Here as 'invited guests'

Yung -al refers to the area and the 16 clan groups each with a different language.
Gumatj - is the main clan language
Other major is 'Djambarrapuyngu'  - said like - ' jumbar poung  gu' !

I meet Steve Ormie, a Church Resource worker, waiting in the (rather small and basic) departure area.
I ask him about the availability of Scriptures in the local languages.

He said the New Testament translated into 2 of the 16 languages and some sections of the Old Testament. No whole Bible translation.

 

Steve

Dean has been here 15 years; originally from the State of Victoria (from an area near Melbourne), he and Chrissie have 4 children in school here. He says Victoria doesn't quite feel like home now after all these years.

He kindly gives me a tour of the facilities and an opportunity to meet some of the team who are here.

MAF check in desk in Gove

Many are out in the communities (not in Gove). Several comment how very pleased they are with the new hangar - the working environment, opportunity for good air flow (it's pretty sticky here even though not the hottest time of the year), and it doesn't flood like the old one!!

GA8 in the hangar for a 100-hour check

Arnhem Land is a protected Aboriginal Territory, one cannot just arrive and do as you wish in this area.

He comments it's good to remember that "we are here as invited guests" - have to support local people not to be 'in charge'.