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Robert
and Caroline
Sibsado explaining fossilized footsteps
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The
worn rock
pavement beneath our feet is like stepping on chocolate that has
been in the sun too long and now solidified into a twisted buckled
pavement. Robert Sibosado stops and points down to the faint but
distinct imprints of human feet frozen in time in this solidified
mudstone. We examine the imprints closely wondering how long ago
Aboriginal people left these marks on the rocks of Bullgunnard.
Nearby the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean begin to stir
as the massive daily tidal movements around the Dampier Peninsula
coastline demonstrate nature’s forces.
Robert
and his mother Caroline are just two of the Sibosado family to
work in the community tourism enterprise. Earlier they had led
us along a clear tidal creek twisting its way across the glaring
white sand and mud flats. Dark green leaved mangroves with their
carpet of aerial roots lined the banks providing a haven for the
nursery of marine life including the prized mud crab. “Here
is one,” Caroline exclaimed as her sharp eyes detected a
tell tale bubble followed by a slight ooze of mud in the shallow
pool as the crab burrow quickly closed. But to no avail as a sharp
stick soon had the defensive crab firmly attach its formidable
claw to ward off the unwelcome intrusion. It all seemed just so
easy as the crab was hauled out of its hideaway but still handled
with care as the powerful pincers of the main claw can easily
sever a finger. This is one for the pot to enjoy back in our comfortable
cabins at the community.
Lombadina,
once a favoured camping ground then a Christian Mission and now
an independent community, offers a rare opportunity to share some
time and a little of the lifestyle of an Aboriginal community
amongst the spectacular scenery of the Dampier Peninsula north
of Broome. The neat town square reflects its mission origins and
the historic church is a classic example of Kimberley bush architecture.
Basil Sibosado, the patriarch of this progressive community, has
established an air of order and prosperity reflected in the manicured
gardens and surrounds. Even the old discarded machinery is neatly
lined up inadvertently presenting a museum like display of the
mechanical past.
In
the Art Centre, Caroline shows us the delicately carved pearl
shells which were once traded right across Australia as an item
of status and worth. The local artistic skills are well represented
in batik dyed fabrics, paintings on canvas and paper, shell jewellery
and the carved implements and bowls which are Basil’s speciality.
There is a relaxing ambience about Lombadina which contrasts with
the diverse offerings of its natural surroundings. It is a special
place where it is easy to lose all sense of time and become fully
absorbed into the magic moods of the Dampierland coast.
Good travelling!
Joc
Schmiechen
Lombadina
is an Aboriginal community of about 60 people and has been operating
tourist ventures for the last seven years. Basil and Caroline
Sibosado and their family run Lombadina and are working towards
self-sufficiency through community ventures that include a general
store, artefact and craft shop, a bakery and tourism.
Pristine
blue water washes up on the whitest beaches abundant with exotic
shells and coral. The surrounding ocean is rich in sea life -
dolphins, turtles, manta and stingrays swimming together with
the rare dugong. Mud crabbing and traditional fishing are a gourmet
adventure.
The
magnificent jabiru, black and white cockatoo, sea eagle and the
bower bird renowned for stealing are just a few of the bird species
to be found here. Night creatures include the flying fox and Bolgnor,
the flying possum. Kangaroos, possums, frill neck lizards and
goannas emerge from their hideaways at dusk and move around until
dawn.
Visitors
can watch as artefacts are made from local materials or charter
a boat to explore the bays and lagoons, fish, sightsee or simply
relax.
Come
and bask in the sun and absorb the tranquillity. Explore an area
rich in natural beauty. Join in hunting and gathering the Aboriginal
way, a way that has been handed down through the generations.
Discover the magic of Lombadina Community and our remote paradise.
Lombadina
is more a retreat for people to come and share in an indigenous
lifestyle rather than a resort - an Aboriginal way of life you
can experience for yourself.
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Caroline
showing local printed fabrics
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