In these difficult times, Aarnja is concerned about the well-being of Kimberley Traditional Owners, especially those who are elderly, unwell or more vulnerable. We are committed to seeing that our communities and families remain safe and protected during this crisis.
Earlier this week, the state government released a series of ‘Remote Aboriginal Communities Directions’. These include restricting all non-essential travel to remote communities. Anyone in breach of the Directions may be fined up to $50,000 (for individuals) or $250,000 (for bodies corporate).
Yesterday, the Federal Government also issued a ban on non-essential travel to remote communities. Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt said the measures would be implemented "as soon as possible".
Here in the Kimberley, this affects our ability to travel to remote communities for work, meetings, birthdays or funerals. As such, Aarnja’s staff will be working solely from the Broome office. We also understand that the Kimberley Land Council has cancelled all of its meetings, including native title applicant and claim group meetings, until after 23 May 2020. If PBC directors decide to hold meetings, these meetings must not breach the Remote Communities Direction.
We are unsure about how this affects school children coming home early from boarding school, but we will endeavour to keep you updated as soon as we get more information.
The government will also be working with Aboriginal communities to develop their Community Pandemic Plans.
We urge everyone to practise good hygiene, like frequent hand-washing and social distancing. Try and keep at least two big steps from anyone coughing or sneezing. If you do have flu-like symptoms, have recently been overseas, or have been in contact with someone who has the virus, make sure you let the clinic or KAMS know. KAMS recommends calling health centres, clinics or hospitals prior to going.
We’ll keep you posted with more updates through the week.
