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45th Festival

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Welcome to the Gurindji Website

Background: Kalkarindji and Daguragu are on the traditional homelands of the Gurindji people, and these
communities are linked to the Malgnin, Mudpurra, Bilinara, Ngarinman and Warlpiri peoples
through the historic Walkoff from Wave Hill Station, which was initially established on Gurindji
traditional lands in 1883. At the time of the Walkoff, Wave Hill Station had been owned
by British Lord Vestey's family since 1914. The Gurindji Walkoff was initiated by Gurindji/
Malgnin leader, Vincent Lingiari, on 23 August 1966 and lasted till 1974, an event which lit
the fire that became the national land rights movement.

On 26 August, 1975, then Labor Prime Minister Gough Whitlam officially handed
back his peoples' traditional lands to Vincent Lingiari in the community of Daguragu. While
Vincent and many of his contemporaries have since passed away, elders who participated in
this monumental community-driven movement continue to stand strong in their country.
They and their descendants invite you to come and share this anniversary with us, listen to
our elders' stories and experiences over the almost four decades since that historic time in
the late 1960s, and support us in our aims for our current and future younger generations.

"He wasn't only fighting for the Gurindji people
he was fighting for all Aboriginal people, for the way the white man treated us."

Location: Kalkarindji/Daguragu is approximately 550km directly south of Darwin or 800 kms driving in total on the Stuart and Buntine Highways; and approximately 480 kms southwest of Katherine, via the Buntine Highway, Northern Territory.

How to get there - By road: Stuart Highway then Buntine Highway - proper 4WDs are your best bet, but motorbikes with sidecar have been seen at previous major events! Last major refuel at Top Springs, approximately 170 kms from Kalkarindji.

State of roads: The Stuart Highway from Darwin is pretty good, but once you turn off onto the Buntine Highway the roads are often single lane, sometimes not so well sealed (plenty of potholes from rain and road trains thundering through!) and shared with plenty of free-range cattle, horses, some donkeys, 'roos, dingoes, dogs and road trains, so you need to be very careful driving. It is at least a 10 hour drive from Darwin, with stop off in Katherine and/or Top Springs.

We bin here long time before them Vestey mob. This is our country, all this bin Gurindji country. Wave Hill bin our country. We want this land; we strike for that.

Population: 650 - 700, with communities in outlying regions of Lajamanu, Pigeonhole, Yarralin, Hooker Creek and others.

Flights: There is an airstrip but if you want to fly you will need to charter a flight through Katherine or Darwin. We prefer the drive, then you get a sense of how big this country is.

Community Shop: Food/drink/Shop: there is a small community shop, but prices are high due to freight and produce limited. Water is quite 'hard' and so best to bring your own water with you although we will ensure there are fresh water tanks.

Camping: There is one small official campsite but this has limited sites and has been prebooked for community elders and their families travelling from far away. However, there are plenty of other camping grounds where you will be able to pitch your tent/swag. You are also welcome to camp by Daguragu creek itself (formerly known as Wattie Creek where our mob walked to and 'sat themselves down' for 8 long years). It is a stunning spot, the water is crystal clear and beautiful (but cold) for swimming in, and you can catch fish if you are lucky. Situated between Kalkarindji and Daguragu communities.

What to bring: Your own swag/tent/food/water/loo paper/shovel/4WD safety gear - no hotels out our way, but plenty of spirit and hospitality!

What NOT to bring: Alcohol - Kalkarindji and Daguragu are prescribed communities and the club will be closed for the 3 days.

Drugs - except your necessary medicines. There is a clinic which will be open to attend to people, but best not to take chances given the distance and limited supplies.

Pets - Otherwise they might end up being 'sampled' by the local community dogs, or run over, no real fences near key roads.

Program: Still being finalised but there will be some incredible local, regional and national musicians performing; Aboriginal writers, poets, activists, speakers, educators and inspirational figures; guided tours by elders to Jinparrak (Old Wave Hill Station); BBQs, visual arts, and much more. Stay tuned for updates.

001 News Letter May 2011 (PDF)

Print: News Letter for Gurindji Walkoff from Wave Hill 45th Anniversary Commemoration

Warning: Be advised that this website includes images and name of people who are deceased

			Location: Kalkarindji/Daguragu is approximately 550km directly south of Darwin or 800 kms driving in total on the Stuart and Buntine Highways; and approximately 480 kms southwest of Katherine, via the Buntine Highway, Northern Territory. How to get there - By road: Stuart Highway then Buntine Highway - proper 4WDs are your best bet, but motorbikes with sidecar have been seen at previous major events! Last major refuel at Top Springs, approximately 170 kms from Kalkarindji.




	Photos: © Brian Manning Collection

	State of roads: The Stuart Highway from Darwin is pretty good, but once you turn off onto the Buntine Highway the roads are often single lane, sometimes not so well sealed (plenty of potholes from rain and road trains thundering through!) and shared with plenty of free-range cattle, horses, some donkeys, 'roos, dingoes, dogs and road trains, so you need to be very careful driving. It is at least a 10 hour drive from Darwin, with stop off in Katherine and/or Top Springs.		We bin here long time before them Vestey mob. This is our country, all this bin Gurindji country. Wave Hill bin our country. We want this land; we strike for that.