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DIOCESE OF BROOME
PO Box 76, Broome, Western Australia 6725
Tel: (08) 9192 1060 Fax: (08) 9192 2136
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ISSUE 01 APRIL 2010
Multi-award winning magazine for the Kimberley • Building our future together
Lord,
bless the sinner who asks for your forgiveness
and bless all those who receive these ashes.
May they keep this Lenten season
in preparation for the joy of Easter.
[From the Mass of Ash Wednesday]
KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010 1
Many Happy
Returns: 90
On 4 February 2010 Bishop Johannes Jobst
DD, the Emeritus Bishop of Broome, celebrated
his 90th birthday with a special Mass at Wilten
Abbey. Following the Mass was a concert of a
baroque ensemble, playing on original musical
instruments, in honour of the occasion.
We join in wishing Bishop Jobst many
blessings in this his 91st year and we keep him in
our thoughts and prayers.
Photo: CAS
Talking up BoysTown at Balgo
Nutting out matters
to do with BoysTown
operations and
infrastructure at Balgo
were from left (front)
Tracey Adams (CEO of
BoysTown), Brother
Ambrose (De La Salle
Provincial) and Brother
Rick (Principal Balgo),
and (back) Bernie O’Shea
(Catholic Education),
Bishop Saunders and
Ron Dullard (Director
of Catholic Education
Office WA).
Photo: J Grimson
INSIDE
This Issue
Caritas Appeal for Haiti
Australia's First Saint
Bran Nue Dae review
Ash Wednesday at Warlawurru
Catholic School, Red Hill, near
Halls Creek, East Kimberley, was a
prayerful community celebration for
the seventy or so adults and
children gathered in the undercroft.
In this photo, Elder Philomena
Minga, gave out the blessed ashes
to Shania Willett. Photo: CAS
KIMBERLEY
COMMUNITY
PROFILE
is a publication of the
Roman Catholic Diocese
of Broome, published eight times a
year by the Bishop of Broome.
Articles to do with the Kimberley are
welcome to be submitted for
publication.
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www.broomediocese.org
Ten steps towards being
witnesses to the Gospel
Step 1. Take seriously the call to be witnesses to the Gospel of life
Witnessing to the Gospel of life challenges us to address the human
need before us, and to be a force for change to institutions and
policies that divide society, undermine human dignity and cause
human poverty and disadvantage.
[Australian Catholic Social Justice Council]
2 KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010
Flying
off to
school
Thumbing a ride or
catching a lift comes in a
variety of forms in the
Kimberley. Here Pipi
Tataya gets a ride on the
Bishop’s plane from
Gibb River to high
school at Kalumburu.
Photo: CAS
Visitors farewelled
Father Bill Christy (L), Peninsula Parish Priest, farewells Fr
Kevin Matthews (centre) from Port Pirie Diocese in SA and
volunteer worker, Glen Groves (R), from Sydney.
Photo: CAS
Award
winner
Emma Sibosado has won the
Bishop’s Leadership Award for
2009 at St Mary’s College Broome.
The Award was presented by
Bishop Saunders at the
Presentation Night held at the
College in early December. Emma
is well known in the community
and is a wonderful ambassador for
young people in the Kimberley.
Easter Message
By Bishop Christopher Saunders DD
EASTER – THE SUPREME
GIFT OF FAITH
I have been looking for an image of the resurrection – a painting, a
sketch, a mosaic or a block-print. I wanted to use it in our magazine to
accompany an article and a prayer-card for Easter and I wanted
something that went beyond the pious, shallow art that so often adorns
the pages of our press this time of the year.
I have looked far and wide for an art form of any kind that
communicates graphically and wonderfully Christ’s rising from the
dead. It will be no surprise that I have found nothing that captures the
gravity and mystery of that moment, or even comes near the
expectations of my imagination of what that gospel scene may have
looked like. I have seen some wonderful paintings recorded in art
books and on the web. I have looked at oils, water-colours and
crayons, even at scenes constructed in soft light by world renowned
photographers as they tried to seize that sacred second when Christ
breathed anew and humanity was saved. However, each image seemed
incomplete as the magnitude of what it proclaimed could never be
contained or captured within the physical limits of a piece of art.
I have examined many memorable renditions of the crucifixion of
Christ found in the great galleries of the world. They evoke an
appreciation of Jesus as the one who has given everything, even unto
death, for a sinful world. I am convinced of the authenticity of the rigours
of the scourging at the pillar and the crowning with thorns portrayed in
great works by the masters, and in modern films by directors such as Mel
Gibson in his The Passion of the Christ. I remember flinching through
gruesome scene after scene of the Passion in a city cinema and looking
forward to the resurrection ‘finale’, wondering then how it might look
from Gibson’s perspective. Cleverly he avoided it. Well, almost.
Bandages lay abandoned on the cold stone slab and an eerie light
beckoned us to appreciate that something super-significant had happened.
It was as close to the real thing that Gibson dared venture. I don’t blame
him. I am sure he knew we would all feel severely disappointed with any
attempted celluloid portrayal of such a mystery.
No artist can recreate the magnificence of the resurrection so as to
do it justice. Similarly, the theologians simply haven’t the words to
craft an explanation of the resurrection of Christ that satisfies us, nor
can they explore in their conjectures the details of this profound
occurrence; one that so changed humanity and humanity’s relationship
with God. And neither can any of us with the most fertile of
imaginations ensnare for a moment the full meaning of this mystery.
Easter, it would seem, is nothing less than pure faith. It is a time for
the true believers. “Blessed are those who do not see and yet believe.”
What a superb gift to us is faith.
Our faith compels us to believe in the risen Christ, one who
demands that we love as he loved. “This is my commandment: love
one another as I have loved you.” He now awaits our response to his
supreme gift of love. He who has loved us to the point of death gathers
us in this new life which he breathes into us through the power of the
Spirit and urges us to live and love as he did.
Easter is a remarkable time that leads us to the edge of pure
mystery and begs us to contemplate our relationship with God and
with each other… and set it right. With this in mind I wish you a
happy and a Holy Easter. May the joy that your faith promises you lift
you up in happy expectation of new beginnings in the company of the
resurrected Christ.
Photo: S Di Maria
KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010 3
Briefly Speaking
GLEN GROVES from Sydney is
a fireman who spent some time
in the Kimberley recently, doing
repairs and renovations using
his skills in carpentry and
fabrication. We are grateful for
his time of volunteering and
look forward to his return.
Photo: J Martin
PETER MCARDLE, Research
Officer at the Australian
Catholic Bishops Conference in
Canberra, was in Broome in
late 2009 to put together a
submission to a House of
Representatives committee on
the matter of juvenile justice.
Photo: CAS
THE KIMBERLEY has a new Congregation of Priests working in
the Apostolate – The Heralds of Good News (HGN), a society of
apostolic life from India that has just celebrated its 25th year
since foundation. Appointed to Kununurra-Wyndham are (L) Fr
Raphael Koppula and, the Parish Administrator, Fr Jes Katru.
OUR THANKS go to outgoing
Religious Education Consultant,
Gerard Tonti Filippini, who
concluded five years in the job
at Catholic Education, Broome
office. He is now Principal at St
Rita’s Primary School, Babinda,
in the Diocese of Cairns Qld.
Photo: J Martin
FR DENIS DENNEHY has
been appointed Administrator
of the Parish of Halls Creek and
comes to us from the Diocese
of Ballarat in Victoria. Fr Denis
has already settled into a busy
schedule in the Parish which
includes the small remote
community of Ringer Soak,
south of Halls Creek.
Photo: J Martin
FR ANTONY SAVARIMUTHU,
Photo: J Grimson
a priest from the south of
India, has offered his service
on mission in the Broome
Diocese. Presently he is
working in the East Kimberley
and brings a wealth of
experience to his ministry after
some years working in the
Middle East.
