diesel n’dub mahbilil kaha come up against jabiru area school in the jabiru mixed netball final....

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

[email protected] 08 8979 9465 Published by West Arnhem Regional Council Edition 337 28 August - 10 September 2015

OILS aint Oils ... especially when Diesel n’ Dub are around.

The acclaimed reggae and roots bandits perform cover songs by one of the world’s greatest socially conscious bands, Midnight Oil.

Reggae fans in Kakadu will get their rhythm fix come September, when Diesel n’Dub head up an eclectic day of music, art and culture at this year’s Mahbilil Festival.

Set up by sought-after producer Declan Kelly, Diesel n’Dub features a stellar collection of Australian and international artists, who aim to do more than just get the party jumping.

Their recording project raises awareness of Indigenous literacy issues, and in the process raises funds for crucial projects carried out by

the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.At Mahbilil, the band will be joined by

singers Emma Donovan, Radical Son, and Tony Hughes.

“Having some of Australia’s great singing talent on board to sing and perform these influential and still-relevant political messages in an authentic reggae style was the key to nailing this project and raising awareness of the issues at hand,” Declan says.

Mahbilil Festival Producer Scott Large says Diesel n’Dub is just one of an incredible selection of acts on the night, including Aboriginal bands from across the Top End, and hand-picked acts from Darwin and around the country.

Diesel n’Dub

Psycus Circus

MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 10 >

BOMBERS KNOCK OFF BANKS

INSIDE thIS EDItION

A 33-year-old mother and her 3-year-old daughter found suffering dehydration near Gunbalanya.

Kia Kaha come up against Jabiru Area School in the Jabiru Mixed Netball final.

Council is upgrading a 100km stretch of road to the community of Murganella (Wauk).

Photographer Michael S. Martin catches a flotilla of crocs having a feed of mullet at Cahill’s Crossing.

WOMAN, GIRL FOUND IN SEARCh

ALL EYES ON thE NEtBALL PRIZE

MURGANELLA ROAD UPGRADE

A FEW SNAPS At thE CROSSING

PAGE 3 >

MORE, PAGE 16 >

PAGE 6 >

PAGE 9 >

MAHBILIL... ready to fire up

CONTINUED PAGE 5 >>

The West Arnhem Wire | 28 August - 10 September 2015

what’s on

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

aUGUstFri 28 thunderstruck, Gunbalanya Sports & Social Club (GSSC) $20 members, $25 non-members and $5 for kidssat 29 80s Disco, for JUiCE, Jabiru Sports & Social Club (JSSC) 8pm Mon 31 Yoga, Jabiru Community hall 6.15pm

sEPtEMBERFri 4 Maningrida Revival, Uniting Church Fri 4-sat 5 Gurrung Sports Carnival, Jabirusat 5 Mahbilil Festival, Lake JabiruFri 11 Jamalak Festival, Warruwi, Goulburn Islandtue 15 Warruwi Local Authority Meeting 10amthu 17 Australian Citizenship DayJabiru school Reunion Program:thu 24 School FeteFri 25 town/Mine tour (tBC) & Discosat 36 Reunion Dinnersun 27 Family Fun Day barbecue

oCtoBER10-11 Maningrida Bust Up fishing competition, fundraiser for emergency equipment14-21 Kakadu Bird Week

tuesdays Cricket training, Arnhem Oval Jabiru 5.30pmtuesdays Jabiru Art & Craft, Youth Centre 7.30pmtuesdays Playgroup, Jabiru Lake Park 9.30-11amwednesdays Junior Soccer, Magela Oval 6.00pm 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, JSSC from 7.30pmFridays Meat tray raffle, Jabiru Sports & Social ClubFridays Badge draw, raffles, meat trays Jabiru Golf Club Fridays Pool comp $10 entry winner takes all JSSCsaturdays Seafood market, Lake Jabiru 9am-3pm 2nd & 4th sunday of the month Lunch & Membership Wheel, win meat trays JSSC

Karthika Mackrill, Lucas Fiddaman, Michael Hutton, Kate McMahon and Tony Koch at the Croc Hotel’s Jim Jim Room for the inaugural Jabiru Firefighters’ Ball.

Cr Shane Namanurki.

Cr Namanurki (pictured) was a member of the West Arnhem Shire Transition Committee in 2008.

2

MANINGRIDA Ward Councillor Shane Namanurki lives in Maningrida with his partner of five years, Roseanne Darcy.

A strong believer in working in partnerships to achieve key outcomes, Shane is keen to use his role as Councillor to build healthy communities.

Shane was elected to the position in a by-election on 19 March.

Born in old Darwin Hospital and raised in Maningrida, Shane attended the local school before transferring to Dhupuma College in Gove – now the site of the Garma Festival – to commence his secondary education. He then moved to Nhulunbuy Area School.

Shane continued his studies at the Northern Territory’s Batchelor Institute, where he completed an Associate Diploma in Social Science and Community Work, with an eye to helping build stronger health outcomes in his community.

