Northeast Arnhem Land Gapuwiyak community waves goodbye to AACAP soldiers
A landmark program that shares knowledge and skills between remote NT communities and the Australian Defence Force is celebrating its 25th year. Read how it is changing lives for the better.
Northern Territory
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About 500km east of Darwin, ADF soldiers will be soon saying goodbye to a community they have called home for about five months.
Gapuwiyak, also known as Lake Evella, is the 48th community to participate in the 25-year Army Aboriginal community Assistance Program.
As a way of sharing skill, knowledge and culture AACAP soldiers are invited into a community for an extended period of time to help in any way the community requests.
The centrepiece, a lasting legacy, of the ADF’s time spent in the Gapuwiyak community is the new independent youth centre – a recreational space.
But community members are not the only ones benefiting from the army help.
Margaret Marrkula said ADF members were taught how to hunt, harvest bush medicine, find bush food and also shared storytelling.
“They’re like my friends, like my brother or sister,” the Gapuwiyak woman said.
“It’s going to be a very very sad day, we will miss them, we loved them and cared for them when they were here.”
She said the new local hub would become a place where kids could spend time off the streets and stay out of trouble.
“Gapuwiyak has to be a good place to live, for our children for the future,” Ms Marrkula said.
The ADF leaving the community marked the program’s silver jubilee.
The exchange of skills and culture between the two groups of people in Gapuwiyak and the undying bond left behind epitomises the value of it.
Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart said the core purpose was to listen to the needs and desires of the community and help achieve its goals.
“It’s brought people together. It’s soldiers together with parts of the community we serve,” Lieutenant Stuart said.
“They leave as richer people with a much deeper understanding of Indigenous culture.
“I’m incredibly proud of our people, they’ve made a real connection here, they’ve been welcomed into the family and that’s a huge privilege.”
Throughout its 25 years, the project has delivered vital infrastructure such as health clinics, roads and housing.
In the Arnhem Land community, beside the picturesque Lake Evella, Indigenous community members and AACAP soldiers have worked long hours to build the local youth centre.
Harlowe Arden runs the new child and family intensive support program which has recently been funded for the community.
She says she is “really impressed” with how the army built relationships and worked with the community.
“It’s been really positive,” the East Arnhem Regional Council Trauma Informed Care Coordinator said.
“They’ve been really willing to jump in and help with unexpected things when they’ve been available to so people have really appreciated that, but the community functioned before they were here and it’ll keep functioning.
“I’m sure people will miss them because lots of people made some good friendships with them.”
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