MARION WHITBREAD, a
new volunteer, from
Tamworth NSW has taken up
her appointment at
Kalumburu in the State’s
remote north. She is looking
forward to helping out
wherever she is needed in the
tropical location.
Photo: CAS
4 KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010
Photo: J Martin
BEN STEPHENS is a
Photo: C Lord
volunteer working at Balgo.
Ben has just completed an
Honours Degree in Commerce
at university in Perth which will
come in handy in the desert
which has its own unique
economy of life.
Let us all resign ourselves into His
hands, and pray that in all things He
may guide us to do His Holy Will...
When thoughts of this or that come I
turn to Him and say: "Only what you
will, my God. Use me as You will".
Blessed Mary MacKillop
New look entrance
Vatican Dossier
When a new gate was needed at the Diocesan office in Broome,
Peter Kelly of PMK Fabrication was contacted. Peter designed,
fabricated and erected the distinctive and attractive gates at the
Chancery entrance on Barker Street.
Pontiff Suggests Best
Gift Children Can Get
Notes Their Need to Be Loved by a Mum and Dad
VATICAN CITY, FEB. 8, 2010 (Zenit.org)
Photo: J Grimson
Exploring possibilities
Kim Courtney (L) and Gay Marsden (rear) chatted with Kalumburu
personality Gertrude Waina during their visit to the northern mission.
They explored the possibilities of aquaculture projects to be
employed in the remote settlement to alleviate unemployment and to
introduce a training regime for young people.
The greatest
help that can be
given to children
is a family where
mother and father
love them and
each other,
Benedict XVI
says. The Pope
made this
affirmation as he
addressed the
Pontifical
Council for the
Family, which
recently held a
three day plenary
assembly in
Rome.
The Holy
Father noted the
theme of the
assembly, "The Rights of Childhood," chosen with reference to the
20th anniversary of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child.
"In the course of the centuries, the Church, following the
example of Christ, has promoted the protection of the dignity and of
the rights of minors and, in many ways, has protected them," he said.
"Unfortunately, in some cases, some of its members, acting in
contrast to this commitment, have violated these rights: a conduct
that the Church does not cease and will not cease to deplore and
condemn."
The Pontiff reflected on the consequences of Christ's teaching
regarding children: that they are models "to imitate to enter the
Kingdom of God."
Benedict XVI noted how the U.N. convention points to the
family as the "natural environment for the growth and well-being of
all its members, especially children."
"Certainly," he said, "it is precisely the family, founded on
marriage between a man and a woman, which is the greatest help
that can be given to children. They want to be loved by a mother and
a father who love one another, and they need to dwell, grow and live
together with both parents, because the maternal and paternal figure
are complementary in the education of children and in the
construction of their personality and their identity.
"Hence, it is important that everything possible is done to make
them grow in a united and stable family."
To protect this model of family, the Pope said, spouses must be
encouraged "never to lose sight of the profound reasons and
sacredness of the conjugal pact and to reinforce it with listening to
the Word of God, prayer, constant dialogue, mutual acceptance and
mutual forgiveness."
Photo: CAS
KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010 5
Office of Justice,
Ecology and Peace
By Dr David Brennan, Editing and Publications Officer
of the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council
Kimberley Volunteers
Wet Season volunteers
The power
of a single voice
Photo: V Baudry
Christmas is always a difficult period for the supply of
volunteers into our Diocese for two main reasons: firstly this is the
“wet” season and the levels of heat and humidity can be difficult to
handle; secondly this can mean being away from family and friends.
So we were delighted when we received a message from
several-times volunteer Nic Tesselaar (R) offering to return to
Kalumburu Mission to help during this period. Plus he was
bringing a friend, Robert Rex, who was offering his services for the
first time.
We thank both Nic and Robert for their time and hard work at
Kalumburu Mission, and we also thank their families for being so
understanding.
Så!USTRALIASåMAJORå
Tå#OMPASSIONånå#ARITA
9OURåDONATIONåTOå0ROJEC
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ALLEVIATEåP
ANNUALåAPPEALånåHELPSå
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ONLINEåWWWCARITASORGAU
BYåMAIL
NAME MR/MRS/MS/MISS/OTHER _________________________________________________________________________________________
SUBURB
PHONE
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________
STATE
__________
_________________________________________________
EMAIL
__________________________________________________________
P/CODE
___________________________________
PARISH __________________________________________________________ DONOR No (if known)
Please accept my donation of:
$25
$50
$100
$250
______________________________
Other $
___________________________
Cheque or money order enclosed (payable to Caritas Australia)
Please debit my:
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
DINER’S CLUB
NAME ON CARD ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CARD NUMBER
___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___
CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE
EXP DATE ___ ___ / ___ ___
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CARITAS AUSTRALIA 24-32 O’Riordan St, Alexandria NSW 2015 ABN 90 970 605 069
PHOTO: CINDY GODDEN
ADDRESS
PCKC
As I’m writing this, the remarks by Senator Barnaby Joyce at the
Press Club in Canberra are still comparatively recent news. To
remind you: Senator Joyce, the Opposition finance spokesman,
suggested that Australia was experiencing such high debt levels (or
might be experiencing them very soon) that it needed to reconsider
the amount of foreign aid it contributes. In particular, he suggested, it
is more important to deal with problems such as the inflation of food
costs in Australia than to send aid overseas.
I’m not referring to these remarks to make any political point.
They are significant only because ideas like this can attract a lot of
support from some people in the community and in the media. At
first sight, such comments can seem quite convincing.
Jack de Groot, the CEO of Caritas Australia, the Catholic agency
for international aid and development, pointed out that problems
connected with rising food costs in Australia need to be seen in the
context of the plight of a billion or more people facing profound
poverty.
Australia’s contribution to foreign aid, he said, makes up a very
small part of its budget. In fact, even if Australia lived up to the
promise it made in connection with the United Nations Millennium
Development Goals, it would be contributing only 0.7 per cent of its
gross national income to international aid and development.
Yet for me, the most convincing rebuttal of the ‘charity begins at
home’ philosophy came a week or so later, when I was privileged to
be invited to the launch of Caritas’s annual Project Compassion
appeal.
The guest speaker was Lulu Mitshabu, an employee of Caritas
Australia who comes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo
and is a passionate speaker for justice for her people and all those
who are oppressed.
Lulu quietly described her years of terror: her flight with two
young daughters in her arms without time even to go home to get
clothes or find her husband, and her struggle alone in a refugee camp
until finally reunited with her husband. She also spoke of Caritas’s
campaign for justice in Africa, especially for vulnerable women and
girls – a campaign of which she has been a prominent part since
coming to Australia.
In the face of Lulu’s witness that afternoon, the idea that Australia
can’t afford overseas aid seemed to shrivel up like a dead leaf.
When we think of overseas aid, we often think of relief for the
victims of disasters – people struggling with the agonies of the Haiti
earthquake or the 2004 tsunami. That relief is urgently needed,
Caritas is an important part of it, and Australians are justifiably proud
of their contribution. But we need to remember the everyday agonies
that don’t make the headlines – the daily struggle for food and justice
by billions of people worldwide. The Gospel calls us to be part of
that struggle, both as individuals and as members of the Australian
community. It’s not that we can’t afford to give international aid. It’s
that we can’t afford not to give it.
6 KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010
Youth Challenged to Be
Ambassadors for Change
Caritas Australia is setting a new challenge to the youth of Western
Australia with its Be More Ambassador Program launched this month.
‘Be More’, an interactive online campaign, calls participants to set,
track and realise five challenges that contribute to change and social
justice in their communities. Culminating in the Be More Weekend in
August each year, the campaign empowers young people to be the
leaders of today, not tomorrow.
The Be More Campaign has been running nationally for twelve
months but this year participants in Western Australia will be the first to
take the campaign to new heights.