He returned to Maningrida as an Environmental Health Officer before moving to Mental Health, holding the position of Chairman of the Malabam Health Board.

A former board member for Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation, the Northern Land Council, and the Maningrida Progress Association, and a previous Councillor with the Maningrida Community Government Council, Mr Namanurki has extensive experience in representing his constituents.

An active community elder and leader, Mr Namanurki takes a keen active interest in Council matters, especially those that impact upon the people of West Arnhem.

If you wanna rock and roll ... ultimate AC/DC tribute band Thunderstruck plays the Gunbalanya Sports & Social Club on Friday 28 August.

out about

MEEt YoUR CoUnCILLoR: shanE naManURKI

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].

&

MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9 >>


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

CROWDS SOAK UP THE SOUND AT KAKADU GROOVE

A MOTHER and her three-year-old daughter have been

found dehydrated and exhausted after spending three nights stranded in bush near Cooper’s Creek on the Gunbalanya-Maningrida road.

Gunbalanya Rangers joined police from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida to search the area 40km north-east of Gunbalanya after five occupants left a vehicle that became bogged at the creek crossing late on Friday 21 August.

Three trail bikes, a quad bike, two helicopters and a search and rescue plane from Cairns equipped with thermal imaging technology were deployed in the search as concerns mounted for the 33-year-old woman and

daughter who were missing in the area.

At the time of the incident, two people remained with the car, while a family of three left the vehicle, a Nissan Navara, to walk back to Gunbalanya (also known as Oenpelli).

The man separated from the group after the woman and child became unwell and was picked up by a passing motorist.

He then raised the alarm with police.

Police Superintendent

Craig Barrett said the man was “very dehydrated” when found and described conditions in the area as “difficult”.

At around 11am on Monday, a police search and rescue helicopter located the missing woman and girl

near a rocky outcrop.Superintendent Craig

Barrett said they were found by a dry creek.

“[They’ve] done very well to survive with no water for the last 24 hours or so,” Supt. Barrett said.

Cooper’s Creek crossing on Monday 24 August.

Police and search crews at their operations base on the east side of Cooper’s Creek, northeast of Gunbalanya, near where a 33-year-old woman and a 3-year-old girl were found. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

MIssInG PERsons FoUnD aFtER IntEnsIVE sEaRCh

“They’ve done very well to survive”

THE second annual Kakadu Groove event brought some chilled jazz and blues to Lake Jabiru Park on Saturday 15 August.

Families and friends gathered to enjoy an evening picnic to the sounds of live music with performers Mandy Van Zanen, Mettaphor, and blues-rock outfit Snyper.

Jazz duo Mettaphor, recently in Injalak Arts Gunbalanya helping kids make music videos as part of West Arnhem Regional Council’s school holiday program, thanked the Jabiru community for supporting local musicians.

Picnickers had a choice of roast lamb rolls from Jabiru Fire Station, chicken curries from Perlin Simon and Children’s Ground, sausage sizzle from Alligator Fishing Club, as well as an amazing range of homemade cakes, iced coffee, cream and ice cream from JUiCE, with glow sticks and toys on sale for the kids.

The free community event was made possible with the help of many local businesses and organisations, including Aurora Kakadu Lodge and Anbinik Kakadu Resort, who provided accommodation for visiting musicians, and Kakadu Crocodile Hotel, who provided breakfast.

Thanks also to West Arnhem Regional Council, to ERA for their generous sponsorship, to ERA Communities Advisor Leona Katzer for her work, and to local volunteers from JUiCE (thanks Ashley De Sair) and Jabiru Fire Station (Mick Hutton and the boys) for their tireless efforts.

A special mention should go to Peter Williams who did a great job with the lamb on a spit, raising much-needed funds to pay the bands.

Jabiru Area School helped out with ta PA, and once again Jabiru school teacher Stu Whitby went above and beyond, putting in many hours of work to set up a stage and lighting before donating his skills as a sound technician to ensure everything sounded great.

We’re looking forward to a bigger and better Groove in 2016!

SEE PHOTOS, PAGE 8 >>



4



MAHBILIL FESTIVAL GETS READY TO FIRE UP“One of the highlights of the festival for

many is the local dance program with the Jabiru Bininj Gunborrk dancers set to light up the dance ground once again,” Large says.

“Workshops will include traditional arts and craft such as spear-making, weaving and local storytelling.”

This all sits alongside a full program of bushfood preparation and cooking both on the coals and in a traditional ground-oven. And there is plenty more on offer to make this a Mahbil-ous day out!

Also playing on the night are Room 105, who took their name from the University jam room where they formed. Regulars on the Top End stage, 105 play a contagious, hybrid breed of reggae, rock, blues and funk.

Arnhem Land’s KK Band are fast becoming a huge presence on the Indigenous music scene. Over the past few years, the Maningrida band have played a breakthrough performance at Maningrida’s Lurra Festival and wooed the crowds at this year’s Barunga and Garma festivals.

Minjilang Konnection, a crew of young men from Croker Island, have a smooth island sound that will have you swinging your hips and nodding your head to their tropical melodies and infectious R’n’B beats.

