Rusty Williams and Andrew McAuley on Frangipani Beach at Pajinka

Postcard from Pajinka

By Kristina Pacheco

Pajinka's EOI process for its re-development is still underway and while it progresses, here is the latest news.

Injinoo Aboriginal Corporation (IAC) Newly Elected Board
On Monday 9 August the members of the IAC, leaseholders to Pajinka convened a Special General Meeting at Injinoo Community Hall to elect a new Board to represent the interests of the Injinoo Community. The key appointment was Harriet Sebasio as Chairperson, who was Chairperson of the interim Board and formerly held the position of IAC Treasurer and Secretary. Harriet is a local Injinoo woman who has had integral involvement in the re-development project to date, and with her drive and passion to achieve real economic opportunities for the community's children, she is an excellent leader with a strong "get things done" mentality which will benefit to the community and the Pajinka project. The overall Governing Committee Board is now composed of seven community members instead of formerly eleven, ensuring more a dynamic and streamlined decision-making process. The term of appointment on the IAC Board is three years.


IAC Board to be Mentored in Corporate Goverance and Business Skills
IAC have secured the services of Indigenous Community Volunteers (ICV) to provide mentorship and business skills training to the IAC Governing Committee Board. The ICV appointee, Norman Huon, has had considerable industry experience in executive management and brings to the project a wealth of knowledge including previous experience living and working in indigenous communities. The IAC Board thank ICV and are very much looking forward to welcoming Norman to Injinoo and working with him on an on-going basis as part of their training for negotiations, decision-making for the EOI and beyond, being aware of their rights and responsibilities and acquiring the necessary skills to manage the community's interest in Pajinka from a sub-lessor perspective.


Second Airline Operator to Commence Flights to Injinoo
Regional Pacific Airlines, who operates services throughout the Torres Strait Islands, Papua New Guinea and New Calendonia, will commence flights into Injinoo Airport from Cairns on 6 September 2004. A 30-seater Brazilia aircraft will be dedicated to this route. The initial schedule will include return flights on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with the possibility to ramp up operations on other days according to demand. Regional Pacific will join the current local operator Aerotropics in providing high quality, safe and timely options to make the Northern Penninsula Area (NPA) more accessible and to meet growing demand for air service into the area. Pajinka is a scenic 50 minute drive from Injinoo airport, through magnificent rainforest and varying habitats . For more information, contact Regional Pacific on (07) 4053 8200 and Aerotropics on (07) 4035 9138.


Autralian Geographic Kayak Expedition Reaches Pajinka - First Ever Crossing of the Gulf of Caprentaria
On Saturday 14 August 2004, solo kayaker Andrew McAuley embarked on the first-ever muscle-powered crossing of the Gulf of Carpentaria, commencing from Horn Island and sponsored by Australian Geographic. En route he stopped at Pajinka to meet with Rusty Williams, former Pajinka resident guide and authority on the region, for local advice on tides, water sources, fishing tips and hazards he is likely to face - including the risk of currents, crocodiles and sharks. Andrew, recipient of Australian Geographic Society's Spirit of Adventure award in 2000, is no stranger to ambitious and dangerous adventure achievements, having been a member of a team to climb Pakistan's Mt Jo and previously completed several long distance kayak journeys including crossing Bass Strait. From Pajinka, Andrew will paddle south to Duyfken Point near Weipa in his self-adapted kayak, and then west across the Gulf's 530km body of water to Nhulunbuy on the eastern edge of Arnhem Land. The full story of Andrew's Gulf crossing will be published in Australian Geographic Magazine in 6-9 months' time. For more information about Andrew's journey, please contact Sacha Dench at Australian Geographic, at sdench@ausgeo.com.au

Kristina Pacheco
Pajinka Project Manager
Injinoo Aboriginal Corporation
p: (07) 4069 3252 f: (07) 4069 3253 m: 0425 305 765
e: kristina.pacheco@pajinka.com.au w: www.pajinka.com.au

For further information