.

“Because of the respectful person she was she developed some really robust and respectful relationships on the homelands. That resulted in amazing attendance ratios,” Mr Dwyer said.

Emma taught 25 students from years 1 to 8, but her influence reached far beyond just those in her classroom. Ms Bell was adopted into a local family while she was in Maningrida, and they visited the school for smoking ceremonies in the classrooms.

“There were some beautiful words spoken by traditional owners about the contribution Emma made. That was a very significant ceremony,” Mr Dwyer said.

Her mother Barbara and father Peter Bell plan to visit the devastated Maningrida community to connect with those who loved her dearly.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles said Emma Bell was an outstanding and highly respected educator with a generous and sensitive nature.

Maningrida teacher Emma Bell.

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LOCH JABIRU MONSTER SNAPPEDTHERE has long been talk in Jabiru of its existence.

Sightings made on foggy mornings of strange shapes in the lake, with ambiguous, soft-focus photos purporting to show the beast ...

But finally the Loch Jabiru Monster is no longer the stuff of myth and legend. It is confirmed there is at least one crocodile in the town lake, with some witnesses claiming to have seen two.

Photographer Mike Martin snapped these unambiguous photographs of a crocodile (right) while strolling around the lake recently.

While it can’t be confirmed is whether this is a freshwater or saltwater species - the salties being far and away the more dangerous of the two - what can be assumed is that the lake is not safe for swimming.

But what is worrying is that children are continuing to swim in the lake, despite West Arnhem Regional Council signage warning of the dangers.

Anja Toms, the Tourism Services Officer with Kakadu National Park, has sent in the photo at right, which she took during the recent school holiday break.

The photo shows a wooden platform and rope swing set up on one of the paperbark trees that line the lake.

Anja urged The Wire to put out a warning that the lake is not safe for swimming.



HP A SAUCE OF INSPIRATION

A GUNBALANYA School teacher whose work is helping Indigenous students build their expertise in money management has been recognised for her outstanding contribution with a Commonwealth Bank Foundation Teaching Award.

Elizabeth Bowyer joined 15 other awardees, selected from more than 250 Kindergarten to Year 12 teachers across the nation, at the ceremony on Friday 25 July 2014.

The awards recognise and reward teachers from schools across Australia who are making an outstanding contribution to developing the essential financial literacy skills of their students.

Judges in the Commonwealth Bank Foundation Teaching Awards said Ms Bowyer was “really thinking outside the box” when she helped her students set up a lawn mowing business in Gunbalanya.

“Her vision was to create employment opportunities in their remote part of Arnhem Land as well as helping boys aged 14-19

develop their numeracy, financial literacy and English language skills,” the Commonwealth Bank Foundation said in a statement.

“About the only time the boys get to practise speaking English is when they’re talking to teachers.

“Through the lawn mowing business they get to use their English and learn about negotiating with the local community, organising advertising, taking bookings and paying bills.

“Our judging panel of education experts was impressed with the quality and diversity of applications this year,” the Foundation said.

“The 15 winners clearly communicated their financial learning program concept, the expected learning outcomes, included a prudent budget plan and well-articulated measures for sustainable success.”

Each of the teachers also received $10,000 for their schools to invest in their financial learning programs, plus an extra $2,000 as a personal reward for each winning teacher.

Elizabeth Bowyer from Gunbalanya receives the Commonwealth Bank Foundation Teaching Award.

TEACHING THE SKILLS TO PAY THE BILLS

Jabiru Area School Principal Phil Maunder, Year 6 students Victoria Peart and Catherine Ralph, and Staples Senior Account Manager Greg Middleton with the donated HP computer.

ONE hard-working student at Jabiru Area School will be rewarded at the end of this term with a high-end desktop computer, courtesy of stationery supplier Staples Australia.Staples Account Manager Greg Middleton said the company was keen to see the HP desktop computer go to a worthy individual student.He said Staples occasionally came across stock that was not allocated and could be donated to a worthwhile cause.“We have done a lot with councils over the years, and it seemed a good idea to do something nice with this computer through the West Arnhem Regional Council,” Mr Middleton said.“The council recommended we donate the computer to the Jabiru Area School.”The state-of-the-art computer, with its I7 processor, is suitable for an engineering lab or high-end Computer Aided Design (CAD) applications.

