A Mob Smiles Again, With Help From The Khaki Crew

Sydney Morning Herald

Wednesday September 10, 2008

Lindsay Murdoch in Kalumburu

LAST October the remote indigenous community of Kalumburu was crying out for help, with residents ashamed to face the world.

Fifteen men were facing child sex abuse charges in the East Kimberley community, 800 kilometres north-east of Broome.

The then indigenous affairs minister, Mal Brough, was so shocked by the allegations that he flew journalists to the community of about 450 and said the world should be appalled.

Leonie Cameron, the community's chief executive, said residents could not look outsiders in the eye or smile. But Kalumburu has been transformed, thanks to a friendly invasion by the Australian Defence Force. "People are now smiling and happy ... There is now hope," she said.

A temporary army base was built in low scrub a few kilometres from Kalumburu three months ago.

Since then 130 soldiers, many of them skilled tradesmen, have been working in the community, building a $1.6 million health clinic, delivering health training, resealing the airstrip, redeveloping a barge landing and rebuilding dirt roads.

Len Rouwhorst, the operation commander, said the work was "part of the healing process ... It came at a very good time for the community."

The project has included a 12-week engineering course for 16 of the community's young men and women. One of the trainees, Eric White, 33, said he was confident of getting a job after graduating. "This has given me a chance in life. I hope to be able to get a job with a mining company. The community is proud of us for attending and learning these skills."

The project - the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program - has helped build facilities in 33 communities since it was set up 12 years ago.

Warren Snowdon, the federal Minister for Defence, Science and Personnel, who visited the project yesterday, said the program gives the army training that will help in overseas reconstruction operations. "Just as importantly though, the project contributes to a more unified Australia by practical reconciliation by Australians working together to build better communities," he said.