Aboriginal Community Base's

[Tinpis2]

Hi all !!!

I know there was a thread about this not so long ago but I have some more specific questions about this subject. Wondering if people out there with flying experience in commiunities can shed a few hints on what to do and not to do, what to watch out for and what to be careful of. Basically any information on living and working in aboriginal settlements would be really appreciated.

Also more specifically, what is Kakadu and Gove like ???

Thanks to everyone in advance

TP2.

[Alistair]

Hi Tinpis2, the old man (Tinpis) could probably help here. I can't speak from experience in Kakadu or Gove, but it will be much the same everywhere, with a few local differences. I spent some time, a while ago now, on a community in north west WA and the rules will be the same.

Good stuff

Nurses and teachers, nurture your friendships with these great people. Best parties, they know the best fishing spots, have all the gear and are willing to share it so long as you respect it, replace any lures that you lose or buy your own. They know the best swimming holes (always take their advice unless you want to find out what it is like to be first course). Most importantly best source of possible nooky :ok: (lot of pilots meet there future partners in these places, i did!, so be warned:E ) but don't **** in your own nest (or the next pilot's). Don't forget the odd treat brought back from town is greatly appreciated and doesn't cost you a lot to do.

Not so good stuff

Don't get personally involved with the community, never forget you are not aboriginal and are a visitor. You will make friends but bear this in mind at all times and it will solve a lot of problems before they begin. Treat the locals with respect at all times, but don't take any **** from them either. Any weakness will be humbugged into oblivion. Rule number 1, NO MONEY NO FLYING! Rule number 2, refer to rule number 1. Don't do any dodgy **** with the aircraft, you don't own it and have been given a position of trust by your boss. You are there to make him/her money whilst gaining the experience you need to get a better job. You will get some great flying in some of the most truly amazing countryside in the world and it doesn't matter where you end up you will look back on this time as some of the best times in your life.

Enjoy, and fly safe.

Blue Skies

[PLovett]

Tinpis2

If by Kakadu you mean Jabiru and by Gove you mean Nhulunbuy then both places are more European than Aboriginal.

I have lived in Nhulunbuy and it is expensive, there is a lack of housing (especially now as the mine is expanding and the town is full of contractors) and it is a virtual prisoner to the surrounding Aboriginal controlled land. However, it is still a very pleasant place to live and work out of. The social facilities in the town are great (as to be expected in a mining town) and if your tastes run that way it has, reportedly, a very extensive swingers group. :E

However, if you are going to be based at somewhere like Lake Evella or Elcho Island then all the advice from Alistair applies in spades. ;)

The flying around those areas is spectacular and the Aboriginal people I flew to and from their communities were some of the nicest and most appreciative people I have met in aviation. :ok:

[Howard Hughes]

Jabiru was a great place to work when I was there, especially wednesday and thursday nights when Contiki were in town.;)

Pity I can't say the same about the conditions though...:yuk:

[huntsman]

Alistair said:

don't **** in your own nest (or the next pilot's)

a friend of mine had an engine problem in his Commodore, and the local mechanic wouldn't fix it as a previous pilot had bolted without paying.

wouldn't even do the job with cash paid up front.

must have been seriously pissed with the pilot profession.

Behave yourselves

[Tinpis2]

Thanks heaps guys.

Very very interesting to hear about your experiences !!!

Cheers

TP2.

[JetABro]

There are some great points there.

A couple more are (this is mainly for the true black falla communities), watch the dogs!!!! During the day they may seem fine, come night it's a different story. If your out at night carry a bloody big stick, not only for the dogs but the sniffers too, and don't hesitate to use it. Make sure they know whos boss or you'll come off second best.

If you get a permit to drink and take alchole in, hide it well or you may find it's gone with in five mins along with anything else they fancy money, car keys, etc.

And just like what the other guys said, be firm but fair. Don't take **** or else they'll never respect you. If the other pilots give them ****... well your a big boy now, do your own thing and the black fallas will respect you.

Other than that, enjoy, they are amazing places :ok:

[Tiger 77]

Ok, may of been a little harsh but we all know its true.

:O

[psycho joe]

:mad:

[Yakka]

Now now boys.

TP2 If you want any specific advice about a particular community, PM me
I have lived in Goulburn Island, Maningrida, Lake Evil and Elcho Island and currently work with some ex Ngukkur boys. Should be able to set you straight.

The best thing up there is the fishing. Its a nice distraction from the grind and its quality. You can usualy hire a boat from a local if find out who actualy owns it. (sometimes they all claim to own it)

Yakka

[Poto]

I was always impressed with the Hard core porn stores in The Territory. Makes those lonely nights in community bearable;)

[Binoculars]

I thought the first few posts were too good to be true. Didn't take long for the real spirit of GA to come to the fore. :hmm:

[JetABro]

..sorry forgot to add, while I think they are amazing places (mainly for the landscape), don't forget where your from, I think that makes it more enjoyable to know that it's not home.

[Atlas Shrugged]

Some interesting stuff on each of the communities in here:

NT Local Communities (http://www.lgant.nt.gov.au/)

Click on "Select a Council" and go from there.

[rmcdonal]

Can you feel the love? Woomera has had to edit this thread 4 times!
Just goes to show there maybe some feelings best left discovered for ones self. :E :ok:

[tinpis]

Population, Land mass and Incorporated areas in the Northern Territory:

* population of 197,590
* 24% identify as Aboriginal
* an area of 1.346 million square km, 17% of Australia
* less than 5% of the land area of the Northern Territory is covered by Local Government
* only 2% of the land area of the Northern Territory is rateable
* 92% of the NT population live within a local government area


Darwhine is wild enough for me.:hmm:

[psycho joe]

10,000 apologies for my previous post. What I should have said was;

T2,

Living in a remote Aboriginal community is about the most beautiful experience that one can have. Leave behind the violent rat race and experience a culture of love and inner peace.

You don't need to lock your house or car in these communities as the culture dictates a very strong respect for "belonging".

Bring your girlfriend along with you as there is no racial discrimination in these parts and she will be able to walk around at any time, confident in the knowledge that the men will keep a constant eye on her.

Being greeted by the aroma of a community is something to behold, no longer will you have to put up with the foul smelling pollution of the towns/cities.

I hope you like animals. Aboriginal communities love all living creatures, but especially love dogs. These well groomed pedigree animals can be viewed at night, or if you’re lucky enough to be on foot, by day.

I hope you don't smoke or drink, substance abuse is not tolerated in aboriginal communities.

Finally, enjoy being a community pilot. There is no higher position in the land to be bestowed. You will be treated as a professional. You will never be threatened, hit, spat on or generally abused. If nothing else remember this. In an aboriginal community a mans word is his honour, so you can confidently fly people on credit.

[JetABro]

PJ

Good to see comfortable humor returning to this discussion.

:ok:

[rmcdonal]

Very Nice PJ :E Good to see you have enjoyed your stay on one of these fine examples of community spirit. :} :E