School principal Phil Maunder said the desktop computer and monitor would be presented to one Jabiru Area School student after Term 3.“Senior leadership will consult with the school council to determine the basis for rewarding one individual and outstanding student,” Mr Maunder said.“This could include, but is not limited to, rewarding a student for attendance, academic achievement, improvement in the classroom or positive behaviour.”Staples Australia is are part of the world’s largest office products company and a trusted source for office solutions.The company says it is committed to its corporate social responsibilities, giving back to communities while embracing diversity, sustaining the environment, and practising sound ethics.

A GROUP of buffalo hunters from the remote Arnhem Land town of Bulman sparked an air and ground search on Saturday July 26 after setting of a distress beacon.

The men were found stranded but safe late in the in day. Police from Bulman were sent to retrieve the men who were stuck on a track with two blown tyres on their vehicle.

Passing aircraft picked up the emergency distress signal and reported it to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority in Canberra shortly after 1 pm.

AMSA called out local police, Darwin’s CareFlight TIO Rescue Helicopter and a contracted helicopter from the RAAF Tindal base near Katherine to find the men.

The signal from an old generation 121.5 MHz beacon focussed the search in a remote area south-west of the town of Bulman off the Central Arnhem road.

CareFlight urges people who travel in remote areas to replace old distress beacons with the new-generation 406 MHz units.

The newer EPIRBs transmit their signal direct to a satellite, allowing AMSA to immediately activate a search and rescue effort. Signals from the old units have to be first picked up by passing aircraft which monitor the frequency.

Aircraft such as Darwin’s CareFlight TIO Rescue Helicopter can use their sophisticated radio systems to home in on the signal to within 10 metres of its location.

CareFlight also urges people who find themselves in difficulty, such as the buffalo hunters, to always activate an EPIRB early rather than wait until late in the day.

CAREFLIGht FInDS BUFFALO hUntERS ‘StUCK BUt SAFE’



Responding to Child Abuse & Neglect:

What Primary Health Care Practitioners Need to Know

FREE 2-DAY WORKSHOPA free workshop is to be offered in Maningrida on Tuesday to Wednesday 26 - 27 August 2014. All health and community

workers whose work brings them into contact with children and young people are encouraged to attend.

AIMS OF THIS SHORT COURSEHealth and other professionals can experience complex ethical and professional dilemmas when forming an opinion about child

abuse and neglect. This course is designed for professionals who work in remote clinical practice and in regional primary

health care services in the Northern Territory.

REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIALTo register, please fill out and return the registration form available from:

[email protected]

Funded by the Office for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health (OATSIH)

Centre for Remote Health_Maningrida workshop.indd 1 31/07/2014 12:47:48

TRIATHLON SINGLETS ON SALE

“We receive numerous requests monthly enquiring if we’ve got a similar cruise to our Queensland service in the Northern Territory,” Mr Sheppard said.“More than 22,000 travellers have been on a cruise with us in the 20 years we have been operating the tours in North Queensland and the vast majority love it. There is nothing of a similar nature in the market place and its uniqueness is what drives people to tick it off their ‘bucket list’. “This is a long-term investment in the Northern Territory tourism industry and one we feel will greatly benefit the Gove community.”The new Sea Swift cruise service

will operate between Darwin-Nhulunbuy-Galiwinku and run weekly year round. It’s expected once refitted to be able to hold from 10-20 passengers.Possible options that can be built into the service include:· Fly to Nhulunbuy or Galiwinku and cruise back (or vice-versa)· Drive to Nhulunbuy and cruise back (or vice-versa) · Cruise Nhulunbuy-Galiwinku-Darwin return on single voyage· Cruise Darwin-Nhulunbuy-Galiwinku return on single voyage· Cruise Darwin to Nhulunbuy or Galiwinku & stay a week (or more) returning on next voyage.

