We visited Bawaka Homelands and were special guests of Traditional Owner Timmy Burarrwanga. Bawaka is an incredible place, about an hour’s drive from Yirrkala and Timmy has built an incredible cultural tourist sanctuary there on his country with some amazing timber accommodation cabins. There are some unique challenges Timmy has due to the remoteness and needing experienced operators to help him run a successful, profitable business. Unbelievably, Timmy gifted Kevin his sacred clapsticks in what was an emotional show of kindness and deep respect. Kevin has undertaken the task of using his extensive networks to help Timmy. We all talked about the importance of Aboriginal culture preservation where Timmy and is homeland is an exemplar showing of that, but he needs support.
Our support is crucial in allowing more of Timmy’s family to be able to live on their homelands as they are currently in overcrowded housing in Yirrkala. Our support will enable that. We have committed to getting Bawaka a mini food ladder system and an industrial washing machine & dryer. We do not need any leases as Timmy holds his own section 19 over his homelands. We visited the breathtaking Lonely Beach and were also entertained by resident crocodile “Nike”.
