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

wire@westarnhem.nt.gov.au 08 8979 9465 Published by West Arnhem Regional Council Edition 339 9 - 22 October - 2015

MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 10 >

BOMBERS KNOCK OFF BANKS

INSIDE thIS EDItION

West Arnhem’s predominantly Indigenous road crew is pushing on to Murganella.

A new social media project is maintaining Indigenous language and promoting youth literacy.

We join an Army Reservist from Maningrida on patrol with Exercise Northern Shield.

Jabiru locals show their support for CareFlight by donating points from their store loyalty cards.

ROAD CREWS MAKE thE GRADE

KEEPING LANGUAGE StRONG

ON PAtROL IN OUR NORth

CARE IS IN thE AIR IN JABIRU

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GO GIRLS!

END OF AN ERA?

TWO students from West Arnhem have joined a national walk to raise

awareness and funds for the Girls Academy, a program that helps young indigenous girls finish high school.

Zoe Nganjmirra from the Gunbalanya Girls Academy, and Nikkita Hardy, a Year 10 Girls Academy student from Jabiru, flew to Sydney over the school holidays to walk a stretch of the Sydney harbour foreshore and climb the harbour bridge.

Girls Academy West Arnhem College Senior Development Officer Shari Aluni said the local girls were proud to take part in the event, which was held on 29 September.

“The girls were part of a 30-strong group of Girls Academy students from across Western Australia and the Northern Territory who walked from Anzac Bridge via Barangaroo finishing at the Opera House stairs,” Shari said.

“They enjoyed catching up with the other girls, and the feedback we received was the girls were well presented and performed really well for the whole trip.”

She said the Girls Academy empowers female Indigenous students by equipping them with the tools to realise their full potential.

In 2013, the Girls Academy in Gunbalanya in Arnhem Land celebrated two girls

graduating from high school for the first time ever.

This year, nine girls will graduate.

The organisation is trying to attract increased funding from State and Federal Governments, as well as corporate supporters.

The program works by placing specially trained mentors in schools, who help the girls push through to graduation.

However Girls Academy founder Ricky Grace says the organisation doesn’t have the funds to hire more mentors.

“A lot of corporations and governments are supporting many boys programs by the number of six to one, so we need to gain more support for Indigenous girls programs,” Mr Grace said.

“The women are the catalyst for change in these regional and remote areas, so if you support and develop a girl you will support and develop a community,” he said.

Girls Academy students from West Arnhem have joined a walk in Sydney to raise awareness of the program, which is seeing an increase in the number of local graduates.

Nikkita Hardy and Zoe Nganjmirra.

A warning sign at Ranger Mine.

ERA says it ‘respects the decision’ of the Mirrar people, who have rejected an extension to its uranium mining lease beyond 2021. The Mirarr decision comes just two weeks after a ‘controlled burn’ at the Ranger Mine escaped containment lines and burned through Kakadu National Park, reportedly threatening cultural sites. SEE STORY, PAGE 3 >

The West Arnhem Wire | 9 - 22 October 2015

what’s on

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

oCtoBER14-21 Kakadu Bird Weekthu 15 toy Library and Fun Bus visit, Lake Jabiru Park 10am-12pmsat 17 West Arnhem Girls Academy Car Wash, Foodland Jabiru car park 9am-11amsat 17 Movie Night Fundraiser for Kate, Jabiru Area School MPAtue 20 Playgroup, Jabiru Courthouse 9.30-11amsat 24 Pink Ribbon Awareness Day Ambrose, Jabiru Golf Club 10.00amsat 24 Pink Ribbon Awareness Day ladies’ lunch, Jabiru Golf Club 12.30pmsat 24 National Garage Sale trail

noVEMBERtues 3 Melbourne Cup Day Fri 6 GREAtS Youth Centre Dance Off Competition, Maningrida town hall, 7pmsun 11 Remembrance Day

DECEMBERsat 5 Jabiru Community Children’s Christmas Party, Alberto Luglietti Memorial Pool Jabirusat 5 International Volunteer Daytue 8 Jabiru Firies Christmas Lolly RunFri 25 Christmas DayMon 28 Boxing Day Public holiday

wEEKLY tuesdays Footy training Brockman Oval 5.30pmtuesdays Cricket training Arnhem Oval Jabiru 5.30pm tuesdays Jabiru Art & Craft, Youth Centre 7.30pmtuesdays Playgroup, Jabiru Courthouse 9.30-11amwednesdays Junior Soccer, Magela Oval 6.00pm thursdays Footy training Brockman Oval 5.30pm thursdays Cricket training Arnhem Oval Jabiru 5.30pmthursdays Pick the Joker Jabiru Golf Club 6.30pmthursdays Pool comp $100 Jabiru Golf Club 6.30pm thursdays Membership Draw, Jabiru Sports & Social Club from 7.30pmFridays Meat tray raffle, JSSCFridays Badge draw, raffles, meat trays Jabiru Golf Club Fridays Pool comp $10 entry winner takes all JSSCFri-sun Lunch at JSSC2nd & 4th sunday of the month Lunch and Membership Wheel, win meat trays JSSC

JABIRU SChOOL REUNIONJulie Sanim and Raelene Marshall get photobombed by Keiron Gould at the 2015 Jabiru School Reunion on Saturday 26 September. Students from the classes of 1978 to 1998 came together in Jabiru to tear up the town with four days of fun and celebrations, reconnecting with old friends and retracing the events of their school days. They visited the school fete, toured the town on bicycles, enjoyed a disco, a reunion dinner.