CARGO TOURS FLOATED< FROM PAGE 3

NT Chief Minister Adam Giles aboard a Sea Swift vessel similar to the one that will carry tourists to Arnhem Land.

NOT only did the 2014 Kakadu Triathlon break all the records in terms of record attendances and funds raised – it also raised the bar in the fashion stakes! How about these Kakadu Triathlon singlets? Not only do they look terrific (and slimming) but they

will also inspire you to get out on the track and get into training. The singlets are available now from Leona Katzer at the ERA Community Relations Office for only $20! All funds raised go

towards supporting the 2015 Kakadu Triathlon event and its chosen charity.



Authorised by Steven Klose, Northern Territory Electoral Commission, 80 Mitchell Street, Darwin

Are you correctly enrolled?

ENROL TODAY!The quickest and easiest

way to enrol is to go online at www.aec.gov.au

Electoral Advertisement

1800 MYVOTE or visit www.ntec.nt.gov.au6 89 6 8 3

For further information call

Authorised by Iain Loganathan, Northern Territory Electoral Commission, 80 Mitchell Street, Darwin

WITH an estimated 30,000 Territorians not on the electoral roll, the Northern Territory Electoral Commission (NTEC) is rolling out a campaign to get residents signed up for their right to vote.

Enrolment is compulsory - and this is the clear message from the NTEC.

“NTEC is undertaking an extensive enrolment campaign in urban and remote areas to improve roll accuracy ahead of the review of electoral boundaries,” said NT Electoral Commissioner, Mr Iain Loganathan.

As part of the remote enrolment program, field officers are currently visiting over 100 remote communities, making it convenient for remote electors to be correctly enrolled.

TV advertising and posters on community notice boards are also being used in the remote enrolment campaign, along with enrolment stalls on the NT show circuit.

If you are 18 years and over and an Australian citizen, you must be enrolled for your correct address.

The easiest way to enrol or update details is to go online at www.aec.gov.au. Enrolment forms are available from post offices and councils and can also be downloaded from the NTEC website (www.ntec.nt.gov.au).

Anyone wanting to check their current enrolment or obtain further information can go online at www.ntec.nt.gov.au or call 1800 MY VOTE.

ENROLMENT CAMPAIGN ROLLS OUT

Arnhem Land traditional owner John Reid with ‘contact art’ showing ships and Europeans. PHOTOS: DAVID HANCOCK

A rock art gallery from the ‘contact period’ showing rainbow serpent and rifles.

HISTORIES WRITTEN IN STONE

A SERIES of recent photographs has created an amazing visual archive documenting the arrival of Europeans in Arnhem Land as depicted in rock art from the era.

The photographs are the work of Northern Territory photojournalist David Hancock, who visited sites with elders of the Warddeken Indigenous Protected Area in West Arnhem Land.

The project, titled ‘Fragile First Impressions,’ conserves the fragile rock art of the plateau in conjunction with the traditional owners. The photographs also record the interactions of the Indigenous landowners with the rock art, many of whom are seeing the paintings for the first time.

Their ancestors drifted away from the ‘stone country’ in the early 20th century, towards places like Oenpelli and Maningrida. But over the years, the Nawardekken people have started to return to their country and to rediscover these images.

Warddeken Land Management director Terah Guymala says many of the paintings have lain

unseen for up to 70 years.

“People painted these pictures to go with stories they were telling … now we have only the pictures— the voices are gone — and understanding the story behind them is a puzzle … like detective work,” Terah said.

The paintings, believed to cover a period from the mid-19th century through to World War II, represent a remarkable archive of indigenous reportage. Aboriginal people travelled to the frontier, where some worked in tin mines and buffalo camps, before coming back to the Arnhem Plateau with stories to tell family.

One painting (above) shows six men in wide-brimmed hats standing on a boat under a sunshade slung between the sails. Along the deck are cargo boxes. The artist recalls in great detail what he has seen: the vessel has an anchor chain and one of the men smokes a pipe.

