If you want a super thorough blurb about the island, check out the Community Arts Centre page: http://www.milingimbiart.com/about.html
In short, Milingimbi is a small island off the coast of Arnhem Land, it is close to the halfway point between Darwin and Gove. It has much milder weather than Nhulunbuy, most days sit around 30* with nice sunny skies and the humidity is lessened by the breeze off the ocean.
The community is small, but busy, with about 100 houses, and 1,000 people there is always something going on in the background. On our first night here a church service started up at about 11pm on a Friday - and that's pretty much how it is around here. Church happens when it can, where it can... And although we couldn't attend (As Dave has a very early start at the airport) it was so encouraging to hear the local people worshipping The Lord.
On Anzac weekend we had an opportunity to go out on a scenic boat ride with the Don Family, they are the other pilot family based here on Milingimbi. Janneke and Rene took us with their boys around the southern half of the island. I saw my first crocodile in the wild, it was about 2m long, which is apparently a small one around these parts... A reminder not to go swimming!
David has been flying under ICUS, (in command under supervision) and will do so for another few weeks. He has visited many diffferent locations, and has been building relationships with the local Yolngu. At the moment a normal daily interaction goes:
"Wawa (brother) what's your name?"
"David"
"Yol, David, so you are new pilot here?"
"Yes, I am"
"Ah, and you will be good with flying us today???"
Hehe, the locals take a bit to realize that a "new" pilot doesn't mean that it's the pilot's first time flying a plane! From their perspective they can't see the years of training, then the testing and preparation that goes into getting the job in the first place. Once they see Dave in action they relax, and are very happy to arrive at their destination.
Often it is a few days before he picks them up again, and it is encouraging when they remember him and are glad to see him again, climbing aboard with a cheery "Hello Wawa" and big smiles.
I (Kimberley) have mostly been unpacking so far this week, arranging the small house to suit us and figuring out how the power and water works. My day at the moment is mostly about familiarizing myself with the township, visiting the different facilities around and meeting a few people here and there. Most people are quite shy, so I only really meet people through other people like Janneke giving an introduction.
There are lots of dogs down our street, which makes for an interesting walk to Janneke's house. If I don't have Dave with me I take a big stick, which usually keeps them disinterested in me. Often they won't even bother barking if you have a stick... Especially in the midday heat, where they will just sleep under the trees.
So, in summary we are settling in well. Milingimbi is a really nice place, with friendly people and a nice climate. Lots of sand flies - but they are bearable - and a stunning beachfront, with a shimmering sea beckoning Dave to go fishing.
Bless you guys,
Kimberley and Dave
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