West Arnhem/Jabiru Patrol

Jabiru, Northern Territory

The Jabiru township is in the north-eastern corner of the Kakadu National Park, NT. It was built to accommodate people employed in the Ranger Uranium Mine. Other Uranium mines are to be developed along with gold, alumina and tin.

There are significant Aboriginal communities in the area, and the Kakadu National Park is an important tourist destination. Pastoral stations are also found on the edge of the Park based around Pine Creek and Adelaide River . The summer season becomes oppressive with its high temperatures and high humidity. Flooded rivers with their crocodiles make travelling in the wet season difficult if not at times, impossible.

The Ministry began in the township in October 1980 to provide support to those employed in the mining operations, as well as Aboriginal communities in the area. Since then there has been a succession of ministers until the present time. Ministry is to Aboriginal communities and groups living in or near the Jabiru township, to Aboriginal communities on the north-eastern edge of the national park, to people employed in the mining and tourist industry.

During 2007 there was a new partnership arrangement with the Pilgrim Presbytery and NRCC to offer a ministry resource person to the communities of the West Arnhem Area Council which included Minjilang ( Croker Island ), Warruwi ( South Goulburn Island ), Maningrida and Jabiru.

Lindsay Parkhill began ministry in December 2007.