Another work is believed to show explorer Ludwig Leichhardt passing through the Arnhem Land Plateau in 1845. In some pictures the indigenous visual account lines up perfectly with written European history.

When surveyor David Lindsay and his party crossed the Arnhem Plateau in 1883, Lindsay recorded how they threw away saddle packs, a fishing net, clothes and ammunition to lighten their horses’ load.

A well-preserved art site, found in 2005 about 4km from where Lindsay’s maps show his party rested, includes not only paintings of the party hunting with guns and smoking pipes, but also clear depictions of the saddle packs and fishing net.



Phil, Nina, Jedi and Jo enjoying the afternoon out.

Bronwyn Van Ras and Liz Martin at the Injalak Arts stall.

kakadu grOOVe

Fiona Thomas and Anastacia Thomas try their luck with an Alligator Fishing Club raffle ticket.

The Kakadu Crew: Sebastian, Daniel and Nathaniel, who performed Que Sera by The Justice Crew. Olivia Petrovic.

Sorell, Tracey and Huon Diddams.Kids enjoying the festival fun before the end of the school holidays.

Kay and Anthony Shearn.

Linda Luebnau, Sommer Meadows and Nathan McIvor.

Ian White from TBA.

Stu Whitby on the sound desk.

Adam Thompson and Estelle Thompson.



TBA: Steve Winderlich, Penny Hart, Jayne Nankivell and Ian White with their unique brand of folky jazz.

Barbara, Jack Lyons, and Ron.

Tracey Bunn (centre) performing with with guitarist Damien Neil and bassist Richard Grace.

Trevor Beaumont and his neice Sandy Beaumont.

Louise Hose, Malachai McLaughlan, Dusty Bear and David Lyons.

Bob, Philippa and Liz Adams.

Just goin’ with the flow ...

Desmond Hefford and Janice Gillard from Tassie.

Aoife Harrison, Ashley De Sair, Tammy Lukritz, Bronwyn van Ras and Nicole Sleiman at the JUICE fundraising stall.

Trevor Tate and Tully Reardon.

Egyptian-born Delta blues player Ivan Zar on the Dobro.

www.facebook.com/westarnhemregionalcouncilkakadu grOOVe

Linda Sayers, who kicked off the evening’s entertainment.

Sarah Martin with some of her handmade jewellery.



Free community breakfast

* Egg and bacon rolls * Fresh watermelon * * Pancakes * Pastries * Drinks *

Lake Jabiru Park – PICNIC DAY 9am Monday 4 August 2014

in support of

PHOTO: NOEL TAYLOR

JABIRU

Join us in welcoming the 2014 Black Dog Riders including MICK HUTTON from Jabiru Fire Station

MANINGRIDA’S Ben “Baru” Pascoe has many roles. Apart from being the newly

elected Chair of the Maningrida Local Authority, Baru is a talented musician, an Elder of the Mardarrpa clan, a Djunggay (caretaker of his mother’s song lines and totems) and a grandfather.

And if that’s not enough, Baru is also Maningrida’s Indigenous Engagement Officer (IEO).

IEOs are employed by the Australian Government as the bridge between their community and Government.

“Based on my experiences in working in education, community safety and health, I knew that being an IEO would allow me to help my Maningrida Local Authority Chair Ben ‘Baru’ Pascoe.

BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIEScountrymen to close the gap, get kids to school and help people get real jobs,” Baru said.

Baru has found his extensive knowledge of Mardarrpa culture is an important asset for his community.

“I teach Balanda (non-Indigenous people) about Maningrida, its clans, culture, language, skin names, totems and ceremonies, so programs are designed and delivered in culturally appropriate ways,” he said.

In return, Baru says he has increased his computer skills and learnt about the workings of bureaucracy from non-Indigenous Government staff. He sees his work with Balanda as crucial to the future of Maningrida.

“Together we form a bridge between community and Government, engaging with both worlds. We have a much better chance of closing the gap when we work together and share and learn from each other’s experiences and skills,” Baru said.

Baru wants Maningrida to become more self-sufficient by helping locals gain the skills they need to do the jobs Balanda currently do in the community.