In addition to creating a personalised Be More profile for
themselves, young people between 18 and 30 will now have the
opportunity to take a leading role in shaping the future of social justice
action in Australia through the Be More Ambassador Program.
Campaign
Coordinator
Margareta Brosnan
said, “Be More
Ambassadors will
participate in
training, promotion
and support for the
campaign, inspiring
their families and
friends to challenge
themselves in 2010.
“Oscar Romero
famously said that
we should ‘aspire
not to have more,
but to be more’.
Building the
campaign on this
premise really
fosters a culture
Photo: S Di Maria
of meaningful
change.
“We hope the program not only empowers ambassadors to engage
with Caritas in social justice advocacy throughout the year, but also
equips them with skills to face the ongoing challenges of global poverty,
climate change and inequality worldwide.”
For more information please contact Margareta Brosnan 1800 236 673
or visit www.bemore.org.au/ambassador
Caritas Kimberley
Caritas delivers
emergency
assistance in Haiti
as appeal is opened
“It is a disaster of the century. We should be prepared for
thousands of dead and injured”, said Caritas USA staff member Karel
Zalenka from Port au Prince. Mr Zalenka, who works with USA
Caritas member Catholic Relief Services, said Port-au-Prince was
covered with a plume of dust from damaged buildings. “I’ve been in
earthquakes before, but I’ve never felt anything like this before,” he
said before communications were cut off.
Ms Jamie Davies, Director of Caritas Australia’s Programs team,
who has extensive experience in Haiti said, “An initial priority for
Caritas will be to assess the damage and our local capacity to provide
aid to survivors of the quake. Caritas runs over 200 hospitals and
medical centres in Haiti. It is experienced and prepared to respond to
humanitarian disasters there as a result of the frequent hurricanes.
“Communication with our staff on the ground is difficult, but we
are piecing together a picture of desperate need. Haiti is the poorest
country in the Western hemisphere. Conflict, recent natural disasters,
and poverty have left Haitians with a weak infrastructure. Working in
that environment will be difficult,” concluded Ms Davies.
You can support the Caritas Australia Haiti Emergency
Response Appeal by calling 1800 024 413 or through your local
parish. Donate online: https://www.caritas.org.au/source/Donation/
Caritas Search and Rescue teams and medics in Port-au-Prince. Photo: Courtesy Caritas
Caritas Kimberley. 13 Barker Street (PO Box 76) Broome, WA 6725
Ph: 08 9192 1060 Email: [email protected]
www.caritas.org.au
KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010 7
Notre Dame Kimberley
by Lyn Quince, Campus Manager
Moving Forward
One of my strong beliefs
is that everything I’ve done in
the past has led me to where
I’m now in relation to where I
live, work and how I see
others. As a staff member
who is also studying, a
burning question for me when
I began studying was ‘Why do
I want to do this? Is it simply
my need to understand what
went before?’ and ‘Can I really make any difference?’
About ten years ago I introduced my mother to an Aboriginal
friend; afterwards she asked what nationality he was. When I told
her, she replied in a very surprised tone, “Oh, he was very nice
wasn’t he?” Who did she think an Aboriginal person was? An
Aboriginal person was a foreigner to her and her views were
stereotypical. I once asked students to research an Indigenous topic
when a non-Indigenous student said, “Why is it always about
blackfellas, why can’t it be about us?”
I often reflect on whether we have moved forwards in relation
to Reconciliation. A basic premise of Christianity is forgiveness.
Reconciliation is all about forgiveness. I see Christianity as being
the foundation from which Reconciliation can grow. If Christianity
is about God, love and a relationship with humanity, how can the
expression of this love work for a relationship of love and
forgiveness between Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal? Is
there hope that injustice and disadvantage can be overcome
through man’s love for both God and man? The message of the
Gospels is one of God’s love for humanity. The challenge for
humanity is to decide if we are ready to accept what has gone
before and to seek forgiveness and ultimately achieve
Reconciliation.
Notre Dame commences
a new year
Br Shane Wood, cfc
On 17 and 18 February,
twenty-five higher education
students new to the Broome
Campus of the University of
Notre Dame Australia
attended the Orientation
Program that offered them the
chance to become familiar
with the Campus, its staff and
its facilities. Library
resources, computer
technology, Campus services
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof Lyn Hendersonand academic requirements
Yates (R) welcomes Elle Massina to the Campus.
were all on the agenda.
Photo: Notre Dame Broome
There was time as well
for meeting fellow students in
Course groups and across all offerings, as well as time for sharing
lunch and morning tea. Students came from as far away as Tasmania
and the south of Western Australia. Many have taken up residence in
the Student Village, which is at capacity, while others are
accommodated in town with family or independently.
There are other newly enrolled students who were not in
attendance as they are studying externally through online technology,
an increasingly popular way to access tertiary studies. Overall, the
students found the days full of new information, and a great way to be
ready for classes which began on 22 February.
Takeaway Turkey Treat
Any time of the year is turkey-time for these Ranges boys, in
the hills on the Gibb River Road, near to Imitji - (from left)
Jonathon, Thurston and Thomas, ready for a feast.
The 47th World Day of Prayer for Vocations is to
be celebrated on the Fourth Sunday of Easter –
Good Shepherd Sunday – 25 April 2010
May this World Day once again offer many young
people a precious opportunity to reflect on their own
vocation and to be faithful to it in simplicity, trust and
complete openness. May the Virgin Mary, Mother of
the Church, watch over each tiny seed of a vocation in
the hearts of those whom the Lord calls to follow him
more closely, may she help it to grow into a mature
tree, bearing much good fruit for the Church and for
all humanity.
From Pope Benedict XVI’s Message for the
47th World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
8 KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010
Photo: CAS
Year of the Priest
Recovering our Priestly
Mysticism for the Kimberley
By Fr Mark Ai
It is perhaps
unrealistic or even ironic
to speak of ‘Mysticism’
in the context of ‘Life in
the fast lane’ yet it was
Jesus’ own method of
relating to the Father
and to the world. Jesus
lived a perfect balanced
life of prayer and
activity. The Kimberley
Region in particular is a
land of mysticism, like
Pictured are altar servers, brother and sister, Tex
India, where life
and Jodene, processing out with Fr Mark following
revolves around the
Mass in Kununurra. Photo: A Fyfe
mystery of nature.
Karl Rahner once said: “The Christian of tomorrow would need to
be a mystic or else cease to be even a believer”. Rahner’s statement
has proved to be prophetic. We have witnessed the loss of faith amidst
large sections of Christian believers in different parts of the world. The
Aboriginal communities of the Kimberley are no exception. We have
discovered also that those who tried to set the world right without
Christian principles have found themselves ill equipped.
Speaking of mysticism, I am not suggesting the traditional
reference to a person who withdraws from the field of action. A
modern mystic is one who moves into the thick of events to assist and
save, to suggest and guide, to inspire and lead, to suffer and if need be,
lay down his life. Priests today need to be heroes who stir human
hearts, hold out ideals, and hitch their wagons even beyond the stars.
Maybe our approach is too human and scientific. Local leaders
who can make a difference in their communities have not emerged as
envisioned. We sometimes mistakenly take delight in helping our flock
ad infinitum. A mystical leader knows when to disappear from the
scene at some point of his or her involvement. That people need us
continuously and that we feel the need to be ever present with them
and make decisions for them is not at all a good indicator.
The mystical approach envisages a life of strong personal prayer life,
reflection and quiet meditation, like Jesus did before launching every
ministry of the day. The Year of the Priest invites us to recover our
mysticism which demands us to be centred in Christ. This, please God, I
feel will hasten the process of social and religious transformation.
Year
for
PRIESTS
JUNE 2009 – JUNE 2010
Prayer for Priests
Lord Jesus you have chosen your priests from among us and sent
them out to proclaim your word and to act in your name.
