Gove 2013

A lonely tree weathers the Sea and all nature has to throw at it. Town beach or Gadalathami as it is locally known is home to this sturdy tree. The tree roots are imbedded into the porous rock that is prevalent through out the area which is extensively mined for bauxite.
A group of local indigenous boys take time to throw down some hoops at Yirrkala. Local NGO and Corporate organisations are bringing together communities and cultures through sports in an effort to up skill the indigenous population, but it is a tough road to travel as the local schools have an average 30% attendance rate.
One of the pillars of the Gove region is Sean Oconnor who, through a love of rugby, has nurtured and developed a multicultural women’s rugby team to compete in the 2013 Hotter 7’s international rugby tournament. This will be the first ever womens rugby team from Arnhem land to compete in an international tournament.
The Rio Tinto Alcan Bauxite mine at Yirrkala, provides a place of work for many of the local and transient labour force that reside in Gove. The mine boasts an impressive 26 km conveyor belt which moves 3000 tonne’s of bauxite ore per hour, from the mine to the refinery. There is some speculation on the future of the refinery and therefore its impact on the Gove community in general.
Amongst the porous rock, red dust and machinery are little jewels all along the Arufura coast line, like this example “Little Bondi” Barinjura. Known for its beautiful sandy beach and ideal surf conditions, locals from all around Gove enjoy year round fishing and dry season surfing here. Located approximately 39 km from Nhulunbuy, Little Bondi is accessible by 4WD only.