“We had a Child and Family Centre built here recently, with locals hired as builders. This not only meant jobs in the community but gave us a sense of ownership,” Baru said. “The centre can teach mothers to raise healthy kids and we can feel confident doing this using traditional ways as well, like using natural resources such as bush tucker and marine foods.”

Baru was elected Chair of the Maningrida Local Authority at their inaugural meeting at the West Arnhem Regional Council offices in Maningrida on 16 July. The next Local Authority meeting will be held in Maningrida on Wednesday 17 September.

via www.indigenous.gov.au

“We have a much better chance of closing the gap when we work together”

A NEW uranium mine in Western Australia’s Little Sandy Desert has been given conditional approval by the Environmental Protection Authority.

EPA chairman Paul Vogel said the Kintyre Uranium Project had been thoroughly scrutinised during an environmental impact assessment.

The Cameco Australia project would be located 270km northeast of Newman, in the East Pilbara, with an expected mine life of

about 13.5 years.

With uranium export banned by the Fremantle council, the oxide will be transported to the Port of Adelaide.

The EPA has r e c o m m e n d e d conditions to ensure the project does not affect fauna including the bilby, mulgara and rock wallaby.

The report to the Environment Minister is now open for a public appeal period, closing on August 11.

NEW URANIUM MINE TO GO AHEAD IN WA


ph 8979 0168 fax 8979 0134 e [email protected] [email protected]

GUNBALANYA SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB

Your licensed community club!

• Bar hours

Tues & Wed 4:30 - 7:30pm

Fri & Sat 5:30 - 8:30pm

• Closed Sun, Mon & Thurs

• Snack food available all times

• Hamburgers and steaks Fri & Sat

• Mid-strength & light beers, soft drink juices & water

• 9 clean & tidy self-contained units

Social tennismixed games from 5.30pm at the JSSC

call Phil 0414 842 367or Steve 0427 381 172for details

WEDNESDAYS

HOME and Community Care (HACC) staff at Warruwi held a goodbye gathering for popular trainer Rebekah Farmer (Becky) recently.

Sadly for staff at Warruwi Crèche, Becky has taken up a position in the Solomon Islands for 12 months.

West Arnhem Regional Council HACC Coordinator Chrissie Nichols said staff gave Becky a fond farewell and hope she keeps in touch.

“Becky had been providing Child Care training to Warruwi Child care staff for a number of years and had developed a close bond with staff,” Chrissie said. “We wish her well in her new adventure and look forward to meeting the new trainer in the near future.”

Becky, who works for the Batchelor Institute, was at Warruwi in June, providing Warruwi Child Care Staff training in Certificate III in Child Care for John Pearson’s Consulting.

Childcare trainer Rebekah (Becky) Farmer (centre, red shirt) with trainees at Warruwi Creche (back row) Annie, Relma, Frankie, Mobie (middle row) Chrissie, Relma, Tessa and (front row) David.

FOND FAREWELL FOR CHILDCARE TRAINER


West Arnhem Regional Council’s Chris Gust installing the sprinkler system for the new lawn and seating area outside the Jabiru office.

Dylan Cooper, Lizzie Wauchope, Penny Townsend, Liz Donnelly and Rita Flannery make use of the new table.

BEFORE ... ... AND AFTER

COUNCIL WORKERS GETTING BUMS ON SEATS


To apply: Visit the website below or phone 08 8982 9522www.westarnhem.nt.gov.au/employment

Email completed application to: vacancy @westarnhem.nt.gov.au

Indigenous people are encouraged to apply

LIVE & WORKARNHEM LAND& KAKADU•CommunitySafetyCoordinator–FullTime–Gunbalanya–Accommodation available – Close Friday 8 August 2014

•BroadcastingOfficer–PartTime–Maningrida–NoAccommodation available

•CommunityCareSeniorOfficer–FullTimex2Positions–Gunbalanya – No Accommodation available

•CommunitySafetyOfficer–FullTimex2Positions–Gunbalanya– No Accommodation available

