Gunbalanya sits in the achingly beautiful landscape of Kakadu. Also known as Oenpelli, the Aboriginal town in West Arnhem Land is just over three hours drive from Darwin heading northeast past Jabiru.

The community sits between three rocky hills, fertile wetlands and close to a billabong, home to local crocodiles, birds and barramundi.

Being so close to Jabiru and Darwin means that Gunbalanya is not as isolated as other towns. However, the northern wet season affects land access so much that school terms have been adjusted to reflect the seasonal movement of families across the East Alligator River.

The Anglican Church ministers here under difficult conditions, with a faithful band of Aboriginal people seeking to make Christ known to the locals.

Recently, the Federal Government launched Stronger Futures for the Northern Territory, the follow-up to Closing the Gap (also known as the NT Emergency Response or ‘The Intervention’) which expires in August next year. Although the six-week consultation period for the new initiative is very short, people welcomed the promise of a greater say in the development and roll-out of future policy initiatives. The Intervention was deeply polarizing, even in Aboriginal communities. It was widely (and rightly) criticized for the lack of consultation with communities, but many people, particularly Aboriginal women, broadly welcomed the focus on reducing violence and alcohol consumption, increasing school attendance and enabling families to provide the necessities of life.

Slow pace of change

The improvement of health, housing, schooling and employment outcomes for Aboriginal people in the NT is painfully slow. Stories abound of dollars wasted on blow-in bureaucrats going through the motions of consultation, reports from outside consultants and housing construction delays.

There are no easy answers here and the Government is to be commended for its continued commitment and funding to improving outcomes for Aboriginal Australians. The greater level of consultation is also welcomed.

 Photo: Meeting with leaders at Gunbalanya

We can support church leaders who are at the forefront of dealing with problems in their communities. Many Aboriginal Christians are also part of their wider community leadership trying to bring about positive social change. Under its new leadership, Nungalinya College in Darwin is bulging at the seams, with men and women increasingly offering themselves for ministry training. There is great willingness across the Diocese of the NT for sensitive mission partnerships.

The Aboriginal church needs our continued prayers for its growth, leadership (particularly for the raising up of men) and gospel work in communities that are facing physical and social obstacles that are some of the most challenging in the country.

How to help

Some of the needs include:

·         funds for repair of church buildings, along with practical support for doing the work;

·         support for training and ministry in both remote and urban mission, particularly among the many Aboriginal people who move to Darwin from the bush;

·         support for local initiatives such as church op shops, the purchase of Bibles in traditional languages, and other resources to enable mission activity

Its over to you!