Always a highlight, local group Bininj Gunborrk will present a high energy show of traditional dance to light up the dance ground.

Psycus Circus returns to Mahbilil for the sixth year running, showcasing Jabiru’s budding young performers.

On an ongoing quest to explore the wonderful world of theatre, the Psycus Circus, in collaboration with Jabiru Area School, are sure to deliver a powerful hour of entertainment.

One of the most popular aspects of Mahbilil is the preparation and cooking of local bushfoods.

Get hands-on with prepping magpie goose and learn from the locals how to best handle and cook it.

Watch the traditional Gungarre ground oven being built, and sample local buffalo and veges after many hours of slow cooking.

Help cook barramundi and magpie goose on the coals and sample the mouth-watering results.

Then there is the hotly contested Magpie Goose Cooking Competition. Locals try their hand and flex their MasterChef muscles, using the goose in different ways to wow the judges. You get to try the dishes and vote on the People’s Choice Award.

With support from Children’s Ground, Mahbilil presents engaging and informative workshops throughout the afternoon, with weaving of natural fibres, spear-making and throwing, traditional painting, plus the bushfoods program. Local artists and Bininj share knowledge with you in this great hands-on experience.

Add to the mix a marketplace, rides, kids’ activities and sculptures, and you have yourself an exciting day in Jabiru!

Running alongside Mahbilil, West Arnhem Regional Council’s Gurrung Sports Carnival brings men’s AFL and women’s basketball teams to Jabiru from all four of of West Arnhem’s Indigenous communities, as well as teams from Darwin and further afield.

The Carnival showcases the incredible sporting talent of local residents and provides a platform to participate in a healthy, safe carnival atmosphere. SEE PAGES 14-15 fOR MORE >>

Master puppet maker Techy Masero is returning to Mahbilil in 2015 to make a new creature. If you’d like to help with skinning and painting, email [email protected]. Get amongst it folks!

<< fROM fRONT PAGE

MAhBILIL FEStIVALWhEN: Saturday 5 SeptemberWhERE: Lakeside, JabiruINFO: mahbililfestival.com

GURRUNG SPORtS CARNIVAL WhEN: Fri-Sat 4-5 SeptemberWhERE: JSSC Courts + School MPA + Brockman Oval INFO: westarnhem.nt.gov.au



6

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 650 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 [email protected] to discuss how we can help you spread your messages around West Arnhem Land.

ADVERTISING DEADLINESBookings: 5pm Monday prior to publication

Artwork: 5pm Tuesday prior to publication

The Wire is published fortnightly on Fridays.

The Wire is published by West Arnhem Regional Council. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those held by the Council or Councillors.

West Arnhem Regional Council PO Box 721 JABIRU NT 0886

www.westarnhem.nt.gov.au

Call (08) 8979 9465 or email [email protected]

Over the coming weeks, West Arnhem Regional Council works crews will be substantially upgrading a 100km section of the Murganella Road, which runs from the crossroads between Maningrida and Gunbalanya (shown in the photo above) through to the community of Murganella, or Wauk.

Dear Friends, September is gearing up

to be a busy month for me and I am looking forward to seeing many of you soon.

I will be taking a road trip through West Arnhem from 1-6 September, visiting Jabiru, Gunbulanya,

Maningrida and a number of outstations. On Saturday 5 I look forward to joining West Arnhem communities celebrate the Mahbilil Festival.

On my road trip I encourage you to look out for my tent and come over

and say hello. If you would like an

individual appointment with me, please contact Rachel on 0429 919 539 to book.

Francis Xavier KurrupuwuMember for Arafura

FRANCIS XAVIER KURRUPUWU MLA Member for Arafura




7/8 Moil Shopping Centre Tel: 8999 6950 Email: [email protected]

7/8 Moil Shopping Centre Tel: 8999 6950 Email: [email protected]

7/8 Moil Shopping Centre Tel: 8999 5516 Email: [email protected]/8 Moil Shopping Centre Tel: 8999 6950 Email: [email protected]

Working for our Community

Working for our Community

Working for our CommunityWorking for our Community

COUNCIL UPGRADES MURGANELLA RDUNDER the Regional Economic Infrastructure Fund (REIF) the Department of Transport has awarded funding to West Arnhem Regional Council for a special project to upgrade the Murganella Road.

Council would like to express their gratitude to those that supported our application.

This is an important project to Council, allowing the opportunity to provide valuable employment and training opportunities to our local Indigenous workforce, as well as improving services available to the broader community.

For your reference, the scope of work includes the first 100km of the Murganella Road spanning from the three ways crossroads between Maningrida and Gunbalanya, up to the Murganella Community.

Extensive maintenance will be undertaken to re-align and reform the road base, correct any washouts and corrugations, clear small saplings and

debris from the road shoulders, and correct road drainage.

Regular updates will be published through our fortnightly Council publication, The West Arnhem Wire.

To subscribe to The Wire please email ‘subscribe’ to [email protected]

Please be assured that every effort will be made to minimise any inconvenience to road users during this time.