•CommunitySafetySeniorOfficer–FullTime–Gunbalanya–NoAccommodation available

•CommunitySafetyTeamLeader–FullTime–Gunbalanya–NoAccommodation available

•PoolOfficer–FullTime–Maningrida–NoAccommodationavailable

To view any of the vacancies listed above please visit the WARC website at http://westarnhem.nt.gov.au/employment/

MARGARET SOMERVILLE DIES AGED 101

“She was the most wonderful woman that I ever come across.”Connie Cole

MARGARET Somerville, the missionary who led the 1942 exodus of children from Croker Island during World War

II, has died at the age of 101.

Ms Somerville is best known for her bravery in evacuating 95 Aboriginal children from an orphanage on Croker Island to avoid Japanese bombing.

Ms Somerville died on Wednesday 30 July at a nursing home on the NSW Central Coast.

As recorded in her book They Crossed a Continent and the ABC documentary Croker Island Exodus, Ms Somerville guided the group overland, at one stage walking across almost 100 kilometres of the country that was to become Kakadu National Park, after government trucks sent to pick them up became stuck.

The group then travelled from Pine Creek to Alice Springs, then on to Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.

The Governor-General, Quentin Bryce, has described the trek as “one of the greatest of all Australian stories of love and compassion.’’

Ms Somerville’s service to young Aboriginal people was recognised by the Queen when she was named a Member of the British Empire.

She was the first Australian woman to be presented with the Battle of Australia medallion.

A scene from the film Croker Island Exodus, which documents Margaret Somerville’s evacuation of 95 indigenous children from the island during World War II.

Two women who took part in the 44-day journey in 1942, spurred by the Japanese bombing of Darwin, say the memories of the journey will never leave them.

Speaking at the Sydney Film Festival premiere of Croker Island Exodus in 2012, Alice Briston and Jessie Lyons, then in their 80s, recalled their group canoeing across a crocodile-infested river, tussling over who would eat a dead goanna, discovering leeches in a waterhole they were drinking from and walking barefoot for days across rugged terrain.

“It’s something you’ll never forget – I still can picture some parts,” Ms Lyons said.

Ms Briston added: “It’s amazing we made it. At that age, y’know. We were travelling with nothing. It seemed a long way … no shoes, nothin’.”

At that age – many were under 12 – it seemed more a big excursion than frightening experience.

“I don’t think we were scared,” Lyons said. “I got more scared just going back there [to Kakadu] and seeing what we went through.”

Chief executive of the Somerville Community Services charity, Vicki O’Halloran, told ABC News last week she was proud to have known Ms Somerville.

Ms O’Halloran said Ms Somerville had strong religious faith and realised on Monday that she was ailing.

The 101-year-old, who had no children of her own, indicated to her brother on Monday that she did not have much time left and that she wanted him to be close.

“She was ready to go on her new journey,” Ms O’Halloran said.

“Her legacy does live on, and what I gain strength from was that she had enormous faith,” she said.

Connie Cole, one of the last survivors of the Croker Island exodus, told ABC Radio Ms Somerville and two other missionaries defied orders for the children in her care to remain at the mission after the bombing of Pearl Harbour.

“The message came over from Darwin to all the mission islands, and the message we received at Croker Island that the European children were to be evacuated down south and the half-caste children were to remain until further notice, that’s us Croker Island children,” she said.

“The staff had a meeting and said they would not go without the children.”

The Stolen Generation survivor said that life was hard on the mission, though preferable to the horrific treatment she received at Darwin’s Kahlin Compound.

But she had nothing but praise for Ms Somerville.

“She was the most wonderful woman that I ever come across,” she said.

West Arnhem Wire - Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang

12


West Arnhem Wire - Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang 13

SPORT and recreation activities are a fantastic part of the West Arnhem lifestyle.

Encouraging children to participate in sport, recreation and cultural pursuits can help foster teamwork and build personal endeavor and skills, as well as being good fun and keeping active.

To support this, the Northern Territory Government has introduced some changes to the Sports Vouchers Scheme.

