CDU donations aid NT remote communities in flood relief efforts

Charles Darwin University (CDU) staff have rallied together to raise money for Northern Territory communities affected by the recent floods in the Big Rivers Region. 

A collective donation of $9,000 will be equally shared between the Gurindji Aboriginal Corporation and the Karungkarni Art and Cultural Aboriginal Corporation, to provide emergency supplies for residents and help repair the Karungkarni Art and Culture Centre.

CDU Deputy Vice-Chancellor First Nations Leadership and Engagement, Professor Reuben Bolt, said the appeal was an opportunity to make a difference.

"As a University, we stand in solidarity with the Gurindji people and other impacted groups as they recover and rebuild from this devastating major disaster,” Professor Bolt said.

“Many families, Elders and children will be affected well into the future. The support of these two reputable organisations will ensure the community receives assistance with immediate and urgent needs, as well as with the heartbreaking recovery process.”

The recent floods on Gurindji Country caused the evacuation of 700 people from Daguragu, Kalkarindji, Pigeon Hole and surrounding communities to the Centre for National Resilience at Howard Springs until waters receded.

Since returning, the restoration and recovery process has begun.

Gurindji Aboriginal Corporation CEO Des Green said the support from the University was a “remarkable gesture of generosity and compassion”.

“We are truly humbled and grateful for the kindness from CDU, and we cannot thank the staff enough for their support during this difficult time,” Mr Green said.

“The Gurindji Aboriginal Corporation Board will assess all funds raised through the flood appeal, and we will ensure that they are used to benefit the communities in the most effective and meaningful way possible.

“The donation will help us provide essential goods and services to those who need them the most, and we will do everything we can to make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by the floods,” he said.

Arts Manager Penny Smith, from Karungkarni Art and Culture Centre, said the community had “witnessed so many instances of heartfelt generosity” from people ready to give a helping hand.

“We are greatly appreciative of the generosity of Charles Darwin University and its staff in initiating a fundraiser for the benefit of Gurindji people and for Karungkarni Art Centre,” Ms Smith said.

“We experienced the compassion of people from all walks of life who opened their hearts and their wallets to assist us in our recovery. Importantly, this compassion also gave us the inner strength to survive an overwhelming episode.

“This donation will not only contribute to the arduous clean-up, it will assist us in the rejuvenation of a new chapter in our story,” she said.

Donations to the Gurindji Aboriginal Corporation’s flood relief appeal can be made here.