Wyndham / Oombulgurri Parish |
| Wyndham is a town of approximately 800 people in the East Kimberleys. It is dominated by The Bastion - a rock formation that overlooks the three main sections of the town – Port Wyndham, Wyndham three mile and Wyndham six mile. The Church building and the Rectory are at three mile, as are most other residences. There are a few houses, shops and the hotel at the Port, as well as the Port facilities, and the Golf Course and Sports Club are at ten mile. The Port handles live cattle export, nitrate for Argyle Diamond Mine, sugar and molasses and other goods entering and leaving the East Kimberley. Oombulgurri was formerly known as the Forrest River Mission. It was established as an Anglican
mission and most of its residents regard themselves as Anglican and Christian. It is a community of 600 people
(predominantly Aboriginal) about 30 nautical miles up the Forrest River from Wyndham. There are many sad episodes in its
history, including massacres, stolen generation, evacuation during war, etc. We hope to visit for approximately one week
each month so that we can get to really know people and spend time with them. We are making an initial visit during the
first week in April. We have been unable to visit earlier due to flooding in the town and closure of the airstrip during
the Wet Season. The town is only accessible by plane or by boat – there is no road access. |
Copyright © 2007 Bush Church Aid Society of Australia |