In April this year, the government announced the scheme had been expanded to two $100 vouchers issued twice a year for every school-aged student in the Territory.

And in a change to the previous scheme, the vouchers can now be used for recreation and cultural activities such as swimming and music lessons, girl guides and scouts, as well as sporting activities.

Vouchers are redeemable at sport, recreation and cultural organisations registered with the Department of Sport, Recreation and Racing.

NT Chief Minister Adam Giles said as part of the $5 million Sports Vouchers expansion more sport, recreation, cultural and arts activities were now covered by the scheme.

“It’s great to see recreation activities like rock climbing have already signed up to the new scheme,” Mr Giles said on a visit to the Rock Centre, which is the latest Darwin business to register. the vouchers would help drive down the cost of living for Territory families.

“We’ve more than doubled the popular $75 Sports Vouchers to a total of $200 per year per child which is great news for the family budget,” Mr Giles said. “Now there is even more choice for families and their children to stay healthy and active.”

Parliamentary Secretary and Member for Daly Gary Higgins said children in remote areas would also benefit from the scheme.

“Sports Voucher funding is allocated directly to remote schools per enrolled student to use on new sport, recreation or cultural programs and activities,” Mr Higgins said.

“The $100 Sport Vouchers can be used for registration, essential equipment and uniform costs at any registered sporting or recreation club, group or organisation.”

Sports Vouchers are available for every enrolled, school-aged child across the NT from preschool to Year 12 in both government and non-government schools. For more information go to www.sportvoucher.nt.gov.au or call 1800 045 678.

BIG BOOST TO SPORTS VOUCHERS

The Tour de Arnhem Land riders at the start of their epic ride from Nhulunbuy to Jabiru. The riders hope to arrive at the Jabiru Golf Club on Saturday 2 August.

AN intrepid heptet of riders making a bicycle trek across Arnhem Land are planning to end their trip at the Jabiru

Golf Club on Saturday 2 August.

The Tour De Arnhem Land Riders hope to make the 754km journey in just 8 days, after setting off from Nhulunbuy on Saturday 26 July.

The route will takes them to from the north east of Arnhem Land into the heart of Kakadu via Flat Rock, Little Goyder, Murwangi, Blythe, Coopers Creek and finally onto the Golfie at Jabiru.

One of the organisers, Ali Thorn, said the trek was the fourth ride of its kind in Arnhem Land.

“The riders and crew are excited to be embarking on the adventure once again,” Ali said.

“Tour De Arnhem Land 2014 is a fundraiser for local health services in Arnhem Land. The riders will be on the road for eight days, averaging

90km a day, with the longest day 133km.”

The riders were “stoked” to have been granted a permit from the Northern Land Council for the picturesque ‘Top Track’, she said.

Ed Verdel, one of the organisers of the event said a total of seven riders, two backup crew members and a St Johns Ambulance Volunteer were participating in this year’s event.

“The Tour is not a race but a test of endurance and one of self, and a rare opportunity to take part in the pristine beauty of Arnhem Land,” he said. In the latest update on the morning of Wednesday 30 July, via their facebook page at “tourdearnhemland”, rider Sarah Bentley said all riders were “travelling well”.

“Sore and very dusty but all in one piece,” she wrote. “Some great scenery, photos to come!”

After a brief respite at the Jabiru Golf Club, the cyclists are planning to drive back to Gove Sunday 3 August.

CYCLISTS CRANKING ON THROUGH ARNHEM LAND


14 West Arnhem Wire - Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang

CLOSE ENCOUNTER OF THE NETBALL KIND

Kakadu fun run & walk Sunday 31 August 2014

5km run/walk or 10km runWho: Everyone (prams permitted)Start times: 7:30am 5km run/walk, 8:00am 10km run. Where: Start/finish at the Jabiru Sports and Social Club How much: $30 per adult, $15 per child (U/16), $75 per family (2 x adults & 2 x U/16). Children U/3 free.