Cr Daisy Yarmirr.

Jabiru Playgroup has moved to the Courthouse, every Tuesday from 9.30 - 11am.

2

A S T A u n C H representative for the people

of Minjilang, Cr Daisy Yarmirr was born and raised on Croker Island.

Daisy is dedicated to improving the health and education of the Indigenous people of West Arnhem.

Raised in Minjilang speaking both English and Margu, Daisy attended Mamaruni School on Croker Island alongside members of the Stolen Generation, who had been moved there from their homelands in line with government policy at the time.

From 1965, Daisy worked at the Minjilang Health Clinic before graduating as a qualified midwife in Katherine.

Rather than going to Darwin to pursue her studies and further her career, Daisy chose to stay on Croker Island, where she is a Traditional Owner, to be close to her people and her family.

She was Chairperson of the Minjilang Community Council before it was incorporated into West Arnhem Shire Council in 2008.

In October 2013, Daisy was elected unopposed as Barrah Ward Councillor in a by-election following the passing of her sister, who

was also a Councillor.In her role as a Councillor with West

Arnhem Regional Council, Daisy remains a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights, and represents all people of Croker Island, regardless of their clan or language group.

out about

MEEt YoUR CoUnCILLoR: DaIsY YaRMIRR

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 wire@westarnhem.nt.gov.au.

&

RESIDEnTS in the coastal communities of Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang are being warned to be on the lookout for aluminium canisters containing a dangerous toxin.

Since February 2012, the small, unlabelled canisters have washed up along the coast in the Torres Strait, Queensland, new South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania.

In the last few months canisters have come ashore in the Western Cape York region.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority is warning members of the public of the potential dangers posed by toxic canisters.

The canisters, believed to have come

from an unreported shipping cargo loss, contain a rat poison known as ‘aluminium phosphide’, a white to grey solid hazardous to humans.

When the canister is opened, the powder reacts with moisture in the air to release phosphine gas, which is also highly toxic to humans.

The canisters are silver in colour and approximately 22 centimetres tall with a screw-in lid.

Although most canisters are airtight, there have been examples where the seals have broken, presenting a serious danger.

Canisters should not be moved or opened and any sightings should be reported to emergency services on 000.

POISON CANIStERS MAY WASh UP ON OUR ShORES: AMSA

The West Arnhem Wire | 9 - 22 October 2015

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

tRaGIC EnD In sEaRCh FoR MIssInG Man

The fire burns between Ranger Mine and the Jabiru townsite.

LEasE EXtEnsIon UP In sMoKE

FAMILIES in Gunbalanya are in mourning following the death of a 28-year-old man who went missing from the Jim Jim Rangers’ Station in Kakadu national Park on Saturday 3 October.

Police Superintendent Craig Barrett said the man was located on Monday 12 October approximately 26km from his last known location.

“Police members from the Territory Response Group with the assistance of local officers, emergency services, Kakadu rangers, traditional land owners and staff from the nearby Cooinda Resort conducted extensive land and aerial searches.

“Northern Territory Police would like to thank everybody involved in the search. Their time and effort is greatly appreciated and the result will provide some closure to the family.”

The hearing-impaired man was travelling with two others from Pine Creek to Gunbalanya when their vehicle broke down on the Kakadu Highway.

They stayed the night at the Jim Jim Ranger station.

The man went for a walk on Saturday night and did not return.

Police were notified on Wednesday night and a search of the area began on Thursday.

A file is being prepared for the Coroner.

PLAnS for continued uranium mining in Kakadu are up in smoke,

with Traditional Owners rejecting any extension to the Energy Resources of Australia Ranger Mine lease beyond 2021.

In June this year, ERA flagged it would seek the extension to help make its proposed Ranger 3 Deeps underground expansion economically viable.

At the time, majority shareholder Rio Tinto said it did not support further mining at Ranger, instead backing the rehabilitation of the site, set amongst the World Heritage-listed Kakadu national Park.

On Thursday 15 October, Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation advised ERA that the Mirarr Traditional Owners did not support the extension to the Ranger Authority, but were instead “in full agreement with the direction that Rio Tinto wants ERA to take”.

“The Mirarr cannot consider any possible extension to the authority to mine on the Ranger project area in the absence of support from ERA’s major shareholder, Rio Tinto,” the GAC statement read.

“The Mirarr now require certainty that ERA has access to the funds necessary to discharge its rehabilitation obligations.”

In a statement to the ASX the same day, ERA said it “respects the views of the Traditional Owners and will undertake a review of its business in light of their decision”.

ERA said it was assessing whether the decision would impair the company’s assets.

The existing Ranger Authority permits mining and processing until January 2021, and

rehabilitation until January 2026, with the support of the Mirarr seen as a significant part of the licence to operate.

