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Community celebrations across West Arnhem
JABIRU: Citizen of the Year – Rachel Hampton, Young Citizen of the Year – Bridgette Carrigan, Community Event of the Year – Kakadu Triathlon.

West Arnhem’s vibrant communities celebrated Australia Day their own way on Friday, 26 January and Saturday, 27 January 2024.

Gunbalanya

Gunbalanya Day was celebrated with one of the most popular activities - a fishing competition! It seems the fish took the day off biting too with only two caught in the competition. For the categories which weren’t won, a new plan will be announced.  However, we are pleased to announce Traditional Owner Yvonne Gumurdul won biggest fish with a 40cm catfish. In footy you might say home ground advantage. Yvonne will take home a $100 store voucher.


Thanks to all who joined us for fishing and barbecue breakfast.
However you spent the day, we hope it made you happy!
Special thanks to TeamHealth, Gunbalanya Meats, ALPA, Gilly and the WARC crew.

Warruwi

Warruwi Mardbalk Day kicked off with a wonderful smoking ceremony, singing and dancing performed by numerous staff and community members. Andie, Matt and our little community helper Fantasia cooked up a lovely pancake breakfast with Geri and her daughter Anna serving. Face painting seemed to be a highlight with the younger community members, along with painting a banner to be used for future Mardbalk Day celebrations. Tea, coffee and cakes were served to our senior community members who were brought up by Ida and Jamie from Aged Care. 


Unfortunately the bad weather put an end to any outside activities but despite this fun was had by all. 
The day ended with a barbecue cooked by Jamie (YSR) and helpers along with salads donated by Ajurumu Store. 
A big thanks and shout out to Geri Narul for putting the event together and coming back from Jabiru to assist, Jenny I (TO and Night Patrol), Aged Care Team, Jamie (YSR), our Media guy and CSM Matt and for everyone who stayed behind to help clean up. 

Maningrida

Maningrida Day on Saturday, 27 January brought lots of families together at the pool, enjoying the barbecue, scavenger hunt, turtle races, kicking the football and an art competition. 
Embracing the spirit of the day, everyone got involved in creating the 'Maningrida Day' banner with the kids decorated using their hand prints.

We also had WARC staff and local volunteers help out with barbecue. 
Team Leader – Youth, Sport and Recreation Edward Dudanga said, “Kids enjoyed playing sports and games with us”.
Thank you to the community for supporting this event.

Jabiru

There was a great turn out at the Jabiru Splash celebration at the Jabiru Pool on Friday, 26 January. 
There were lots of inflatable pool toys, an Acknowledgement of Country by Denzel May, and the ‘Citizen of the Year’ award presentations.

Congratulations to the following award winners: 

  • Citizen of the Year - Rachel Hampton, 
  • Young Citizen of the Year – Bridgette Carrigan
  •  Community Event of the Year – Kakadu Triathlon.


Thanks to Parks Australia, there was also a Be Crocwise Information stall and everyone enjoyed contributing to the special painting activity themed ‘Life in Jabiru, Aussie Outback’.


Everyone really enjoyed the very special lunch and beautifully decorated cake to top off the morning.
Thank you to the National Australia Day Council, Red Lily Health, ALPA, Sodexo and Parks Australia.

Minjilang

Minjilang Day was postponed until Friday, 2 February. Photos to come.

 

WARC wishes to thank the Australia Day Council NT for supporting these events and the Australia Government through the National Australia Day Council.

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