Kadjina Community, Western Australia
Encyclopedia
Kadjina is situated approximately 300 km ESE of Broome
and 100 km SW of Fitzroy Crossing in the central south of the Kimberley region, Western Australia
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It was set up back in 1997 with only 1 teacher who taught from a caravan. It now boasts two classrooms, a staffroom and administration building. Recently it opened a brand new multi purpose building. One room serves as a music room which is extensively used by the local musicians and an area for the toddlers to play.
The other room has a bank of computers that are very popular with the local community.
Currently there are two teachers and a principal who work closely with local AEWs who work at the school as gardeners, teacher assistants, administrative assistants.
The school also has a Homemaker Centre which is run by a local elder who cooks a hot meal every day for all the children in the community. Children also receive a piece of fruit at morning break.
The school focuses on teaching culture and language which is conducted by the local elders, especially Yangkana Laurel, who is a renowned artist in her own right. Bush trips are often taken to show the children their culture and to learn the ways of their ancestors.
English is taught through the NALP (National Accelerated Literacy Program). It has proved to be very successful in assisting the children learn to read and write in English. The children speak three languages. The main language is Kriol, their native language, Walmarjarri, and then English.
A problem for the school is one of transience. Because family is so important to the community members, people are often away from the community visiting family. This has a severe impact on the ability of the school to run systematic programs. However, the school believes that every child who turns up will receive the full attention of the teachers.
and comprises the Australian standard three phase 415/240 volts system 24 hours a day. There are frequent power surges and interruptions.
Occasionally, the water has a muddy colour but it is still quite suitable for drinking and comes out of the ground at quite a cool temperature.
Bush walking, some fishing and camping are the dominant pursuits for tourists visiting. Visitors are required to apply for a permit prior to entering the Community.
Music is a very popular pastime in the community. There are a group of musicians who use the newly established music room to practice their music and write their songs. They are aiming to put together a program of 30 songs to present at local gigs.
The school has a set of bikes which are used by the local children in an active after school program.
The local community loves fishing and can often be found heading off to their favourite fishing holes along the Fitzroy River.
During the wet season the community can be cut off by road for months at a time. Fortunately, the community has an all-weather airstrip located just 4 km away. This allows an air drop of essential supplies when the need arises.
Broome, Western Australia
Broome is a pearling and tourist town in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, north of Perth. The year round population is approximately 14,436, growing to more than 45,000 per month during the tourist season...
and 100 km SW of Fitzroy Crossing in the central south of the Kimberley region, Western Australia
Western Australia
Western Australia is a state of Australia, occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Great Australian Bight and Indian Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the north-east and South Australia to the south-east...
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Education
Kadjina Community has a school. It is called Wulungarra Community school and caters for children aged 3 years up to year 10. It is named after the nearby Wulungarra Hill.It was set up back in 1997 with only 1 teacher who taught from a caravan. It now boasts two classrooms, a staffroom and administration building. Recently it opened a brand new multi purpose building. One room serves as a music room which is extensively used by the local musicians and an area for the toddlers to play.
The other room has a bank of computers that are very popular with the local community.
Currently there are two teachers and a principal who work closely with local AEWs who work at the school as gardeners, teacher assistants, administrative assistants.
The school also has a Homemaker Centre which is run by a local elder who cooks a hot meal every day for all the children in the community. Children also receive a piece of fruit at morning break.
The school focuses on teaching culture and language which is conducted by the local elders, especially Yangkana Laurel, who is a renowned artist in her own right. Bush trips are often taken to show the children their culture and to learn the ways of their ancestors.
English is taught through the NALP (National Accelerated Literacy Program). It has proved to be very successful in assisting the children learn to read and write in English. The children speak three languages. The main language is Kriol, their native language, Walmarjarri, and then English.
A problem for the school is one of transience. Because family is so important to the community members, people are often away from the community visiting family. This has a severe impact on the ability of the school to run systematic programs. However, the school believes that every child who turns up will receive the full attention of the teachers.
Electricity supply
Electricity is supplied by the Government of Western AustraliaGovernment of Western Australia
The formation of the Government of Western Australia is prescribed in its Constitution, which dates from 1890, although it has been amended many times since then...
and comprises the Australian standard three phase 415/240 volts system 24 hours a day. There are frequent power surges and interruptions.
Water
There is two bores near the old Millijiddee homestead which pump to the high level water tank. There are occasional interruptions. Recent upgrades to the water supply has ensured that the water quality is high. The pressure is now good and is used for the reticulation systems of the school as well as a number of the houses.Occasionally, the water has a muddy colour but it is still quite suitable for drinking and comes out of the ground at quite a cool temperature.
Recreation
The local children can often be seen riding pigs around the village.Bush walking, some fishing and camping are the dominant pursuits for tourists visiting. Visitors are required to apply for a permit prior to entering the Community.
Music is a very popular pastime in the community. There are a group of musicians who use the newly established music room to practice their music and write their songs. They are aiming to put together a program of 30 songs to present at local gigs.
The school has a set of bikes which are used by the local children in an active after school program.
The local community loves fishing and can often be found heading off to their favourite fishing holes along the Fitzroy River.
Shopping
There used to be one store in town owned and operated by the ALPA. However, it has fallen into disuse. The Community Council is currently investigating options for reopening a store to serve the small population of around 30 people. Currently the school conducts a fortnightly run into Fitzroy Crossing 210 km away, to buy supplies for the school community Homemaker Centre. All items are very expensive compared to major centres. When supplies run low the locals sometimes go to Noonkambah, 50 km away, for essentials.During the wet season the community can be cut off by road for months at a time. Fortunately, the community has an all-weather airstrip located just 4 km away. This allows an air drop of essential supplies when the need arises.