REGISTRATION OPENS 31 JULY at www.facebook.com/KakaduFunRun

Registrations close 25 August

ENJOY THE COOL KAKADU MORNINGS AND SUPPORT THE JABIRU COMMUNITY BY

PARTICIPATING IN THIS LOCAL COMMUNITY EVENT. PROCEEDS GO TOWARDS

RESURFACING THE JABIRU SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB MULTI-PURPOSE COURTS

Volunteers will be needed for drink stations and pre- and post-race setup. If you’re interested in lending a hand please contact Pat Carrick on 0437 426 451.

www.facebook.com/KakaduFunRun

THE Reluctant Champs will meet defending champions Kia Kaha in the grand final of the Jabiru Mixed Netball

season on Tuesday 5 August after both teams made it through the semis on 29 August.

In a bit of a boilover in the previous week, the Reluctant Champs – who until then had been undefeated - went down to Kakadon’t in a close 14-12 game, setting up Kakadon’t in a semi-final clash with Kia Kaha.

But the 2012 and 2013 defending champions Kia Kaha dashed the finals hopes of Kakadon’t with a resounding 20-5 victory.

The real highlight of the night was the exciting match-up between Reluctant Champs and JASmonStars.

The two teams went at it goal-for-goal, with the Champs down two goals at the end of the third quarter. Well into the fourth quarter, with the score locked at 22-all.

With just three minutes to go, the Champs stepped up the pace, and with a couple of their trademark lightning passages of play, squeezed past the Stars to win by just two goals, with a scoreline at the final whistle of 24-22.

A huge ‘thank you’ must go to netball referee Umima Austral from Darwin, who stepped up to the plate to ensure a high standard of clean play from all four teams.

Well done to all of the teams that didn’t quite make it into the finals, in particular a big shout out to the folks from Djidbidjidbi and Merle Merle who completed their first full seasons of netball.

So the stage is set for the top two teams of the regular season in what should be a close encounter of the netballing kind commencing at 6.15pm at the JSSC courts. Hope to see you there!

Reluctant Champs captain Anthony Reid (right) puts one away in the semi-final match against JASmonStars.

Action in the first of the semi-finals between Kia Kaha and Kakadon’t (in green).

Reluctant Champs look ready to take on Kia Kaha in the Grand Final on Tuesday.

2014 GURRUNG SPORTS CARNIVAL

5 - 6 SEPTEMBER 2014

NOMINATE BY AUG 29

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN

PRIZES FOR YOUR TEAM!

Women’s Basketball $75Men’s Basketball $75Men’s AFL $150

Team name and contact details

Team name:

Contact name:

Community/Town:

Telephone:

Mobile:

Email:

NOMINATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY 29 AUGUST FAX: 08 8979 2488 or EMAIL: [email protected]

CONTACT IAN FOR ASSISTANCE WITH ACCOMMODATION 0459 821 960

We thank our sponsors:

- - - TEAR OFF THIS PAGE FOR REGISTRATION FORM - - -


2014 GURRUNG SPORTS CARNIVAL

5-6 SEPTEMBER

Held in Jabiru, with a focus on young people aged 16-25, the Gurrung Sports Carnival features teams from across our region, Darwin boarding schools and other Top End communities.

To register your team, or for more information contact: Ian Douglass on 8979 9466 or 0459 821 960 or [email protected]

MEN’S AFL MEN’S BASKETBALLWOMEN’S BASKETBALL

PRESENTED BY WEST ARNHEM REGIONAL COUNCIL

JABIRU BOMBERS

WEST ARNHEM’S PREMIER REGIONAL SPORTS EVENT

REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN!

THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN PRIZES! REGISTRATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY AUGUST 29

NOMINATE BY

AUG 29 FOR A CHANCE TO WIN

PRIZES FOR YOUR

TEAM!

* TEAR OFF THIS PAGE FOR REGISTRATION FORM ON OTHER SIDE *

Documents

KAKADU GROOVES - territorystories.nt.gov.auterritorystories.nt.gov.au/bitstream/10070/250903/1/Wire.pdf · Sarah Martin Design displayed a range of handmade jewellery, screen printed