If you should have any concerns please direct these to project manager Pompey Brown who will do his best to ensure they are addressed as soon as possible.

Contact:Pompey BrownAsset Coordinator Roads [email protected] Telephone: 0409 003 532

Brian hylandsChief Executive Officer

West Arnhem Regional Council

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR LOCAL MEMBER

fRANCIS XAVIER KURRUPUWU MLAMEMBER FOR ARAFURA



SNAPS AT THE CROSSING

It’s a stunned mullet! PHOTOS: MICHAEL S. MARTIN / COUNTRY IMAGES AUSTRALIA

JaMaLaK GEts REaDY to RoLLWARRUWI’S Jamalak Festival will feature an MC and entertainment, fun run, community cook-up, basketball tournament and a live radio broadcast.

“Planning for next month’s Jamalak Festival is going full steam ahead, thanks to the wonderful support of volunteers, community groups, private and government organisations,” said West Arnhem Regional Council Services Manager Kupa Teao.

The festival will be held on Friday 11 September, with kid’s activities getting underway after school finishes.

Kupa said it was gratifying to once again see the effort and sacrifice the community puts in to making their annual festival a great success.

“A big thank you to Beth Woods [from Heart Foundation] and all the health mob who are planning Healthy Lifestyle Passports, a Community Cook Up and a Smoothie Bike,” he said.

“I would also like to acknowledge and thank Nina Zeprnick, a teacher at our community school, and community member Jacobina for putting together the 1km, 3km and 5km fun run.”

Bernard Namok Jnr (Bala B) will be making a guest appearance with a live broadcast from the festival for the Voice of the Bush, TEABBA radio.

“We look forward to Timmy Duggan entertaining us as he MC’s the basketball tournament,” Kupa said.

“Hopefully he will include the popular 3-point hoop competition during the half time breaks.

“The water bubbler which was donated by the Heart Foundation last year will also be installed and ready to use at the Rec Hall,” Kupa said.

By Michael S. Martin

THE word came out that the crocs were about, and much activity ado at Cahill’s during last week’s new moon.

So, not one to let an opportunity to pass, I mingled with the crowd, and a crowd of tourists there was.

The mullet were on the move downstream, so the ranger informed me, due to the river drying up, upstream.

The crocs were better behaved then some politicians in the world.

I managed a few action shots, and counted 17 crocs working the upstream side of Cahill’s and there were several on the lower side. The upper side is where these were taken.



8

KAKADU GROOVE, LAKE JABIRU PARK

Left to right: Hasas, Nandi, Nadee, Yasas and Malani enjoy a family day out at the park.

Gunbalanya school teachers Rebecca Gilan and Jess Handley with Jabiru Principal Learne Dunne.

At the teachers’ table are (left to right) Isadora, Tamara, Meaghan, Laura, Noelee, Kate and Sarah.

At the teachers’ table are (left to right) Isadora, Tamara, Meaghan, Laura, Noelee, Kate and Sarah.

Alligator Fishing Club members cook up some snags at the event.

Justin, Ciara and Eva with Ella, Sarita and Amarni in the colourful headwear.

Mandy Van Zanen.

Peter Williams carves up the lamb on a spit.

Jamalak Festival Well once again it’s the time of the year

where we all come and celebrate our Jamalak Festival at Warruwi Rec Hall & Sports Oval

There will be:

Food stalls, BBQ Kids games, face painting etc. Men and Women’s Basketball

tournament Men’s Footy 1 day competition Health stands Traditional song and dance

All Day events

Designated camp site for visitors

Jamalak Festival (all day) Friday 11th September 2015 @ Rec Hall & Sports Oval

(theme: Healthy Country)



fIREfIGHTERS HAVE A BALL IN JABIRUON Saturday 22 August,

the Jabiru Fire Station held their Inaugural

Firefighters Ball, allowing members and their partners to dress up and let their hair down for a night.

The night was put together to recognise the efforts of the dedicated team in Jabiru.

The night began at Jabiru Fire Station, with photos and samples of cuisine from local chefs, followed by a twilight stroll to the Jim Jim room at the Croc Hotel for canapés and dancing.

The bar was well patronised and a special thanks needs to to to the members who remained on call during the night.

The Jabiru Fire service currently has 15 dedicated members who regularly give up their time to train for and respond to emergencies within Jabiru and across the Kakadu area and into Arnhem Land.

Most people may only associate the firies with structure and bushfires, but this only makes up a part of the response capabilities.

There is a wide range of training for vehicle crashes, hazardous material incidents and community safety.

The Jabiru Fire Service responds to calls over an extended area, from Bark Hut to Mary River and east to Gunbalanya.

We don’t do this on our own, and combine with police and

the Clinic to bring the best care to those in need during emergencies.

Members, who make up a dedicated, well-trained crew, sacrifice their free time to provide an important and specific role in our community.

If you are interested in serving your community whilst learning new life skills and meeting members of our group, come along to our regular Monday night training at 1800 hours at Jabiru Fire Station, or call 8979 2502.

