Weekes' Weekly News

Dear Sacred Heart Kew Families,

Last month, I had the privilege to travel to Darwin and the Tiwi Islands with other East Central Zone Network Principal colleagues, to better understand Indigenous culture and the work of the Church in a remote context. Our focus as an ECZNP network for 2023 has been professional learning related to developing indigenous cultural competency, through both the Cultural Competency Program at Melbourne Museum and immersion experiences in the Northern Territory. It has been an informative and memorable learning experience so far.

After a two and a half hour Ferry ride, stepping off and onto the jetty at Bathurst Island, (keeping one eye on the cool light blue water for any sudden movements of crocodile-like activity), it was easy to see why most people from Tiwi never leave. With the blazing winter sun on our backs, we were led into a community garden area, invited to take our seats, ready for the Welcome to Country. Several Tiwi elders greeted us, welcoming us to the land, sharing a little bit of their culture, their story, and humour with us, in a relaxed, but spiritual manner. There was a great deal to take in, but time was against us. 

Next stop was St Therese’s Church, where we were warmly welcomed by Sister Amelia Fatima. So much history within this sacred place. The building is all timber frame construction with timber weatherboard external cladding, built by Tiwi labour from local timber, the inside decorated with images from Tiwi mythology and the Bible. This Church was built in 1911, but now needs a little love and restoration. Some of you may have even visited this Church yourselves, or possibly recognise it from the 2019 australian movie, Top End Wedding. 

After a short prayer session together as a group, we were introduced to Rhett Bowden (Xavier Catholic College Principal) who shared his own experiences, underlining the importance of the Catholic schools and St Therese’s Church in the local community. There was a changing of the guard with Rhett walking out and in walking Sister Anne Gardiner, again, instantly grabbing our attention and respect. Sister Anne Gardiner (Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart) has lived on Tiwi since 1953, arriving as a 22 year old and never leaving. Now 92 years of age, she will be buried here, such is her standing within the Tiwi community. Sister Anne explained about the importance of St Therese’s Church within the community, with many significant milestones celebrated in this space. 

As I descended the steep, rickety stairs, our beautiful Sacred Heart Kew Church entered my mind. The two Churches were built around the same period, but the contrast between the two, could not have been greater. The one similarity though, both buildings were meaningful, spiritual hubs, important spaces to gather together and celebrate the Catholic faith. Their worth and purpose is immeasurable, to those who find peace and solace within the walls. 

Behind the Church is Murrupurtiyanuwu Catholic Primary School and Patakijiyali Museum, where we met Kellie McGinlay, Principal of Murrupurtiyanuwu Catholic Primary School. Before entering the Museum, Kellie spoke briefly about her short stint at the school, being welcomed into the Tiwi Island community and the love and pride that the primary school children have for their school. Sister Anne rejoined us, pulling up in her red motorised buggy, Sydney Swan flags hanging from the roof, the Tiwi Islands answer to the Popemobile.  

As well as her pastoral support role, Sister Anne Gardiner began work on the museum in the 1980’s, turning it into one of the most outstanding socio-ethnic institutions in Australia. Initially established in the old mission kitchen, the museum has grown to showcase Tiwi culture, highlighting Indigenous history, including clan structure, mythology and art. There is a section dedicated to the mission period with photographs and a long list of names of Catholic sisters, priests and brothers who served and worked on Bathurst Island. The popular Hall of Fame is reserved for Tiwi athletes, particularly those who have excelled at AFL, including Tiwi-born stars David Kantilla, Maurice Rioli and Michael Long.

As a Principal Network, inspired by the Tiwi people whom we met, we decided that we would share our own experiences with our school communities and undertake community action and fundraising, with money raised going towards the restoration works of St Therese’s Church on Bathurst Island. Each school in our network will decide on the most suitable and practical fundraising activities, with ours coinciding with our final day of Term 3 and our traditional footy colours day. Our Year 6 leaders will lead some footy activities for all children on this day, with casual clothes to be worn and a gold coin donation brought in, going towards our network fundraising for St Therese’s Church. Many thanks for your support of our fundraising efforts in advance. I am sure that our generosity will be greatly appreciated by those who will continue to celebrate their faith and culture at St Therese’s Catholic Church, Bathurst Island.     

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend. 

Kind Regards,

Ed Weekes 

School Principal