The recent developments come just a fortnight after a planned weed management burn escaped containment lines at the Ranger Mine site.

Leading Firefighter at Jabiru Fire Station Mike Martin said fire officers responded to a call for assistance from ERA at 12.43pm Thursday 1 October.

ERA also contacted Parks Australia, agreeing to cover the cost of aerial water bombardment to help control the blaze, which burned close to the Ranger Mine village south of Jabiru Airport before spreading south through

Kakadu national Park. GAC Chief Executive Justin O’Brien said

Mirarr traditional owners were angry this had been allowed to happen on their lands.

He said the late dry season fire burned with more heat and torched trees used for habitat by endangered species, as well as threatening sites of cultural significance.

A fire weather forecast issued at 4pm Wednesday 30 September rated the fire danger in Jabiru as “very high” with expected wind gusts up to 35km/h.

“A congenital idiot would have known not to do this on that day,” Mr O’Brien said.

He said common sense should have prevailed.“ERA’s failure to contain this fire demonstrates

that nature does not discriminate between a uranium mining lease and a world heritage listed national park,” he said.

“This is one continuous landscape and this situation has huge implications for the future rehabilitation of the mine site.”

The West Arnhem Wire | 9 - 22 October 2015

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

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The West Arnhem Wire acknowledges the traditional owners of country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders, past, present and future.

The Wire is the only regular source of news and information in the Kakadu and West Arnhem Land region. More than 800 copies are distributed fortnightly to Jabiru, Warruwi, Minjilang, Maningrida and Gunbalanya.

Our electronic edition goes out to more than 600 individual email addresses across West Arnhem Land and the Top End.

The Wire accepts advertising from businesses and government organisations. Placement of ads is subject to editorial and Council policy.

Our competitive rates start from as little as $60 (including GST). Call 08 8979 9465 today or email wire@westarnhem.nt.gov.au to discuss how we can help you spread your messages around West Arnhem Land.

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West Arnhem Regional Council PO Box 721 JABIRU NT 0886

www.westarnhem.nt.gov.au

Call (08) 8979 9465 or email wire@westarnhem.nt.gov.au

Road crew and operators Bob Namundanga, Duncan Dennis, Isaac Girrabul, Mattiniah Garnlangarr, Scott Maralngurra, Benji Burranali, Alfred Gawaraidji, Terry Nami, Adrian Virt and Richard Narwirr with Ralph from CDU (orange vest) after completing their training. The new WARC grader in action.

Mattiniah Garnlangarr.

RoaD CREw MaKInG thE GRaDEWEST Arnhem

Regional Council road crews

working on the Murganella Road have successfully completed their Traffic Management Work Zone 2 and 3 and white card training.

Project Manager Claire Smerdon said the training, which was held on-site in a demountable crib hut, was facilitated by Charles Darwin university.

“We had 100 percent attendance, with everyone turning up on time,” Claire said.

“This has resulted in seven full-time Indigenous positions on the road crew.”

There are also six Indigenous plant operators working on the road project, she said.

Project administrator Clem Beard said the crews were now pushing on with upgrade works and meeting construction targets.

“The workers live on site and work six days per week,” Clem told The Wire.

“We have ablution blocks and a full-time cook at the camp, which we will be looking to move up near

Murganella as the project nears completion.”

He said new plant and equipment, including a grader, had been brought in and put straight to use.

“This equipment is now bringing in revenue that the Regional Council can use for other works in communities around West Arnhem,” Clem said.

“The project is currently on schedule, with the crew hitting the 20-kilometre mark in the third week of construction.

“Their efficiency is getting better every week.”

REMEMBERING ‘BIG BILL’Thanks for sending another edition of The Wire. I always enjoy reading your stories and reports. This time reading about the launch of Bill Neidjie’s new book in Canberra is just wonderful!

I have met Bill at the Border Store shortly before he passed away and was pleased to spend a whole afternoon with him. We were looking at a book that I just bought (Kakadu, Looking after the Country – The Gagudju Way) and he explained every single photograph printed, to me.

I am also the proud owner of his book called Story about Feeling and read the poems hundreds of times.

Few months ago when I travelled the Northern Territory I saw Gagudju Man - Bill Neidjie at the Bowali Visitor Centre and guess, I bought that as well.

All that I am missing is the new book

about him, I must have missed it while I was up there.

I just love that man’s knowledge and spirit. He is such a great loss to the world!

However, it was nice to meet you in Jabiru and travelling through Kakadu and the nT. Time for you to meet my new Northern Territory friend!

CheersInge Gajczak

Pittsworth QLD

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

5West Arnhem Wire - Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang

The West Arnhem Wire | 9 - 22 October 2015

Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm

Venue: Wurdurd Community Centre, corner of Gregory Place & Leichardt Street (next to BP Service Station)

For more info: Lise Seini 0426 077 493

The Jabiru Art & Craft Group meets every Tuesday evening except during school holidays.

THE remoteness of Western Australia’s North West Cape is no match for Corporal James Woods, who calls

Maningrida home.A Community Probation Parole Officer

with the Department of Community Corrections, James enjoys his job, but treats his Army Reserve work as something entirely different.