OIC, Station Officer Mick hutton2IC, Leading Fire Fighter FF Martin

Jabiru Fire Station

Anita Gajski, Peter Landers, Tony Koch, Kate McMahons, Manish Raju, Renata Rams Harvey, Mike Martin, Lucas Fiddaman, Karthika Mackrill, Mick Hutton, Tanya & Macca Morris, Erin & Justin Gould, Tamara Fern, Jenna Gollan, Katrina Bangay, Jody & Leith Waterbury. PHOTO: MICHAEL S. MARTIN / COUNTRY IMAGES AUSTRALIA

Between two roses: Michael Martin with Jenna Gollan and Tamara Fern.

Tanya McKay, Tamara Fern and Katrina Bangay.

Macka, Tanya and Mick. ABOVE PHOTOS: MICHAEL S. MARTIN

Manish, Peter, Renata and Anita.

Macka, Gouldy and Adam at the Croc’s Jim Jim Room.Karthika Mackrill and Lucas Fiddaman.



10

80’s Dress up Dance

Party...On the Deck

Get out your Pink Leg Warmers, Air Guitar, Crimper

& Acid Wash Jeans & get to the JS!

Saturday Aug 29 8pm

JSSC $15 entry

Live 80’s Tunes

Best Dressed Prizes

80’s Snacks!



NOURLANGIE SAfARI CAMP, EPISODE 6from the diaries of flemming Jensen 1968-69Reproduced with permission: Kakadu National Park Cultural Heritage & Biodiversity Management Unit

In the previous episode, our intrepid hunters managed to get not one, but two cars bogged at Nourlangie.

Thursday 9th January 1969I once asked a car dealer what difference there was in the British Land Rover and Japanese jeeps, the Toyota and Nissan.

‘If a Japanese car is stuck, try to get it free and it’s damn hard.’

It was the weight and he alluded that the Japanese cars are considerably heavier than Land Rovers. That we have had to admit!

Allan ordered a plane over the radio but given the season they could not say when they could come. He would be told over the radio.

We tried to shoot a buffalo but he slipped away unfortunately. We had no luck with the kangaroos too. The problem is that they hide well and are hard to spot so they usually discover us first and disappear. The only thing you hear is boing, boing when they jump.

From what I understand from Allan, he is in current economic difficulties which he among other things also wants to try to solve when he goes to Darwin. However he is the only heir and his mother is quite prosperous from what I understand, so he can probably get a little ‘advance.’

From the other side people have been talking about making the Nourlangie area as the centre of a national park and this would at least bring an end to Allan’s safaris forever.

friday 10th January 1969 Pat and I worked most of the day to get the Holden free but failed even though we got a jack under the rear axle and had raised it slightly. The rain still rushed down most of the time and made everything into mud and impossible to work in. We did not have time to go hunting so the dogs had to be content with sirloin steak for eighty cents a pound from Darwin! Fortunately we do not have Darwin prices here, but still. They got about seven pounds.

This was meant for us but the dogs should also have something to eat.

Saturday 11th January 1969Yesterday Pat and I worked in vain to get the Holden free. Today Allan and I went up early and once again to find happiness. But slushy did it become again and made it impossible. However we recharged the batteries so they could be used to send telegrams to Darwin. We do not yet know when Allan can get a plane. The weather is all important. When we have good weather here it is bad in Darwin and vice versa.

It’s fun with Allan and Pat because they’re two great individuals and they always try to prove to each other that they are right separately.

It must of course be difficult for someone like

Allan, who has been a leader in the military, to fight against Pat. She is really good at everything and she is usually right and Allan isn’t. He finds it hard to admit.

It will be fun to see tomorrow who will be coming to fix the water pump because it would not start tonight.

Sunday 12th January 1969Allan and I had decided that today we would shoot a buffalo. A nice one, so we started before daybreak.

We came down to an open area where we knew that buffaloes cross to get to from their pond, a large marsh area. Here we found a trail which we followed and suddenly he was standing right in front of us. He was a tough fellow. It took seven bullets before I could give him the decisive shot in the neck. It was a buffalo in the right age of seven to eight years. He had been kind enough to lie on his stomach so we could take meat from both sides.

When we took what we needed we began the long journey home with the meat. I wore it over my shoulders in the Chinese style. It was hard as hell. Allan had knives and guns.

When we got home Pat gave us a frosty reception as we had, or I had, used one of her towels to protect my shoulders against the wood lever. We were simply in too good a mood to take her seriously.

Later that day we tried to make the water pump work. First Pat tried while Allan sat in the boat and gave good advice, much to the annoyance of Pat. She gave up after that and it still would not start when she was finished. Then Allan tried while it was Pat’s turn to be adviser to the irritation of Allan. I sat behind the boat and amused myself inside with the scene.

Allan gave up too and they agreed that it might be the piston rings. We rowed back. Now we had to save water. When it was evening I went down to the lagoon and washed myself and took a swim. It was simply wonderful. Just that one should always beware of crocodiles. I am getting a little accustomed to that.

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

Allan and I decided that today we would shoot a buffalo.