For so great a gift to your Church, we give you praise and
thanksgiving. We ask you to fill them with the fire of your love,
that their ministry may reveal your presence in the Church.
Since they are earthen vessels, we pray that your power shine out
through their weakness. In their afflictions let them never be
crushed; in their doubts never despair; in temptation never be
destroyed; in persecution never abandoned. Inspire them through
prayer to live each day the mystery of your dying and rising.
In times of weakness send them your Spirit, and help them to praise
your heavenly Father and pray for sinners. By the same Holy Spirit
put your word on their lips and your love in their hearts for the
broken hearted. And may the gift of Mary, your mother, to the
disciple whom you loved, be your gift to every priest.
Grant that she who formed you in her human image, may form
them in your divine image, by the power of your Spirit, to the glory
of God the Father. Amen.
(Clergy Life and Ministry)
Saint News
St John Baptist de la Salle (1651-1719)
Feast Day – April 7
John Baptist de la Salle was born in 1651 at Rheims in France
and belongs to what is known as the French school of spirituality. He
studied at the major seminary in that city and was ordained to the
priesthood in 1678. He was at first a canon but renounced that office
in order to dedicate himself to the education of poor youth. Out of
this grew the Congregation of the Brothers of the Christian Schools,
popularly known as the Christian Brothers.
The Congregation and its work prospered in
spite of numerous trials and difficulties. St John
Baptist resigned as superior in 1717 and dedicated
himself to the instruction of novices and the
publication of some books, including a method of mental prayer. He
died on Good Friday of 1719, was canonized in 1900, and declared
patron of teachers by Pope Pius XII in 1950.
KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010 9
Catholic Mission
www.catholicmission.org.au
Mission in action
on the Tiwi Islands
Back in 1965 a
young Vietnamese man,
Peter Huan saw first
hand the plight of the
Indigenous mountain
people of the Diocese of
Kontum and how they
were excluded from
mainstream Vietnamese
society. This empathy
was to return many years
later when Father Peter
Huan MSC would return
to work with a different
Indigenous community
excluded from
mainstream society in
many ways – the
Indigenous community
on Bathurst Island right
here in Australia.
Bathurst Island is part
of the Tiwi Islands just
north of Darwin. Before
he reached the Tiwi
Islands Father Huan’s life
Father Peter giving communion.
had many chapters to
Photo: Catholic Mission
unfold. Father Peter Huan
began his studies as a
priest in the major seminary in Kontum, Vietnam, but was imprisoned by the
government back in 1979 for one year because of his work with the Church.
Father Peter’s eldest brother was also imprisoned for three months due
to his association with a priest, his own brother. Father Peter spent three
months in a cell just three by four metres, not big by any stretch of the
imagination, but he shared this cell with 60 people.
During his time in prison, Father Peter was beaten severely, many
times. Forced by the government to leave Vietnam in 1981, Father Peter
originally thought he would like to go to Holland, but God had other plans
with his visa applications rejected three times. This was when he knew he
should come to Australia, first settling in Melbourne, then Sydney where he
finished his theological studies with the MSCs.
Spending time in various parts of Australia, Father Peter spent six years
working with the indigenous community at Daly River in the Northern
Territory. He felt that he had a missionary calling to people of different ethnic
backgrounds, particularly with the Indigenous community of Australia.
He is happy and comfortable working with the people of the Tiwi
Islands. Father celebrates a school mass once a fortnight and at Rankou
community every other Sunday. There is no church at Rankou so mass is
celebrated in the open air.
Father Peter says of his role as a priest amongst the Indigenous
community, “I am not here to teach the people, I am here to be with the
people as a missionary and by the blessings of God they will experience
conversion; not in the white way, not in the black way but in the way and
time it is willed to be.”
Catholic Mission supports Father Peter and his parish on Bathurst
Island with funding from Catholic Mission’s work with communities.
You too can support Catholic Mission projects
here in Australia and around the world. Send
donations to: Catholic Mission, PO Box 76,
Broome WA 6725
10 KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010
Centacare
Blessing the Caring Centre
Bishop Christopher Saunders recently blessed the new Icon
installed at Centacare Kimberley and he also blessed the building
and prayed: “May all who work here in this building meet the needs
of those they seek to serve, and care for their wellbeing with selfless
love and unending kindness.”
Photo: J Martin
LIFE
It is sacred
At just 10 weeks
film review
Bran nue film
is another dae
Starring Geoffrey Rush, Jessica Mauboy,
Rocky McKenzie, Stephen Albert and Ernie Dingo
Directed by: Rachel Perkins
Produced by: Robyn Kershaw & Graeme Isaacs
By Mary Mack
Bran Nue Dae is a film to do
with a young boy and his
girlfriend, Rosie. The boy, Willy,
is sent down south to school from
Broome and promptly gets
himself expelled. He then begins
a memorable journey home with
his reprobate uncle and some
hippies. It is loosely based on the
story of Jimmy Chi, a Broome
identity, who wrote and produced
the original stage play which
premiered in Broome and then
toured nationwide twenty years
ago.
The question has been asked “Which did you like best – the
Stage Musical of Bran Nue Dae
or the Film?” For someone not
familiar with the Jimmy Chi
musical written for stage in the
late eighties, the film has a mildly
attractive aura about it. As one
commentator put it: “It’s a nice
little film!” But for those people
very familiar with the stage show
there is something sadly lacking
in the cinematic creation.
The original production
was something like a revue
and as a result the making of
a film demanded a new
script. Unfortunately, like so
many Australian films, the
script was woefully
inadequate. Baz Luhrmann’s
AUSTRALIA is a good
example of this. Sadly, the
script written for Bran Nue
Dae failed to tell Jimmy
Chi’s story and to
communicate the joy and
The stars and guests gather for the premiere of the film at Sun Pictures Broome.
richness of the original
Photo: J Grimson
work. Some of the dialogue
away from the performance of
inappropriate behaviour involving
just wasn’t Broome and did
Jessica Mauboy who was totally
children,
overt
sexual
activities;
it
not convey a picture of the town
engaging and refreshing in her
just
could
have
been
so
much
so clearly and colourfully
role as Rosie. Rocky McKenzie
better.
In
addition
to
this,
much
of
portrayed by the Broome actors
gave a credible performance as
the
original
score
was
cut,
employed in the stage show of
Willy and as usual Stephen Albert
including
many
of
those
songs
happy memory. At its worst, many
gave a memorable rendition of
which
made
the
play
memorable,
of the characters in the film were
what was asked of him. Geoffrey
while
other
tunes
were
given
mere stereotypes and many of the
Rush must be wondering at the
minimal
attention.
To
add
insult
to
scenes provided ammunition to
economy of his lines and while
injury
more
music,
not
part
of
the
reinforce old prejudices. Drunks
the part he played did his career
original
score,
was
written
as
an
lying under bridges, repeated
no harm neither did it do it any
unwelcome
addition
to
this
film.
scenes revolving around alcohol,
good. It needs to be noted that, as
Speaking of the stereotypical, it
with many Australian films, the
was painfully obvious that the
cinematography was
producers and writers of the
accomplished although obviously
movie were not at all familiar
achieved on a tight budget.
with the workings and culture of
We should be grateful for the
the Catholic Church. They would
recognition given to Broome and
have done well to have taken
Australia’s colourful north, so
some professional advice before
often neglected by the art world,
the project got underway.
including those who make films.
Is the film worth seeing?
We can only hope that the
Well, yes. It is something of a
Australian film industry, when it
testimony to the talent and
does try to bring a northern look
creative ability of Jimmy Chi as a
to the big screen, will take the
musician and story teller. His
trouble to make sure to get it
positive contribution to Australian
right.
art will be recognized in spite of
the
film.