“I get to see the country, get accommodation, a feed and am paid to see it – I can’t ask for more than that,” he says.

James is a Patrol Commander in charge of a small, six-man unit conducting surveillance and reconnaissance patrols throughout the region for Exercise northern Shield.

Posted with the north-West Mobile Force, better known as norforce, James has been seconded to the Pilbara Regiment for the duration of the exercise.

“We do reconnaissance and surveillance on certain activities that may be present within our boundaries of where we are patrolling,” he says.

“Today I have been tasked to do clearance of a surveillance area which could be of interest for enemy activities within the Exmouth vicinity as part of the exercise.”

The Pilbara Regiment and Norforce are Regional Force Surveillance units that operate in the remote areas of Australia’s north and northwest.

Their role is to gain information by observation, so local knowledge of the area is crucial.

“We do a bit of tracking and movement through the environment and also

communicating between ourselves during the patrol in order to succeed in our tasks.

“And when the real crunch comes we’ll know what to do and how to support each other,” James says.

The success of their mission relies on the team working well together so James needs to take command of his team quickly even when he hasn’t worked with them before.

“The hardest thing is giving orders, it doesn’t come naturally,” he says.

“But I’m in the role now as Patrol Commander so I am enjoying that, I like it. There’s a lot of decision making.

“The relationship between the guys is excellent. We’ve given each other skills and learnt how we all operate and succeed in what we are tasked to do.”

Back home in Maningrida, James lives with his wife Melva and six children and is also expecting his third grandchild.

“I enjoy what I do. I love it because of tradition, family and I want it to continue for the younger generation.”

“nORFORCE has a long history and I want to keep it going and I am hoping to be a role model for my kids and my community back at home.”

RESERvE SERvIcE LEaDS TO RaRE ExpERIEncES

Army Reserve Patrol Commander James Woods from Maningrida.

The West Arnhem Wire | 9 - 22 October 2015

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

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NOuRLANGIE SAfARI CAMP, EPISODE 8from the diaries of flemming Jensen 1968-69Reproduced with permission: Kakadu National Park Cultural Heritage & Biodiversity Management Unit

In the previous episode, Allan flew to Darwin leaving Pat and Flemming to deal with buffaloes and bogged cars.

friday 17 January 1969Things were going well from the early morning as we waited for important guests. There was cleaning and the old Holden was cleaned and fixed a little. We were really trying to make everything all right

And what happened? They arrived and after having been here exactly

one hour they took off again and most of the time they had stayed outside the camp. We had expected that they would be here all day, with lunch and so on, but they surprised us. It must have been an expensive hour for the Australian government to send five people in addition to flying, but that is the way it is when the Government pays.

Now I have got the afternoon off and I decided to go wild pig hunting but I had no luck with me, I did not even see one. My idea was to go up to the place where we shot the buffalo the other day as they usually stick to such a carcass.

Well, I will get one another day.

Saturday 18th January 1969 Here I sit and write my diary and the rain is pouring down. There is lightning and thunder and everything is “sky and sea” but I do not care. I’m tired but very happy, damn happy and satisfied to have managed to get the Nissan back on the track today which in turn was abandoned.

Pat and I worked hard all day, the storm hanging over our heads. But the weather held and we got the Nissan and the Holden home safe and in one piece. It was a nice feeling to get it back on the track. Now I could leave it out of my mind and feel happy, not having the thoughts about having the Nissan stuck in the mud for the rest of the wet season.

We had taken the 303 rifle with us. If we had the time we would try to shoot a buffalo but it did not happen. Of course we saw a lot on the way home but we did not have time, we wanted to go home before dark and preferably before the storm came up.

When we got home Pat was close to stepping on a snake (a swamp tiger). She screamed, but she is forgiven because it is one of the most toxic.

If you get bitten you should try to get the blood to run by stabbing or cutting where it has bitten and

otherwise you can only hope. The city has serum, here it is different. It was sadly missing when I arrived with the double-barreled gun.

Now that we know it is there, it is almost worse but now I will be on guard.

Sunday 19th January 1969After nearly two weeks in the mud the Nissan had to be fixed. I hope that Irving gives my bike a game with oil and water once in a while. Irving is my friend and he has borrowed my new bike while I am travelling. It took most of the day interrupted only by drinking breaks.

When it was finished in the afternoon we had sudden unexpected guests so they were picked up at the airfield in a clean and graceful carriage.

One of the guests would like to have a swim in the billabong but after we had told her about the crocs, she did not talk about swimming at all. Instead we took her and a few others out on the billabong as it is really beautiful out here in the afternoon.

There was a beautiful young girl and it got me thinking a little of Alice (my girlfriend at home). It is really a long time since I’ve been out with a girl. I have to catch up with that later.

Fortunately the guests were here for not too long and they left with the plane before it got dark. It suited Pat and me just fine because we were pretty tired.

Pat knew the pilot and she had asked him to look at the lawn mower which was broken. He had found the error and would send the new part, a magnet (when and how I do not know).

In the next episode, Flemming gets his first “buff”.