Beer o’clock with Allan Stewart, on the typewriter at Nourlangie Safari Camp.


MANINGRIDA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL RESULTS


12

Round 9 Round 10Yilan v Gupanga Bunpa v GupangaBunpa v Mango Yilan v NT TigersThunder v Titans Titans v MangoSeagulls v NT Tigers Seagulls v LionsLions - Bye Thunder - Bye

Round 11 Finals Top FiveGupanga v NT Tigers Week One: Elimination Final 4 v 5; Qualifying Final 2 v 3Titans v Bunpa Week Two: First Semi Final Winner Elimination Final v Loser Qualifying Final; Second Semi Final Winner QualifyinYilan v Lions Week Three: Preliminary Final Winner First Semi Final v Loser Second Semi Final Seagulls v Thunder Week Four: Grand Final Winner Second Semi Final v Winner Preliminary FinalMango - Bye

LADDERPlayed Won Lost Draw Forfeit For Against % Points

1.Yilan 8 8 0 0 0 227 159 142.767 322.NT Tigers 7 6 1 0 0 292 179 163.128 243.Mango 8 5 2 0 0 209 142 147.183 204.Seagulls 8 4 3 1 0 186 160 116.25 185.Lions 7 4 3 0 0 168 163 103.067 166.Gupanga 8 4 4 0 0 198 209 94.7368 167.Thunder 8 3 3 1 1 158 168 94.0476 148.Bunpa 8 3 5 0 1 204 209 97.6077 89.Shooting Star 6 2 3 0 3 81 87 93.1034 810.Titans 7 2 5 0 1 135 168 80.3571 811.Strike 6 0 6 0 2 24 139 17.2662 012.Ruff Riders 5 0 5 0 5 0 40 0 0

LIVE & WORKARNHEM LAND & KAKADU Building Supervisor – Gunbalanya

Accommodation available – Close 8am Monday 07 Sep 2015

Painter – Maningrida Accommodation available – Close 8am Monday 07 Sep 2015

Senior Works Officer– Gunbalanya Accommodation available – Close 8am Monday 07 Sep 2015

Senior Works Officer– Minjilang Accommodation available – Close 8am Monday 07 Sep 2015

Team Leader Roads – Gunbalanya Accommodation available – Close 8am Monday 07 Sep 2015

Senior Works Officer– Maningrida Accommodation available – Close 8am Monday 31 Aug 2015

Team Leader Roads – Maningrida Accommodation available – Close 8am Monday 31 Aug 2015

Community Safety Officer – Minjilang 2 x Casual positions No Accommodation – Applications now accepted!

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

Pool Officer – Jabiru Casual position 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 [email protected] Indigenous people are encouraged to apply

Maningrida Womens Basketball Draw 2015

Round 1 Round 2Gupanga 32 def Titans 24 Gupanga 24 lost to Lions 36Lions 23 lost to NT Tigers 44 Titans 34 def Shooting Star 23Bunpa 0 lost toShooting Star 10* NT Tigers 62 def Strike 8Strike 16 lost to Yilan 37 Ruff Riders 0 lost to Bunpa 10*Mango 10 def Ruff Riders 0* Yilan 34 def Thunder 31Thunder 26 drew with Seagulls 26 Mango 37 def Seagulls 21

Round 3 Round 4Gupanga 33 def by Shooting Star 38 Strike 0 lost to Gupanga 10*Strike 0 def by Lions 10 Shooting Star v Ruff Riders - no resultTitans 10 def Ruff Riders 0* Lions 10 def Thunder 0*NT Tigers 48 def Thunder 34 NT Tigers 32 def Mango 30Yilan 29 def Mango 28 Yilan 44 def Bunpa 36Seagulls 35 def Bunpa 28 Seagulls 27 def Titans 16

Round 5 Round 6Ruff Riders 0 def by Gupanga 10 Gupanga 28 def by Thunder 29Thunder 10 def Strike 0* Strike 0 def by Mango 10*Lions 33 def by Mango 42 Yilan 10 def Shooting Star 0*Yilan 10 def Titans 0* Lions 28 lost to Bunpa 32Bunpa 40 def NT Tigers 28 NT Tigers 48 def Titans 30Seagulls 10 def Shooting Star 0* Seagulls 10 def Ruff Riders 0*

Round 7 Round 8Thunder 35 def Mango 22 Gupanga 27 def by Mango 52Bunpa 28 def by Yilan 36 Thunder 28 def Bunpa 22Seagulls 30 def by Gupanga 33 Lions 14 def by NT Tigers 30Titans 21 def by Lions 28 Seagulls 20 def by Yilan 27NT Tigers - Bye Titans - Bye

Action in the Round 9 game between Gupanga and the top-of-the-table team, Yilan, on Tuesday 25 August. Yilan won in a close game, 29-28.



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

DoEs YoUR DaD DEsERVE thIs FoR FathERs DaY?By Mark Coddington

ARNHEM Land’s very own roving, writing raconteur Phil O’Brien hasn’t always knocked about the

Territory with no money, no grub, no commitments, and not a care in the world.

