By Stephen Johnson.
On 4 February
2008, li-Anthawirriyarra Sea Ranger Unit took
delivery of a long awaited new boat. The 6.7 metre New Zealand
built Stabi-Craft is in survey D and will substantially increase
the Sea Ranger’s current carrying capacity, range and
operational scope. On this note, Senior Ranger Graham Friday said,
“It is an honour to care for country on behalf of my people
and to share such knowledge with the younger generation. The
a-Wurrarumu will assist us to carry out our jobs on
the waters safely and efficiently.” The handover took place
on Darwin Harbour with all the Sea Rangers present, as well as
staff from In and Outboard Marine and a small ABC media
contingent.
A name for the
boat – a-Wurrarumu – had been decided
by senior members of the community some weeks before delivery. In
general terms the name means the wind from the north that animates
the waves and is also associated with the rainbow serpent. It is
succinctly described as “…a proper island name”
and clearly reflects the saltwater heritage of Yanyuwa people as
well as the operational priorities of the Sea Ranger
Unit.
The purchase of
this new vessel represents a substantial investment on the part of
Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Association and the Yanyuwa community
and is a testament to the trust and pride they hold in li-Anthawirriyarra. Sea Ranger Coordinator, Stephen Johnson
suggests it also signals increasing recognition of the value of
Ranger activities from within the wider Australian community,
“The Ranger unit is now receiving proper recognition and
reward for some of the services we provide. We put our own money
into purchasing this vessel with major contributions coming from
Fisheries NT and Mabunji Aboriginal Resource
Association”.
Upon arrival
back in Borroloola on 6 February 08 an official a-Wurrarumu launch was scheduled for 14 February 08. Most of
the Yanyuwa community attended on the day, including a number of
school children who were given a half day off to admire and go for
a ride in the new boat. Some of these kids will be the first
members of li-Anthawirriyarra li-jawina –
little saltwater people still learning – a junior ranger
programme funded by the World Wide Fund for Nature and undertaken
in collaboration with the Yanyuwa Community, the Sea Ranger Unit
and the Community Education Centre in Borroloola.
Over the course
of the day the Rangers took several people on short trips upriver
to five mile bend with li-Wirdiwalangu [senior
Yanyuwa people] being first in line. A brief lull in proceedings
took place while a BBQ lunch was enjoyed and the event eventually
drew to a close around mid afternoon. The overwhelming endorsement
and support from the Yanyuwa community evident on this and other
days continues to motivate and increase confidence within li-Anthawirriyarra Sea Ranger Unit.
Bawuji bajirru yamulu barra – 2008
will be a good year.
Graham Friday
and Stephen Johnson
li-Anthawirriyarra Sea
Ranger Unit
c/- Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Association
PO
Box 435
BORROLOOLA NT 0854
Ph: 0427970834
Emails: graham.friday@mabunji.com.au
stephen.johnson@mabunji.com.au