By LAUREN MELLOR

CAMP Concern was born as a protest camp in 1975 in support of Aboriginal communities concerned about impending Commonwealth plans for uranium mining in the Alligator Rivers region of the Northern Territory.

The camp, within the boundaries of what was later to become Kakadu National Park, lasted four years and became an iconic reflection of the strong opposition from diverse regional communities working together to stop the imposition of Ranger uranium mine on their lands.

Despite sustained resistance, the mine went ahead, but

after 40 years of operational failures, leaks and industrial accidents, the recent cancellation of a proposed underground expansion at Ranger due to economic uncertainty means

uranium mining within Kakadu could soon be at an end.

Former Camp Concern participants invite everyone to join in on what will be an historical reunion gathering and

opportunity to discuss the past, present and post-mining future of this culturally and ecologically iconic part of the nT.

We will gather at the former protest camp site inside Kakadu from 24 - 30 October for a series of workshops, historical and contemporary political discussions on ecology and culture, films, shared meals and reminiscing.

Participants must RSVP to lauren.mellor@ecnt.org by 20 October to apply for permits to camp.

Contact Lauren on 0413 534 125 or lauren.mellor@ecnt.org for more information on camping arrangements, to RSVP, or to share historical materials.

‘CAMP CONCERN’ GATHERS FOR 40-YEAR REUNION

7West Arnhem Wire - Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang

The West Arnhem Wire | 9 - 22 October 2015

waRRUwI GEts REaDY FoR thE CYCLonE sEason

THE Healthy Skin Mob’s recent visit to Maningrida has brought some good news, with scabies rates down on 2014.

Shelley, Heidi and the Community Based Workers, who visited the community in August, say they hope that by sharing screening results and conducting regular education sessions people will come in to the clinic and seek treatment earlier.

“We believe the community is already starting to become more aware of the consequences of scabies and seeking treatment early and following through with treatment, as evident from the lower rates,” one of the Healthy Skin Mob workers said.

“However, compared to non-Indigenous regions of the country, the rates of scabies are still significantly higher in Arnhem Land, and we’d like to work towards to reducing these further.

“We conduct fortnightly education sessions at FaFT (Families as First Teachers-Indigenous Parenting Support Services Program) and preschool in Maningrida, and will commence

education sessions at the school in Term 4.

“Our next skin screening in Maningrida is due for January 2016.”

Healthy Skin Mob makes regular visits to Gunbalanya, Minjilang, Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Warruwi, Milingimbi and Ramingining.

West Arnhem residents with any skin worries can visit their local health clinic or talk to one of the Healthy Skin Mob.

“Healthy Skin Mob also offer education sessions at an individual, household, group or community level,” she said.

“Families can also make sure they regularly wash their linen, clothes and put their mattresses out in the sun, as scabies mites can sometimes survive on these surfaces.”

The health workers held skin education sessions in Gunbalanya earlier this month, and have a skin screening scheduled for Gunbalanya from 19-23 October.

Healthy Skin Mob thank West Arnhem Regional Council, Malabam Aboriginal Health Corporation, and Maningrida School for their support.

JABIRu Foodland and its customers are using their store loyalty cards to help keep

the aeromedical charity CareFlight in the air.

On Thursday 24 September, Foodland store manager Ken Jones handed over a cheque for $5446.50 to CareFlight fundraising manager Janine Birch, with most of that money coming from loyalty points.

Ken said the store cards, which have been in place since January 2014, were proving popular with locals.

“Customers can use their points for in-store deals, or elect to donate some or all of them to charity,” Ken said.

”Foodland management matches donations with a 50 percent bonus, and we will continue to do this next year.”

Ken said when asked which charity they wished to donate to, Jabiru customers had been overwhelmingly in favour of CareFlight.

Janine said donations from communities such as Jabiru were “hugely important” to the charity’s operations.

“When CareFlight gets donations at a

grassroots, community level like this, it means people are investing in us, and we can give more back in turn,” she said.

She said CareFlight would conduct two to three aeromedical evacuations from the Jabiru region, on average, each week.

“We receive great support here in Jabiru, with donations from the Kakadu Triathlon, which Jabiru Foodland also supports,” Janine said.

“We will be back at the triathlon in May next year, and 2016 will be a big one for us, as it is CareFlight’s 30th anniversary as an aeromedical charity in Australia.”

Jabiru Foodland store manager Ken Jones hands over a cheque to CareFlight fundraising manager Janine Birch. The funds come from customer donations of of loyalty card points, matched by Jabiru Foodland.

CAREFLIGht hELP IS ON thE CARDS

Healthy Skin Week Results: August 2015 Let’s work together to keep all our kids scabies free!

Scabies rates In Aug 2015 are less than in 2014.

Well done!

We screened

137 kids

Most of our kids are scabies free!

1/5 had scabies

1/5 had skin sores

Scabies rates were highest in under 1year olds. Make sure to take your baby to

FaFT and clinic for checkup.

Shelley, Heidi and the Community Based Workers will keep working to help Maningrida be scabies free!

HEALTHY SKIN MOB VISIT SEES GOOD RESuLTS

WORK is underway in Warruwi to prepare for the cyclone season, the West Arnhem Regional Council Works Team cleaning drains in the community and clearing the tip.

