Thread: Docker River, NT

A question that is begging to be asked is "Are the families that came in from the desert better off in a situation like this?" A crossing of cultures, a settlement with mixed (confused) ideals and laws.

Originally Posted by bob10

Just had an interesting conversation with a friend of mine who has spent the last 12 months at Docker River Aboriginal settllement, in the position of Docker River Services Manager.From what he says, the place is still pretty wild. While he was there, he bought to the settlement 4 families that had been living in the Great Sandy Desert, all their lives they had never lived in a town or settlement, and some of the children had never seen a white man.They still have payback spearings, one occurred whilst he was there, and by the time the W.A. police arrived, a man had been speared in the kidney. [ the W.A. police attended, because even though it is in N.T. it is close to the W.A. border, about 1300 km's from Alice.] Two busloads of American tourists happened to be there during a funeral of an Elder, took some photos, almost started a riot, they had to delete all photos in their cameras to calm the mob down. My mate was glad to leave, but said it was fascinating experience. Bob

I spent 8 years growing up in Warburton and Giles as a kid in the 70's and early 80's (On the other side of the WA/NT border). Saw plenty of spear fights... My brother and myself along with our Aboriginal mates would stand halfway between so we could get a good view..... We used to pass through Docker River and Ayers Rock on the way to closest big town (Alice Springs) Then i moved to the big smoke as a 9 year old.... We moved to Alice Springs... Lol.