And
nothing
should
take
One of the props from the film – Tang Wei’s Kitchen. Photo: CAS
KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010 11
Mary MacKillop Australia's First Saint
By Sr Anne Porter RSJ and Sr Alma Cabassi RSJ
Pope Benedict has announced
that on the 17th of October Mary
MacKillop will be canonised St
Mary of the Cross MacKillop. She
is the first Australian to be
honoured in this way.
Mary MacKillop was born in
Melbourne in 1842, the eldest of
eight children to Flora MacDonald
and Alexander MacKillop. The
early years of Mary’s life were
troubled. Her father was unable to
keep a job which meant the family
was poor and often had to move
to new places. Her mother
believed that ‘God will provide’
and she taught her children to
trust in God. Mary’s personality
showed aspects of both her
parents. From her father she
received her love for education,
her understanding of God and a
passion for justice. From her
mother she learned how to depend
on God in the most difficult
things. Her mother’s faithfulness,
warm and sensitive heart as well
as strength of will are evident in
Mary’s story. From an early age
Mary had to work to provide for
the family. She worked as a
governess, a clerk in a stationery
firm and a teacher in Portland.
Mary, while teaching at
Penola, felt God calling her to
dedicate her life to God and the
service of God’s people. With the
support of Father Julian Tennison
Woods she began the
Congregation of the Sisters of St
Joseph of the Sacred Heart.
Mary MacKillop began this
new group of sisters to teach
children who were not able to go
to school and to care for the ‘poor
and neglected’ of her time. She
encouraged her sisters to “never
see a need without trying to do
something about it” and so she set
up schools, orphanages, women’s
refuges and other works that
would help the poor and
homeless.
Mary MacKillop stands out as
one of our Australian heroes.
There is something in her
character and spirit that captures
what it is to be Australian. She
stood on the side of the
vulnerable, she gave a ‘fair go’ to
everyone and she had the courage
to go to isolated places. She was
full of goodness and very practical
in her approach to life. She had an
ability to bring hope where there
was suffering. Her life has
touched the heart and soul of all
Australians.
Photo: “Mary 1882” Mary MacKillop Place Archive, North Sydney. Used with
permission of the Trustees of the Sisters of St Joseph. Must not be reproduced
without permission of the Trustees.
As we celebrate this great
woman and what God had done in
her and through her, we will also
celebrate our own goodness, what
God has done and is doing in us
in this land of the Southern Cross,
the Great South Land of the Holy
Spirit.
Pallottine Director on a
grave mission…
Photo: CAS
Father Ray Hevern SAC, head of the Pallottines in
Australia, paid a visit to the Kimberley in February to
plan a renovation and restoration of graves in Beagle
Bay belonging to deceased members of the Society.
While in Broome, exploring a number of options for
the project, he visited the graves of the St John of
God Sisters and said a prayer at the grave of Sr
Immaculata who, like Father Ray, served at Balgo for
many years.
At Beagle Bay there are ten graves of Pallottine
Brothers and Priests who served in the north, some
of them for more than thirty years. Their
dedication and hard work in the Kimberley
Mission will be recognized in part through this
reconstruction of their graves and headstones.
12 KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010
Photo: R Hevern sac
Fr McKelson returns
to his home town
Kimberley Wild
Former Kimberley Lay Missionary, Danny Fyffe (L), visited
Fr Kevin McKelson SAC at the Pallottine Centre, Perth, in January.
Fr McKelson has since returned to Melbourne where he is in acute
aged care. Fr McKelson had left Melbourne, his home town, in the
1940s to study for the priesthood and devote his life to the people of
the Kimberley.
The Olive Python is one of Australia’s largest snakes and can
grow to more than four metres and weigh 25 kgs. Their range in the
north of the country extends across far north Queensland, the
Northern Territory and the Kimberley, where they are usually found
near water.
The Olive Python mates in the dry months and lays up to 25
eggs that hatch before the Wet. They develop strong jaws and use
their muscular bodies to suffocate their victims which may include
ducks, fruit bats, small marsupials, rodents, birds, other reptiles and
even small
wallabies.
They need to
eat only a
few times a
year and
spend much
of their time
in hollows in
trees and
logs and
holes under
rocks –
living up to
Location Map
20 years.
Olive Python
[Liasis Olivaceus]
Photo: M Digges
No stranger to rural
or isolated areas
Sr Kathleen McSweeney RSJ is from Victoria where she spent many
years teaching in rural areas. When it was time to take on a new
ministry Sr Kathleen studied counselling and took up a role as Family
and Child Counsellor for MacKillop Family Services in Melbourne.
Following this Sr Kathleen went to Swan Hill, Vic, and continued as a
Family Counsellor working from two schools. It is from there, with all
the gathered life-experiences, knowledge and love, that she answered
the call to be of
service in the
East Kimberley.
Sr Kathleen still
works from two
schools though
many more
kilometres apart
than she is used
to – Warlawurru
Catholic School
at Red Hill, Halls
Creek, and
Ngalangangpum
School in
Photo: A Porter rsj
Warmun.
Chris Henggeler with an Olive Python on his Kachana property.
Photo: R Henggeler
KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010 13
Obituary
Fr Roger Joseph McGinley sac
Born 8 April 1922
Entered Eternal Life 12 December 2009
Roger Joseph McGinley was
born in Sydney NSW in 1922.
He was the youngest of six
children – Moya, Madeleine,
Sheila, [Fr] Brian and Barry.
Their parents, in Roger’s own
words, were “a mixture of Irish
and French. Our father, Frank,
was born in Killibegs, Donegal
and our mother, Madeleine, was
born in Lille, France, to a
French father and an Irish
mother. Quite a good mix
altogether!”
Roger was the product of a
very Catholic education –
initially with the Loreto Sisters
at Kirribilli, then the Jesuits at
Milson’s Point. After a year of
work, at AGC, he was inspired
by the influence of Fr Ernest
Worms to enter religious life. At
the end of 1938 he travelled to
Melbourne to complete Yr 12,
again with the Jesuits at Xavier
College. At the beginning of
1940 he entered the Novitiate
together with Frs Joseph
Kearney and John Hennessy.
Roger was ordained by Cardinal
Gilroy on 20.07.1946.
His first appointment was to
the North-West. “I was sent to
Beagle Bay without even being
told what I was supposed to do!
I was in Beagle Bay, Derby and
Broome, from 1947-1953. While
in Derby [2 years] there was
constant contact with the
Leprosarium, Wyndham and
Cockatoo Island.”
He returned East to take up
an appointment as Rector of the
House of Studies at Strathfield
NSW, but only a few months
later, was relocated as pastor of
the Sydney parish of Silverwater
In 1956 he went south again
to Kew. Then, in 1958, his
‘whole world was turned upside
down’ when he was asked to
replace Fr Bruno Kupke in India.
“As so often happens in our lives
what I did not want at all turned
out to be one of the greatest
experiences of my life and a
great spiritual education for me.”
His companion there, Fr Bryan
Tiernan, records that Roger’s
principal work was in the parish
of Bhilai, in the expanding
Raipur area. “Together we
ministered to the many ‘migrant’
Catholics from various areas of
India who had come there to find
employment” [the daughter of
one of those Bhilai families was
present at his requiem!]
In 1962 Roger became the
Spiritual Director of the Novitiate
at Millgrove [Vic], transferring
with the student community, two
years later, just up the hill to the
newly completed Pallotti College –
first as Novice Master, then Rector.
Elected as the Region’s
leader in 1966 he fulfilled that
role for one term before again
plunging into pastoral work ‘in
various capacities’ [retreat work,
prison chaplaincy, school
chaplaincy, spiritual direction
and counselling etc etc] around
Melbourne.
1976-1981 saw him again in
the West, as pastor of Riverton
Parish. It was then back to his
ministry to candidates for our
Society, priests and brothers, for
which he resolved he needed
more preparation himself and
thus undertook courses at Yarra
Theological College, Box Hill.
