Finding The Right Track

A$2,010
of $2,000 targetyrs ago
Successful on 5th Aug 2012 at 2:00AM.


On the 24 July 1862, 150 years ago, Explorer John McDouall Stuart successfully found a path across the Australian continent by moving from one water supply to the next. His track would soon link the overland telegraph line from Australia's state capitals to London.

From that day on there was no escaping that the Aborigines of Arnhem Land would increasingly come in contact with a developing new nation of Australia.

Could anyone build a bridge between the oldest and newest cultures on Earth?

50 years later the Christian Churches negotiated with The Australian Government for such an opportunity in the remote parts of NT. In 1916 the Methodists established their first mission on South Goulburn Island (Warruwi). Other missions were established including on Croker Island where this author lived as a child for 6 years, 50 years ago.

I, Paul Newell, have an exciting opportunity to go back and visit with the people, to meet two generations on. How have they fared since and we will try to bring the story of their transition to modern Australia through 100 years in a documentary, in time for the expected 2016 Centenary Celebrations on Warruwi.

This project - Planning and preparation for a documentary.

This first part of the project is visiting the NT island communities in person. Build on preliminary contacts to develop a working relationship with some local people who want to re-tell the exciting story of human interest, 'Mission to Arnhem Land' by Maisie McKenzie.

I will meet descendants of the late Lazarus Lamilami OBE (1908-1977) the first Methodist Aboriginal Ordained Minister. I will introduce my film maker daughter to the community and my team will be negotiating ways to bring the story of these people up to date.

What will the granddaughter of missionaries find when she visits the grandchildren of 1950's indigenous islanders?

How have they been able to walk in two cultures, the old and the new?

How have they handled the cyclic patterns of Government policy, especially after the Government declared around 1973 that the church had to back away from leadership? The Whitlam Government wanted the Aboriginal people to become self sufficient in their communities. An irony because weren't they self sufficient before the missions?

What does being self sufficient mean today in Arnhem Land?

Why we need your help:

We need your financial support to cover expenses for the cinematographer, crew and equipment to travel to the remote locations in Arnhem Land out from Darwin.

This preparation will be filmed for the documentary. I am very pleased to have gmrpictures.com assist. 

This fundraising closes 5 August 2012 so please support now.

Thank you sincerely, Paul





All donations gratefully acknowledged by e-mail. see updates on gmr pictures.com

1 chosen

Est. delivery is Aug 12

Receive a personal thank you letter with a photograph from on location

3 chosen

Est. delivery is Aug 12

Receive newsletters as the project develops. Your support in getting this project started will be recognised in the credits.

5 chosen

Est. delivery is Jul 12

In addition to the above. Be recognised as an official sponsor on the promotional material as we plan for the final Documentary. Receive a copy in DVD format of this 2012 return visit to Croker Island NT.

4 chosen

Est. delivery is Oct 12

All of the above, plus receive additional background work(subject to approval of the Director and spokes person for the island communities). Upon receipt of the above, if you have been inspired to ask relevant questions of the Director, he will attempt to answer as the story develops.

1 chosen

Est. delivery is Nov 12