FUNERAL SUPPORT FOR GAWA COMMUNITY

You may have heard in the media recently about a terrible accident at a private Gawa School (Elcho Island) in which a young boy died at a sports carnival.

It is with great sadness that we advise this child was Kathy Guthadjaka’s youngest grandson. Gotha, as she is more commonly known, is a researcher with Northern Institute (NI), our ‘Elder on Country’, a highly respected Elder and colleague at CDU and a dear friend to many. Gotha and her husband Colin are very much a part of the NI family and their loss is being felt across the Institute and beyond.

In Gotha’s honour, and with permission of the family, NI are facilitating a fundraiser to help the family and community to cover funeral expenses.

The cost of a funeral in a remote island community of Northern Territory is significant. However, there are added expenses that need to be met including flights for family and Elders from the mainland as well as accommodation (camping equipment & bedding) and meals during their stay.

We are asking to please give a little (or a lot) to help take the burden off this hurting family at this very difficult time. Your support will help a community to heal from this tragic event. Thank you!