Roger’s health began to fail
in 1988 when he needed a triple
bypass. After a recuperative
14 KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010
return for some
months to southern
India, to an ashram
inspired by the noted
English Benedictine
Fr Bede Griffiths
osb, Roger moved
into the less stressful
surrounds of his
beloved Montserrat.
There, apart from a
possum nuisance, he
seemed to be very content
establishing a copycat ashram,
which Griffiths himself later
visited and blessed. God used
him to do much good there until,
in 2006, Roger graciously
accepted that the time had come
to accept professional care and
took up residence at Corpus
Christi Home at Clayton. To the
surprise of all he maintained a
vibrant energy and enthusiasm
for living for another three years.
Roger reflected in 1991:
[1988-2009] he tried to shake off
the busy-ness and aimed to
become much more reflective,
valuing people and God’s
creation more sensitively, and
more joyously.
Roger enjoyed an
indomitable spirit which, while
not beyond being offended,
always resurfaced with kindness,
forgiveness and a smile. His
good humour and frequent jokes
were a much appreciated tonic
for souls that were ‘down’, and
his presence was invariably
appreciated. His disposition
became almost childlike in its
simplicity, and every new
experience became ‘the best’ he
had ever enjoyed.
“I joined the Society in 1939
because I wanted to work as a
priest for the Australian
Aborigines. I was attracted to
this life because of an inner
conviction that it was what I had
Attached to his last will is a
to do with my life. I was also
comment addressed to his
attracted because I was ashamed brothers:
that no Australians were at that
“To all my confreres I offer
time working as Pallottines”.”
my sincere thanks for their love
Obviously, however, it was a and patience with me. I thank
case – as it so often is! – of man them for their brotherly love and
proposing, but God disposing.
kindness and inspiration, and I
He enjoyed only six of his 63
ask forgiveness for any hurts I
priestly years in that ministry.
may have inflicted.
Through the many subsequent
…thanks be to God for all
twists and turns of his journey he
His
mercies
and graces and
appears to have been drawn back
blessings!”
to the spirit of that
transformative time – his ‘great
spiritual education’ – in India. In
the final quarter of his life
And for Roger!
May he rest in peace.
Kimberley Kitchen
Justice Matters
Jennifer
Cambridge is
Community Liaison
Officer at St Mary’s
College in Broome
and is originally from
Melbourne. Jennifer’s
connection with St
Mary’s College started
when she became
involved with the
Cultural Exchange
Program in 2000 and
accompanied
Melbourne students to
the Kimberley over
the next eight years.
Jen and her husband
Barry moved to
Broome in 2008. They
have a daughter at
university in
Melbourne and a son
working in the USA.
Jen enjoys being with people and maintaining contacts with
communities across the Kimberley. She loves cooking for family,
friends and visitors when they come to Broome.
By Shane Wood cfc
THE PERFECT LEMON TART
125 gm butter
2 tblsp finely grated lemon zest
1 ¾ cups plain flour
1 ¼ cups castor sugar
2 pinches salt
6 large eggs
1 cup fresh lemon juice – need about 4 biggish lemons
½ cup thickened cream
Icing sugar
Preheat oven to 180 C. Have ready a 28 cm tart pan with removable base.
Pastry:
Filling:
Melt the butter in a small pan,
add 1 tblsp lemon zest and let
stand for 5 mins.
Whisk together the flour, ¼ cup
of the sugar and a pinch salt in a
medium bowl. Pour in the butter
gradually, stirring with a fork
until it begins to come together.
Press mixture into pan pressing
it evenly up sides and into base.
Bake for 20 minutes and cool on
wire rack.
Process remaining sugar and
remaining 1 tblsp of zest in
processor until finely ground.
Add eggs, lemon juice and
another pinch of salt and process
until smooth. Beat the cream in
a medium bowl until it forms
soft peaks and then gently stir
the egg mixture into it.
Place the crust, still in the tart pan, on a baking sheet and pour the
filling into the still warm crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the
filling is just set in the centre. Let the pie cool on a wire rack. To
service sift icing sugar over the tart and cut into wedges. For extra
class, serve with a berry coulis, drizzled around the plate, and cream.
Issues aplenty for 2010
It is good to be back on the pages of the KCP after twelve
months ‘in recess’. I trust that I can approach the task with
renewed enthusiasm after the break from writing. I have not been
away from the Kimberley, however, and have kept a close watch
on the happenings from the viewpoint of social justice, ecology,
and peace.
The year has begun with a number of relevant issues
simmering away. We were treated to high expectations for
outcomes from the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit.
Unfortunately, the results were less than many would have hoped.
Nevertheless, the door is still open for further meetings and more
ambitious targets and international commitments in the not-toodistant future.
Closer to home, the Northern Task Force has handed down its
report on the potential for the North of Australia to become a food
bowl for the nation. While there is plenty of scope for the
expansion of the Ord River irrigation area, the report seems to
have put an end to the plans of some politicians and developers to
dam the larger rivers such as the Fitzroy and to capture and
interrupt the natural flows and environmental flushing functions of
these waterways. Let’s hope that the science and the common
sense displayed by the report writers are accepted.
Also related to agriculture was the decision by the Western
Australian Government to lift its ban on genetically modified
canola. Again, there has been much debate on this issue, but there
seems to have been little time given to allow research on what
effects these genetically modified crops have on the humans who
consume them. Certainly there are justice issues around the scant
protections given to those farmers who do not wish to have their
crops contaminated by GM, and around the centralisation of
control of seeds and fertilisers by a limited number of
multinational conglomerates.
Last, but not least, is the continuing debate over the
establishment of a gas processing hub at James Price Point and the
division that this has caused in the Kimberley community, and
among Indigenous groups as well. Of grave concern is the
possibility that Indigenous groups will sever their connection with
local environmental groups over this issue. It would be a rather
ironic outcome if the traditional owners and custodians who pride
themselves on ‘caring for country’ find that they are at odds with
the largely non-Indigenous sector trying to preserve the natural
environment from the predations of the rich and powerful oil and
gas companies.
So, all in all, 2010 is shaping up as a year when many of these
issues will come to a head in the Kimberley. In some cases, once
the decisions are taken to move in one direction and the
‘machinery’ rolls out, there will be no going back and the damage
will be irreversible. Surely in these cases that will have serious
consequences well beyond the current or next electoral cycle, we
should adopt the precautionary principle and aim to at least ‘do no
harm’.
KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010 15
Parish News
Broome
Seen here enjoying the Christmas Pageant and Carols held in the
grounds of Our Lady Queen of Peace Cathedral, Broome, on Sunday
13 December are, from left, Katy Ishiguchi, Rita Augustine, Nyin Henry
and Roger Henry.
Photo: J Grimson
Remembering the sick
The World Day of the Sick, on 20 February 2010, the feast of Our
Lady of Lourdes, was celebrated at Germanus Kent Hostel in Broome.
Every Thursday up to fifty residents and visitors gather for Mass at the
Hostel, which has outgrown the centre's chapel and is now held in a
larger gathering space. Ashes were distributed for the beginning of Lent
and amongst those receiving the ashes from Fr Matthew Digges,
Administrator of the Cathedral Parish, was May Howard, who at 104 is
the oldest woman in the Kimberley, and Frances Ward (at back).
Steve
Boniwell and
Sofie Harrison
will be missed by
the members of
the Cathedral
Choir and all
those in the
Parish who have
appreciated their
contribution to
the faith
community at
Our Lady Queen
of Peace Broome.
They are off to
North
Queensland
where they will
be married in the
Catholic Church
at Mareeba,
outside of Cairns,
Photo: CAS
in early October.
At a parish Mass in February Bishop Saunders wished them well for the
future and thanked them for their contribution to Catholic life in the
Kimberley.