Council Services Manager Kupa Teao says there will be a half-day community cleanup on a Saturday in november, followed by a free barbecue, on a date to be advised.

“I am pleased that the draft emergency management plan for this community is ready to be signed off by the nTES Director, thanks to the support from Police, nTES and the Warruwi community,” Kupa said.

“The NT Government has now concluded its tender process for a new cyclone shelter on the island, and we are waiting to see who the successful contractors will be.”

He said he would look to hold a community meeting with Traditional Owners and elders to discuss strategies for the cyclone season, in the event that the shelter is not completed in time.

The West Arnhem Wire | 9 - 22 October 2015

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

8

THE Bininj are stone country and freshwater river people, with an ancient, living culture in West

Arnhem Land, and traditions that span thousands of years.

But – just like everyone else – Bininj mob love a good selfie and chatting on Facebook with their friends.

So, on Sunday 11 October, a new Facebook page was launched where Bininj can share their photos, along with news, events and stories in their own language.

As well as being a lot of fun, the Bininj Kunwok Language Project Facebook page helps maintain local Indigenous languages including Kunwinjku, Kundjeyhmi, Kuninjku and Mayali.

Dr Murray Garde, a linguist and anthropologist with the project, says using social media is part of a strategy to widen the orbit of traditional language use within the community, especially amongst younger Bininj people.

“We are hoping to encourage Bininj colleagues and friends to use it and post in their language, even if they are not sure about spelling,” Dr Garde said.

“This is part of a push – which we have been doing along with organisations like Children’s Ground – for greater vernacular

literacy, or literacy in the mothers’ tongue.”Dr Garde said as well as maintaining

language resources, there were educational benefits that came from people using their traditional language.

“Young people respond to an interest in

their language, and see it as worthwhile to keep speaking it,” he said.

“Research shows that people who learn to read and write in their traditional language as kids are more successful in learning to read and write in English.”

For those interested in learning more about the language project, visit bininjgunwok.org.au.

The Bininj Kunwok Language Project is auspiced by the West Arnhem Regional Council and funded by the Indigenous Languages Support program of the Australian Government’s Office for the Arts.

“Young people respond to an interest in their language”

“You couldn’t wipe the smile off her face!”

WHEn Paulette Burmarda began having difficulty getting around town, the local Gunbalanya Sports and Social Club decided to step in and help.

Paulette, who was born and raised in Gunbalanya, has an ongoing problem with her hips, and word of mouth got to the Club that she was unable to get around.

On Tuesday 29 September, the club’s licensee Alex Siebert presented Paulette with an electric wheelchair on behalf of the club for her personal use.

According to reports from staff, Paulette, who did not previously have a wheelchair, was pleased as punch with the gift.

“Wish you could have been here to see her get around in it – you couldn’t wipe the smile off her face!”

PaULEttE’s GIFt FRoM soME GooD sPoRts

BININJ fRIENDS KEEP LANGuAGE STRONG

To find the new page (above) search ‘Bininj Kunwok Language Project’ at facebook.com

Alex Siebert presents Paulette Burmarda with the electric wheelchair supplied by the Gunbalanya Sports and Social Club.

RESIDEnTS of Maningrida and Gunbalanya are set to benefit from improved water safety as part of a half-million dollar investment in the Royal Life Saving Society nT.

The Federal Government funding will see Indigenous people participating in water safety training at West Arnhem Regional Council’s Maningrida Pool and at the Gunbalanya Sports and Social Club.

The courses, which employ 30 Indigenous staff, include swimming, survival and water safety training for all school aged children in these communities, and a pool lifesaving programme for young people aged 15-24.

Minister for Indigenous Affairs, nigel Scullion, says the Territory has the highest rate of drowning in Australia.

“This funding of $504,300 over two years is about supporting remote communities to be healthy places to live where people can swim and enjoy the water safely,” he said.

POOL Of fuNDS fOR WATER SAfETY TRAINING

9West Arnhem Wire - Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang

The West Arnhem Wire | 9 - 22 October 2015

JaBIRU aREa ScHOOL FETE

waRRUwI CoMMUnItY sChooL nEws

The terror of the Haunted House ... kids enjoying the fete on 24 September.

Dianne Hay, Philippa Adams and and Robina Andrews from Westpac Jabiru, supporting the community and raising funds for the school.

Brando Westley from Year 7 student and Sally Luta from Year 12 with a new chook pen at Warruwi School, built with assistance from the West Arnhem Regional Council works crew. Staff and students at the school are hoping to get fresh eggs from the chickens as part of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program, which teaches the importance of preparing and cooking fresh food, or ‘Growing and Cooking Nungmalal Walij’.

HACC Team Leader Annie Luta collects her Jamalak Festival raffle prize at the school assembly on 16 September. WARC Essential Services Officer Mark Gavenlock won a Fly Tiwi return trip to Darwin in the raffle, which was a fundraiser for the school.

Emilia Markez (2) with face paint. Having a spin on the chocolate wheel.

Ellie and Ava Bloor with a new money box.

Marcia Brennan and Judy Djandjomerr (6) with fairy floss.