“When I was younger, I felt a bit guilty about not having a permanent job,” Phil says. “But, slowly and surely, I managed to shake off the guilt.”

Now onto his fifth book, the Territory yarn spinner says he started writing around 15 years ago on a remote beach in North East Arnhem Land.

“I can only write when I’m out bush, and Arnhem Land is one of my favourite places,” he says, rubbing his stubbled chin ruefully as he remembers that fateful day when he first started down the treacherous path of a writer.

“I nearly got grabbed by a croc,” he nods. “I had the high tide lapping at my feet and I was playing a John Denver medley on my guitar. I felt that something was in the water, so I shone a torch and there was this big croc. Another three seconds and he would have grabbed me.”

Phil shakes his head.“I don’t think he liked those John Denver

songs I was playing.” Phil’s latest book, optimistically titled

You Can Always Find Someone To Have A Beer With, is 304 jam-packed pages filled with

lively and at times extremely colourful yarns ... which, unfortunately, are all true.

“It’s got a lot of good stories and a lot of favourites from my other books,” Phil says. “It’s a bit of a celebration of Aussie battlers.”

Phil looks wistfully into his beer before passing a nugget of hard-won wisdom on to this cynical journo:

“You can have one foot in the gutter and still achieve stuff.”

Financially irresponsible and prone to bad luck Phil O’Brien is a total optimist, and amongst the alcohol abuse, the failed romance, near death experiences and untimely misadventures, he bravely forges on, free of artificial restraints.

And in his own way Phil O’Brien has turned drifting around Outback Australia into an art form.

“I work a few jobs, get ahead, and write,” he says.

“There is a freedom to it, and that’s worth a lot. You can be your own boss, and come and go as you please.

“As long as you car hasn’t shit itself.”

You Can Always Find Someone To Have A Beer With - The Phil O’Brien Collection is available from all good post offices, hotels, supermarkets, book stores and dongas across the Top End.

You can also order online through woodslane.com.au.

“And this collection would make the ideal Father’s Day gift.”

Always the optimist.


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.

PRESENTED BY WEST ARNHEM REGIONAL COUNCIL

WEST ARNHEM’S PREMIER REGIONAL SPORTING EVENT

CATCH ALL THE ACTION!

THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN PRIZES! GAMES UNDERWAY 4PM FRIDAY 4 SEPTEMBER

Children under 10 years must be accompanied by a responsible person aged 16 years or over

POOL RULESNO RUNNING

NO DIVING

NO PUSHING

NO BOMBING

NO GLASS ALLOWED

SHOWER BEFOREENTERING POOL

USE RESTROOMS

WATCH YOURCHILDREN

NO FOODOR DRINKS

NO ROUGH PLAY

NO RUNNING

NO DIVING

NO PUSHING

NO BOMBING

NO GLASS ALLOWED

SHOWER BEFOREENTERING POOL

USE RESTROOMS

WATCH YOURCHILDREN

NO FOODOR DRINKS

NO ROUGH PLAY

NO RUNNING SHOWER BEFOREENTERING POOL

WATCH YOURCHILDREN

NO FOODOR DRINKS

NO DIVING USE RESTROOMS

NO ROUGH PLAY

NO PUSHING

NO BOMBING

NO GLASSALLOWED

2015 GURRUNG SPORTS CARNIVAL

4 - 5 SEPTEMBER 2015

MEN’S AFL

MEN’S BASKETBALL

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

We thank our sponsors:


YOUNG sportspeople from across the Top End are signing up for two days of footy and basketball action set

against the stunning backdrop of Kakadu.The Gurrung Sports Carnival runs from

Friday afternoon to late Saturday, 4 - 5 September.

The carnival runs in conjunction with Mahbilil Festival, creating a whirlwind of sports, arts, music and culture in the heart of a World Heritage-listed national park.

Hundreds of participants in men’s and women’s teams from Daly River, Gunbalanya, Croker Island, Goulburn Island, Maningrida, Pine Creek, Katherine and Darwin will travel to Jabiru to compete in what has become the West Arnhem region’s premier sporting event.

Nominations in the popular, grass-roots football and basketball competition close Friday 28 August, with games underway from 4pm Friday 4 September.

West Arnhem Regional Council Youth, Sport and Recreation Coordinator Ian Douglass said so far there had been a great response from teams across the Top End.

Ian says youngsters from the Jabiru and Gunbalanya West Arnhem Girls Academies are expected to again put in a strong showing alongside college teams from Darwin, and Indigenous Women in Sport Top End Champions Mardbalk Cats in the women’s basketball competition.

Jabiru Heat are favourites to take out the men’s basketball comp after winning an unprecedented third title last year, but will again be tested by the young men from St John’s College.

“Minjilang Tigers, featuring St Mary’s star Justin Cooper and a host of other talented athletes, are also set to defend their men’s AFL title against stiff competition including last year’s runners-up, Kybrook Lions, and home-ground favourites the Jabiru Bombers,” Ian said.

