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