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

10

The West Arnhem Wire | 9 - 22 October 2015

Bird Week

Don’t miss out on: bird watching cruises - twitchathon - competitions

For more information: www.parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu/do/bird-week.html

14 to 21 October, 2015

FREE bird watching walks with Kakadu staff and bird experts7.30 am - 10.00 am Thurs 15 Oct Fri 16 Oct Sat 17 Oct Sun 18 Oct Mon 19 Oct

Ubirrwith

Tim Dolby

Nourlangiewith

Tim Dolby

Mamukala with

NT Bird Specialists

Jabiru Lakewith Tim Dolby

+Coffee and breakfast

available from 8.30 am (JUICE fundraiser $3 - $10)

Gubarawith

Tim Dolby*ends at

11am

FREE birdbath sessions (expert talks)WED 14 OCT: Escarpment Bar, Crocodile Hotel, 5pm - 6pmTOPIC: Key bird species of Kakadu and handy bird watching hintsPRESENTERS: Chris Purnell and Dan Weller, BirdLife Australia

THURS 15 OCT: Bowali Meeting Room, 12.30pm - 1.30pmTOPIC: Migratory shorebirds - where they come from, what makes them tick and how to tell them apartPRESENTER: Dan Weller

FRI 16 OCT: Escarpment Bar, Crocodile Hotel, 5pm - 6pmTOPIC: Where song beganPRESENTER: Tim Low

SAT 17 OCT: Jim Jim Room, Crocodile Hotel, 5pm - 6pmTOPIC: Australia’s Top 10 birdwatching spots - Kakadu focusPRESENTER: Tim Dolby + networking event from 6pm: glass of sparkling and canapes on the Jim Jim Room terrace. $35/person. To book: 8979 9000

THE new-look Maningrida Health Centre had its official opening on Thursday 1 October with a visit

from NT Health Minister John Elferink and Member for Arafura, Francis Xavier Kurrupuwu.

“It was great to join the Health Minister at the opening of the Maningrida Health Clinic extension,” Mr Kurrupuwu said.

“Good health is important to creating better lives for Indigenous people in my community.”

The additions include a new ambulance bay, a larger state of the art two bed Emergency Room, TeleHealth capabilities, a purpose-built renal room, a larger pharmacy and medications store and improved security, including a safe room.

Following discussions with locals, three new culturally appropriate clinical consultation rooms were developed, featuring separate waiting rooms to respect the need for privacy in the community.

Mr Elferink said the remote Territory health team could better deliver services in the newly refurbished centre.

“Maningrida is a major community here in the Top End and it is important that our health services can adequately serve this growing population,” Mr Elferink said.

The $1.9 million project was completed as part of the Commonwealth-funded $50.29 million program to upgrade 11 remote health centres across the nT.

Security was a major focus for patients and staff, with all rooms fitted with duress alarms. A purpose-built safe room offers patients and staff a place to take shelter should security problems arise.

Clinic Manager Kris McConnell-King said the upgrades helped streamline workflow, allowing staff to provide better clinical care for patients.

“An increase in desk space has allowed for twin monitors for each desktop computer, allowing staff to access both the client electronic record and our Primary Health Care manuals simultaneously,” Ms McConnell-King said.

““The proximity of the ambulance bay to the clinic provides much greater safety and security for staff and community members, featuring the remote controlled roller doors.

“One of the other great improvements is the upgraded pharmacy area which is approximately five times larger than the previous room, this provides greater safety and security of medicines.”

HERE’S TO YOuR HEALTH IN MANINGRIDA

“It is important that our health services can adequately serve this growing population”

Staff members celebrate the official opening of the newly refurbished and upgraded Maningrida Health Centre with Health Minister John Elferink and Member for Arafura Francis Kurrupuwu.

11West Arnhem Wire - Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang

The West Arnhem Wire | 9 - 22 October 2015

ph 8979 0168 fax 8979 0134 e guy@gssc.net.aue alex@gssc.net.au

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

Solomon Imeraganyan on the mic.

waRRUwI’s KInG oF thE aIRwaVEs sIGns oFFSOLOMON Imeraganyan is a name

well-known to radio audiences in Warruwi. A talented artist and

musician, Solomon has presided over the airwaves of South Goulburn Island since starting out as a broadcaster with the 106.1 station in the early 80s.

Well-educated, well-spoken and passionate about his work, Solomon has brought local news, views and information to his community through his chosen medium for many years.

Earlier this year, Solomon made the difficult decision to retire from West Arnhem Regional Council’s remote broadcasting service due to ill health.

He said he felt privileged to have had a rewarding career in a job he loves.

“It is hard leaving broadcasting – I have spent nearly half my life in radio,” Solomon told The Wire.

After completing his secondary schooling at Casuarina High School and Kormilda College, Solomon returned to Warruwi to work as a carpenter on the new housing projects of the 70s.

Soon after, he discovered his talent for broadcasting, and embarked on a remarkable career that has seen him travel, study and work across Australia.

Solomon gained valuable work experience with ABC in Darwin the late 80s, and in Sydney on the set of the TV

series ‘Water Rats’.He graduated in broadcasting from

James Cook university in Townsville, where he also studied three years of law, before completing further studies in broadcasting in Sydney and Canberra.