PL E A S E R E M E M B E R
T H E CA T H OL IC
C HU R C H O F T H E
K IMB E R L E Y I N
Y OU R W IL L
A bequest to the Roman Catholic Bishop of Broome
for the religious, educational and charitable works
of the Church allows funds to be applied
where the need is greatest.
❑
❑
❑
I would like more information
about remembering the
Church in my will.
I have already included the
Church in my will and wish to
have this noted.
I would like to be contacted for a
confidential talk about my will,
or a gift to the Church in my lifetime.
Please mail
coupon to:
The Finance Officer,
Diocese of Broome,
PO Box 76,
Broome WA 6725
Tel: (08) 9192 1060
or
Fax: (08) 9192 2136
Name:__________________________________________________________________
Address:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________
Photo: F Chi
16 KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010
ABN 37 040 099 127
Parish News
Derby
Sr Antoinette
moves to Subiaco
Written by Sr Sheila Murphy SSJG and read by Ann Hogan on the occasion
of the farewell.
Sixty years ago a young Irish Sister of St John of God arrived on
the shores of Australia, half way around the world. Like so many Irish
missionaries she responded to the gospel challenge of leaving ‘father
and mother and family’ to go where she believed God was calling her to
bring the Good News. She first went to Subiaco where she did her
nursing training and shortly afterwards volunteered to go North and
arrived in Derby in 1956. This energetic and committed Sister worked
tirelessly for the next 53 years caring for the sick in the Derby area
except for one year that she spent on the Beagle Bay mission.
I am of course referring to Sr Antoinette Kelly to whom we are
saying a sad farewell this morning. No words of mine could pay
adequate tribute to the enormous contribution she has made here in
Derby, particularly to those who were sick and needed nursing care and
she will be very much missed by all of us. In addition to being an
outstanding General and Midwifery Nurse she had those added qualities
of being a very gentle and caring person.
She commenced her work here in Derby in the Native Hospital (now
Numbala Nunga) where the Sisters worked until its closure in 1966. She
then moved on to the Derby District Hospital where she worked mainly
in the Maternity Unit. I am sure that many of the local mothers have
fond memories of Sr Antoinette delivering their babies. This move
brought with it many changes for the better as now there was sufficient
staff to allow Sr Antoinette and her companions to enjoy regular days
off! She also enjoyed the comfort of their lovely new purpose built
Granada Convent. She is widely known and loved by many, especially
the Aboriginal people of the Kimberley. Both she and Sr Frances used to
love meeting the people in Woolies when out shopping.
Later on, in the early seventies, Sr Antoinette was appointed
Regional Superior of the Kimberley region and she also took a career
change in moving to live at the Leprosarium, where she looked after the
patients until its closure in 1986. Then she and Sr Frances moved into
town where they took responsibility for operating the Infectious
Diseases Unit, where Sr Antoinette continued to work tirelessly until
her retirement in 1996. During this time she also became computer
literate and enjoyed corresponding with her family in Ireland by email.
It has been a long journey for Sr Antoinette from far away County
Clare in Ireland to Derby in Australia, where she replaced the exquisite
flora and fauna of the famous Burren with the flora and fauna of the
Kimberley region. Her love for nature is evident in the beautiful
flowering garden she tended so lovingly in her home in Holman Street.
It is not surprising then that on her retirement she undertook the
arranging of the flowers in the church until very recently!
On behalf of all of us here I would like to thank Sr Antoinette for
all she has done down through the years and in the many ways she has
touched the lives of all of us. Her tireless commitment to the Lord’s
work has been an inspiration for us and we can only thank Almighty
God for having sent her our way.
May God continue to shower His blessings on you and I am sure
that ‘the many cups of cold water that you have given in His name’ will
not go unrewarded.
Sr Antoinette (R) receives a gift of a beautiful book on the Kimberley from Derby
Shire President Elsia Archer. Photo: S Murphy ssjg
The Sacred Heart
Church Beagle Bay
Conservation and
Restoration Appeal
Please make donations
payable to:
THE NATIONAL TRUST OF AUSTRALIA
(WA) and post to:
The Sacred Heart Church
Beagle Bay Conservation and Restoration Appeal
PO Box 76, Broome WA 6725
MY DONATION: ❑ $25
❑ $50 ❑ $100 ❑ Other
My/Our cheque/money order/cash is enclosed
OR ❑ Mastercard ❑ Visa ❑ Bankcard
Card No.
...
Expiry Date
Signature
Name: ____________________________________________________________
Postal Address: ________________________________________________
Donations of $2 and over are tax deductible. Receipts will be issued.
KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010 17
School News
Red Hill
Broome
On the first Wednesday of Term 1 a large group of parents and
families joined students of Warlawurru Catholic School Red Hill, East
Kimberley, to begin the new school year in prayer. Students sang songs
of praise in the local Jaru language. Maureen Mosquito lit a fire
covering it with leaves to make purifying smoke through which
students, staff and family members walked.
Photo: J Cambridge
It’s off to school for these young students who have begun in
Kindergarten at St Mary’s College Broome - anti-clockwise from top
left, Taezha, Tallara, Shaun, Rachel, Daithi, Amica and Alexander.
Students of Warlawurru process through the cleansing smoke. Photo: D Savoia
By Dean Savoia, Principal
Staff at Warlawurru Catholic School, Red Hill (Halls Creek) made
good use of the Staff Day on 29 January to re-familiarise themselves
with the school’s Evangelisation Plan. Together with the Parish
Administrator, Fr Denis Dennehy, staff members considered the topics
of Witness, Primary Proclamation and Catechesis, reviewing current
practices and considering future endeavours in each area. A scaffolding
activity was employed to challenge staff to correctly identify aspects of
our Evangelisation Plan.
Photo: J Cambridge
Joining many new students on the Secondary Campus are Eddie
Nulgit and Jacinta Clifton, from Warmun in the east Kimberley who are
in Year 8. Betty Carrington and Vanessa Clifton accompanied Eddie and
Jacinta in to St Mary’s College and the Broome Residential College
where they have joined other students from across the Kimberley.
Enjoying
pancakes on
Pancake Tuesday at
St Mary’s College
Primary in Broome
is Hudson Bell who
is in Year 1J.
Photo: S Millar
Staff members, from left, Lorraine Reid, Kylie Marsden and Peggy Naylon at the Staff Day.
Photo: D Savoia
18 KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010
School News
Broome
Warmun
Friday is healthy stew day at Ngalangangpum School Warmun in
the East Kimberley. These young students certainly enjoy their helping
of a beef stew made by community members.
Photo: CAS
Enjoying some tucker and a few quiet moments in the grounds of St
Mary’s College Broome were Joseph Victor, Kheshan Sampi, Jermaine
Daylight and Imran Paddy.
Photo: L Hodge
Wyndham
Students at St Joseph's School Wyndham have been beating the
heat and learning how to swim. Byron Cigobia (centre) demonstrates
the new swimming strokes he has been learning.
Warmun Community, East Kimberley, marked the start of Lent with
an Ash Wednesday liturgy where Community Elders distributed the
blessed ashes to students, parents and other community members.
Photo: L Hodge
Lazarus Edwards, assisted by Teacher Mr David, read
the special prayers written by students in Year 3-4.
Photo: S Davey
Students, staff
and families of St
Joseph’s School
Wyndham
welcomed the start
of the new school
year with a special
Mass celebrating
‘One Family’. Fr
Mark Ai, Parish
Administrator,
gave blessings to
all who attended
and there was
praise for such a
special occasion to
commence 2010.
Women of the Community pray over the ashes. Photo: R Johnson
Ngalangangpum School in
Warmun, East Kimberley,
welcomed the start of a new
year and also their new
Principal, Mr Peter Roguszka
(pictured). Peter is joined by
his wife Dianne, who will also
teach in the school, and a
number of other new staff
members including Mrs Nicki
Schell and Mr Phillip Pedley,
who returns after 14 years.
