Jabiru is in the middle of a crossroads. The uranium mining has stopped, and all the miners have to be out by 2020. They had built a small village for Jabiru as part of the deal to be able to start mining here. But that’s all supposed to be gone by 2020. Half the shops here are shut and bordered up. On the other hand, there is a massive buzz in Jabiru. We haven’t had any down time here because there is so much on. There’s an Indigenous Basketball competition on today, with kids from all over the territory being chartered to our campgrounds for. An inaugural art walk which starts today. Tomorrow there is an Indigenous AFL competition day, as well as an Art Festival at the local pool. Jabiru will live on after the miners pack up and go. The place is buzzing!
Late afternoon yesterday we drove to Ubirr, and hiked the Rock Art trail, and climbed the rocks to take in the Ubirr sunset over the sweeping floodplains of Kakadu.
Right after that we went to the nearby Border Shop which is run by Thai people who have set up a restaurant on the border of Arnhem Land. Yummy food. (Banana Coconut smoothie was so good) With the food, heat and the mozzies, I thought I was in Thailand for a moment!
I love your kids photos! How serene it must be there…. enjoy!
I’m glad Jabiru have found things in the arts and sports. Sounds like a thriving community and I hope it continues to be after the miners leave.