A talented musician with the Mosquito band, Solomon also produces high-quality painted and carved works that are sold through Mardbalk Arts & Culture, and displayed in art galleries around the country.

Solomon was born in Warruwi and lives there with his wife Linda Najinga, also an artist, and four children.

West Arnhem Regional Council Services Officer in Warruwi, Kupa Teao, thanked Solomon for his years of dedication and service to his community.

“On behalf of the West Arnhem Regional Council – and I am certain the Warruwi Community shares this sentiment – we would like to thank Solomon for his wonderful work as Broadcasting Officer,” Kupa said.

“We recognise his efforts throughout the years, continuing to deliver a program that was informative, entertaining and interesting.

“Solomon enjoyed the work, he had a passion for it, and he was good at it.

“He is an inspiration to Indigenous Aboriginal and Torre strait community, especially amongst the young people, and who knows, maybe someday soon, a young person in the Warruwi community will follow in his footsteps.

“Solomon, we simply say thank you, ma bobo.”

 

LIVE & WORKARNHEM LAND & KAKADU Building Supervisor – Gunbalanya

Accommodation available – Close 8am Monday 26 Oct 2015

Early Childhood Educator – Jabiru 2 x Casual positions No Accommodation – Applications now accepted!

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

Email completed application to vacancy@westarnhem.nt.gov.au Indigenous people are encouraged to apply

The West Arnhem Wire | 9 - 22 October 2015

SPORT

BOMBERS GO DOWN IN OPENING ROUND

BY IAN DOUGLASS

T HE Jabiru Bombers lost its 2015/16 nTFL season opener against

Palmerston Magpies by 12 points at Brockman Oval on Sunday 11 October.

Fielding four players under the age of 18, including 14-year-old Jayden Cunningham, the Bombers cobbled together a team to take on an experienced Magpie team boasting 80 percent division one players.

The first quarter was a scrappy affair with both teams understandably feeling the 38C degree heat as Jabiru led by just 2 points at the first break.

The second quarter saw much of the same. neither team could gain the ascendancy, although the Bombers did outscore the Magpies 3 goals to 2 to open a 10-point lead at the main break.

The Magpies managed to get their running game going

in the third despite the ruck dominance of Bomber Anthony Reid, and were able to kick 5 goals to 1 to go into the third quarter break leading by 15 points.

The Bombers started to tire in the last quarter, losing Captain Mickitja Onus to a serious knee injury along the way, but battled on valiantly.

Both teams kicked 2 goals apiece with the Magpies running out 12-point winners.

Final scores: Palmerston Magpies 10.8.68 defeated Jabiru Bombers 8.8.56.

Best players: Josh Oddy, Anthony Reid, Dylan Cooper, Jayden Cunningham, Mickitja Onus, Kingsley Whitehurst and Bayden Thorne

Goal kickers: Dylan Cooper 2, Mickitja Onus 1, Dylan England 1, Kingsley Whitehurst 1, Rodney Moore 1, Justin Cooper 1, Matt Fairman 1.

NONE GOLF

Lunch for Ladies & friends

Time - 12:30

Date - 24th of October

Cost - $20.00 each (covers Lunch, glass of Champagne on arrival, prize for best hat + door prizes

Venue - Jabiru golf club

AMBROSE GOLF

9 Hole Ambrose

Time - 10:00 for a 10:30am tee off (teams of four)

Cost - $20.00 each (includes lunch & prizes, prize for best dressed team, pink theme) ... a safe place to swim

in the heart of Kakadu?

Who is providing . . .

8-lane Olympic pool - children’s playground - free barbecue facilitiesshower facilities - undercover gym - kiosk with drinks and snacks

THIS year marks the first time recreational fishers can fish Mary River downstream of the Shady Camp barrage in October.

In 2014, due to the healthy state of barramundi stock, legislation changed to open the area to year round fishing.

Anglers are reminded that a number of rules still apply within the Mary River Fish Management Zone.

Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries Aquatic Resource Manager Will Bowman said when fishing within a 100m radius of the barrage wall at Shady Camp, billabong anglers may only use a lure or fly with a single point hook.

“Bait fishing and the use of double or treble hooks in this area is prohibited,” Mr Bowman said.

“A personal possession limit at any time of three barramundi is still applicable and the use or possession of a cast net or drag

net is also prohibited.“It’s also important for

people to ‘Be Crocwise’ at Shady Camp and in all Territory waters to ensure they’re fishing and boating experience is safe and enjoyable.”

Mr Bowman said fish kills are a common occurrence during the build-up and the beginning of the wet and they occur for a number of reasons.

“Fish kills are not uncommon and are generally due to higher water temperatures which result in lower dissolved oxygen levels for fish,” he said.

“They can also occur during sudden storm or flood events and with lower water levels in freshwater river systems and billabongs.”

If you witness a fish kill please report it immediately to the Fish Watch Hotline: 1800 891 136 or via the nT Fishing Mate mobile application available at www.nt.gov.au/d/Fisheries/recreational/fishmate.shtml.

shaDY CaMP oPEn FoR BUsInEss