Photo: L Hodge
KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010 19
School News
Balgo
Beagle Bay
Off to boarding school
A season for new growth
By Robert Ninkama
By T Sarah
Twenty three secondary students from Luurnpa Catholic School,
Balgo in the East Kimberley, left for boarding schools around the
country earlier this year.
It was an emotional farewell on Sunday 31 January as students
going to La Salle College in Perth were farewelled by family and
friends. Other students are attending boarding schools elsewhere
including St John’s College in Darwin and St Brigid’s in Perth.
They have settled in and started off the school year well. We pray
that the Father in Heaven (Mama Kankarra) takes care of them and
gives them strength in their new schools.
New staff at Sacred Heart, from left, Meghan and Glen Donovan, Ben Doyle and
Robert Scott. Photo: D Wilkinson
Students bound for La Salle College, from left, Kiki Whisputt, Marcus Mosquito, Barry
Wombi, Arena Sunfly, Darren Mudgedell, Navarone Galova, Jayden Chungerai, Todd
Hector, Joshwyn Sturt, William Farrer, Clifford Sunfly, Francis Nagomara Watson and
Miranda Farrer. Photo: R Ninkama
With ‘The Season for New Growth’ as the theme for our opening
Mass for the year, Sacred Heart School in Beagle Bay begins a new era
as we welcome our new Principal, Ben Doyle. Ben comes to us, with
his wife Lise and three boys Nicolas, Luke and Henry, from Our Lady
Queen of Apostles School in Riverton WA.
We also welcome on staff Meghan Donovan (Pre Primary/Year 1)
and her husband Glen from Melbourne. Robert Scott joins us from
Colac in Victoria and he has the Secondary Class, which he is finding to
be a great experience. After a warm welcome to our community,
members of staff are very excited about the year ahead.
Ringer Soak
Following the Celebration of the Eucharist on Ash Wednesday, in
Yaruman/Ringer Soak (East Kimberley), Fr Denis Dennehy,
Administrator of Halls Creek Parish, was welcomed by Nida Tchooga
on behalf of the Community. Fr Denis announced that he would be a
regular visitor to the Community, much to the delight of everyone.
Photo: C Lord
Former students from Birlirr Ngawiyiwu Catholic School in Yaruman/
Ringer Soak, were farewelled by the whole Community as they departed
after the holidays to continue with their secondary education at boarding
school. Bottled water and nibbles for the trip were provided by local store
manager, Leslie Fraser, pictured here with some of those travelling.
20 KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010
Fr Denis with Nida. Photo: C Lord
School News
Billiluna/Kururrungku
Kununurra
Kururrungku Catholic Education Centre held a Fun Day in mid
February to raise funds for Caritas and Project Compassion. School
Principal, Pat Holden (L), was assisted in the drawing of the raffle by
Jack Gordon (R) and Ronnie Tourbrook.
New staff welcomed
By A Fyfe
New staff of St Joseph's Catholic School Kununurra were
commissioned and welcomed to the school community during Mass
in St Vincent Pallotti Church on Sunday 7 February. Pictured with Parish
Administrator, Fr Mark Ai, are from left, Miss Erin Healy Mrs Joy
McInnes, Miss Angela Brown and Miss Melina Johnson. Unable to attend
were Mrs Megan Garland and Mrs Judy Giess. It was fitting that the
Gospel was
about Jesus
commissioning
the four
fishermen,
calling them to
carry out his
work just as the
six new staff
members have
accepted to do
in our school.
Photo: A Fyfe
Photo: J Lee
A school doesn't
exactly march on its
stomach but a happy
healthy canteen like
St Joseph's
Kununurra is a great
help to keeping the
learning process on
the move. Here
Eileen Watkins
works hard to
prepare the lunches.
Photo: CAS
At St Joseph's
Catholic School
Kununurra in the
East Kimberley
Erin Healy
teaches the preprimary children
and gets a great
deal from her
laptop, which
takes pictures and
stores them with
ease.
Dono Wilson/Padoon enjoys cooking pancakes. Photo: P Holden
At Kururrungku Catholic Education Centre, Billiluna in the East
Kimberley, younger students, helped by the senior students, made
pancakes for Shrove Tuesday. These were then shared by all at Recess.
On Ash Wednesday there was a Liturgy and ashes were distributed
by Father Eugene who came in from Balgo. It was two wonderful days
of sharing in prayer and reflection to begin the Season of Lent.
Photo: CAS
KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010 21
The Easter story goes on: And as they went to
tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” so they came and held him by
the feet and worshiped him. (Matthew 28: 9)
Fill in the puzzle with every word of the verse
22 KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010
Media Notes
Bishop Anthony Fisher OP
appointed third
Bishop of Parramatta
and numerous ethnic
communities. Parramatta
may be one of our youngest
dioceses but it is already the
fifth most populous in
Australia and has many
exciting possibilities.”
The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has named Most Rev
Anthony Fisher op as the third Bishop of Parramatta. He succeeds
Most Rev Kevin Manning who has been Bishop of Parramatta since
1997 and is retiring.
In his role with WYD08,
the largest international
gathering and largest youth
event in Australia’s history,
Bishop Anthony found many
young people, parishes,
schools and families from the
Parramatta Diocese were
involved. “World Youth Day
Photo: Diocese of Parramatta
brought home to me the
importance of youth ministry
and the major contribution young people can make to our Church
today. I will be bringing that experience and energy to my new
role,” Bishop Anthony said.
Bishop Anthony is a Dominican friar and ethicist. He was
Coordinator of World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney. For the past seven
years he has been Parish Priest of Watson’s Bay and an auxiliary
bishop of Sydney. At 49 Bishop Anthony Fisher is the youngest
Catholic bishop in Australia.
“It is a very great privilege to be entrusted with this role of
leadership and service in the vibrant young diocese of Parramatta,”
Bishop Anthony said. “Western Sydney is one of Australia’s fastest
growing areas, with a median age of only 32, many young families
Yesteryear Images from our past
A large group gathers outside Sacred Heart Church, Beagle Bay, following First Communion. Circa 1920s
Photo: Archives of the Diocese of Broome
KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010 23
■ Celebrating sixty years of marriage. Peggy and John Clements, long
time residents of One Arm Point, were joined by a large crowd of family
and friends at the RSL in Broome for a memorable night of festivities.
Our congratulations and prayers go out to Peggy and John on the
achievement of a remarkable milestone in their life together. Photo: CAS
■ Guess who got married recently? In Syracusa, Sicily,
ex staff member Stefania Di Maria and, Broome ALS
lawyer, Dominic Brunello, on a beautiful January day.
Photo: J Grimson
24 KIMBERLEY COMMUNITY PROFILE APRIL 2010
■ Monica Deblegiers is holding some
interesting friends chosen from a huge collection of dolls
and like creatures that usually decorate the walls of the
St Mary's Halls Creek Op Shop. Monica takes pride in
presenting great service and affordable clothes and other
items to the people of the remote East Kimberley town.
Photo: CAS
■ The first Mass at Gibb River for 2010 was celebrated by Bishop Christopher Saunders at the Wanalirri
Catholic School. During the Mass there were three baptisms indicating something of a baby boom at the
small remote settlement in the ranges country between Derby and Wyndham. From left are Daly Ann White
with her son, Dalton Wungundin, Vanita Shaw and baby Sheranie Shaw, and Jasmin White with baby
Tatyiana White. Photo: CAS
DESIGN BY RED LOGIC DESIGN, BROOME W.A. 6725
■ Celebrating fourteen
years a Bishop (8 February),
thirty five years in the
Kimberley (in July), and sixty
years of life (January) Bishop Saunders with (L)
Barbara Pearl Hamaguchi,
Agnes Martin (centre) and
Trish Jones (R), Centacare
Manager. Photo: J Martin