Justin Cooper, along with his brother, team captain Barkley Cooper, were part of a team that played a curtain-raiser for ‘Dreamtime at the G’ match between Richmond and Essendon on May 31.

Justin said the Tigers were very nearly at full strength.

“We have been training hard for the sports carnival, and have 19 of our 21-man squad ready to go,” Justin told The Wire.

“We’ve won Gurrung two years in a row and we’re looking to make it three.”

Maningrida Allstars Captain Gerard Watson said his team had also been training hard over the past fortnight.

The combined Allstars team features players from clubs in the Maningrida league, with full-back Dylan England Watson having formerly played full-forward for the Jabiru Bombers.

“Dylan is playing well and we think he will perform strongly,” Gerard said.

“We are looking forward to the competition and really want to win this championship in Jabiru.”

Celebrity umpire Gerry Wood MLA has again volunteered his services to assist in umpiring the AFL competition, which is greatly appreciated.

Headlining this year’s Mahbilil Festival is Diesel n Dub, a project set up by Declan Kelly that features well-known Australian and International artists performing reggae and roots covers of Midnight Oil songs. At Mahbilil, the band will be joined by the incredible singers Emma Donovan, Radical Son, and Tony Hughes.

TOP TALENT ON SHOW AT GURRUNG15West Arnhem Wire - Fortnightly news in brief from Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang

Action in last year’s Men’s AFL Grand Final between Kybrook Lions and Minjilang Tigers.

The Maningrida Allstars, shown here after training on Tuesday 26 August, are looking to put in a strong showing at Gurrung in the men’s AFL.

Gurrung runs in conjunction with Mahbilil, creating a whirlwind of sports, arts, music and culture in the heart of Kakadu.


SPORT

fOUR STRAIGHT fOR KIA KAHA

LOCAL LEAGUE TAKE ON TOP TEAMS MEMBERS of the Under 16 Girls Maningrida Allstars are bouncing around their home court with more skill and aplomb after taking on some top basketball teams in Darwin earlier this year.

The 10 girls travelled with West Arnhem Regional Council Youth, Sport and Recreation officers Gerard Watson and Sheena Numungara to compete in the Basketball Darwin NT Tournament during the Easter break on 4-5 April.

Sheena said the tournament was a great opportunity for the girls to compete at a higher level.

“The girls all play in the Women’s Basketball competition here in Maningrida,” Sheena said.

“Unfortunately they didn’t win any games in Darwin, but it was a great experience for them.

“We also got to watch the PNG men’s team win in the final against Darwin.”

Round 10 of the Maningrida Women’s Basketball competition gets underway at the community basketball courts from 6.30pm Tuesday 2 September.

In Round 9, top-of-the table Yilan took on Gupanga, with reigning premiers Mango playing Bunpa.

2015 Jabiru Mixed Netball Premiers Kia Kaha: Umima Austral, Mickitja Onus, Joseph May, Anthony Reid, Phillipa Douglas, Karlee Rotumah, and Richard Lindner.

RIGHT: 2015 Jabiru Mixed Netball

Runners-Up, Jabiru Area School: Scott Miller, Karthika

Mackrill, Andrew Taylor, Tamara McGuire, Learne

Dunne, Kate Knigge, Georgia Shearn (front) Sarah Newman

and Meaghan Frain.

Phillipa Douglas, voted Most Valuable Player.

By Ian Douglass

T HE Jabiru Mixed Netball season is done and dusted for 2015,

and Kia Kaha has again proved too strong for the competition, taking out the title for the fourth year in a row against a gallant Jabiru Area School team 21-8.

There were some nervous moments in the early stages of the game, played on Tuesday 11 August, as several shots from both teams missed their target before Kia Kaha found their range to open up a commanding 7-1 quarter-time lead.

The teachers enjoyed their best quarter of the game in the second when they scored 4 goals, only for Kia Kaha to better that and open up an 8-goal lead at the halfway mark 13-5.

The third quarter was similar to the first, with Kia Kaha scoring 5 goals to 1 for the quarter to open up an unassailable 18-6 lead at the final break.

There were a few tired legs in the last quarter, and despite the best efforts of Meaghan Frain and Karthika Mackrill, Kia Kaha outscored the teachers 3 goals to 1 to finish out the game and take the trophy once more.

For the winners, Phillipa Douglas played with great composure to take out the Most Valuable Player Award in a close call from Umima Austral who did extremely well in defence.

Special thanks to Mel Impey and Nicole Jacobsen for umpiring the Grand Final, and to all the umpires throughout the year.

Thanks to Samuel Howie for helping out with scoring and timekeeping also.

The Maningrida Allstars team at the Marrara International Sports Stadium in Darwin earlier this year: (Back row) Noelene Ankin, Greta Darcy, Shianne Davis, Derylisa Carter, (middle) Lexine Maxwell, Hayley Brown, (front) Brianna Williams, Jemma Taylor, Deanna Williams and Anyiss Watson.

diesel n’dub mahbilil kaha come up against jabiru area school in the jabiru mixed netball final....

Documents