When both author and elder are known, their book is keenly anticipated.

I have prayed for many years for Aboriginal elder Michael Gumbuli Wurramara. Gumbuli lives one of those pioneering lives that encourage and challenge us to keep on seeking the welfare of our communities no matter the changes and chaos confronted.

I am interested to learn more of Gumbuli’s integration of his indigenous culture and Christian faith.

Related is the broader but no less challenging issue of the Ngukurr community’s attitudes and actions in confronting non-indigenous culture.

Issues arise such as health, employment, economics, welfare, Stolen Generation, polygamy, alcohol and Aboriginal spirituality. The plea of ‘Why don’t you ask us?’ seems to fall on deaf ears in each generation.

In the words of The Hon Malarndirri McCarthy, Member for Arnhem, Northern Territory:

In this centenary year of the surrender of the Northern Territory from South Australia to the Commonwealth, we reflect on those 100 years and the 50,000 years of stories of Aboriginal people. Gumbuli of Ngukurr is one of those inspiring stories. An incredible man and outstanding leader for Arnhem Land, Groote Eylandt and Gulf country region, his is a story to be shared by all Australians.

I look forward to reading the book authored by long term friend and colleague Murray Seiffert and launched today at Nungalinya College, Darwin.

Further information, Gumbuli of Ngukurr: Aboriginal elder in Arnhem Land.