For those looking for an opportunity to give back to the community and to work with the locals in remote areas, volunteering at the Kimberley Catholic Volunteer Service in the Diocese of Broome brings about a special closeness that one has to experience. Photo: Supplied.
“The call to service in the Kimberley is a call to serve Christ. It is a commitment to His Mission, His people and His Church… to light up the fire of divine love in others.” Bishop of Broome Christopher Saunders.
For those looking for an opportunity to give back to the community and to work with the locals in remote areas, volunteering at the Kimberley Catholic Volunteer Service in the Diocese of Broome brings about a special closeness that one has to experience.
For volunteers John Chitty and Jan Gorza, who have been up to Kalumburu in the Kimberley not once but more than four times, have only wonderful memories about the place and the community.
In an interview with The eRecord, the two recount their time spent in Kalumburu, the many memories created and say that everyone should give volunteering a go, at least once.
Hailing from Baker’s Hill in Western Australia, 74-year old Mr Chitty said heading up to Kalumburu had always been a life-long wish.
“When I was a child and in school, I always wanted to go up to Kalumburu and I eventually got there. My first trip up north was in 2009 and I haven’t stopped, this March was my seventh trip, and I can say that it won’t be my last,” he said.
Mr John Chitty and a local exploring the outback and making connections in Kalumburu. Photo: Supplied.
While for the two of them registering for volunteering just happened, Mrs Gorza said that she happened to see an advert in The Record, requesting volunteers for the Kimberley.
“This was several years after I retired and on the table was a keyring I had just been given, and on it was a quote from Mary Mackillop – ‘never see a need without doing something about it’. So I thought I have the time, but at 71, I thought I was probably too old.
“I spoke to the Broome Diocese and within a few weeks was on my way to Kalumburu via Broome. I had never heard of Kalumburu and had to look on the map to see where I was going. The decision to make that phone call was one of the best I have made,” she added.
Receiving up to nine volunteers every six months, Mr Chitty said his first job volunteering was at the Shop, where he had to cook for the community. Not one of his favourite jobs, he said, but there’s always a first for everything and if there was ever a challenge, being a cook was it, he joked.
“The Shop doubles up as a kitchen where we sell takeaway meals, sell petrol and kind of acts like a service station. There has to be two people in the Shop all the time, and the volunteers take turns cooking for the community.
“Since being up at Kalumburu and being a farmer myself, I have worked on the farm where they have about 60 cattle, fixing fences and roads and doing general farm work. It’s what I’ve done most of the time since I’ve been up. Other times I work in the garden,” he explained.
While Mrs Gorza’s main chore was cooking, she also worked in the Op-shop and did a lot of sewing.
“Although it can get very hot, there is air conditioning and being away from family is made up for by the companionship of the other volunteers
“The volunteers gather for an evening meal and on Sundays would often go out exploring the surrounding countryside and some great friendships were formed. Meeting the locals, listening to their stories and learning about their culture was a wonderful and inspiring experience for me,” she added.
With a common goal to keep serving the community and to continue volunteering, Mr Chitty and Mrs Gorza said that they only have fond memories of the people and place.
Children enjoying an Easter Egg hunt on one of Mrs Gorza’s trips to Kalumburu. Photo: Supplied.
Mrs Gorza said volunteering is very rewarding.
“As we age it is important to feel that you can still contribute and be useful. During my time in the Kimberley, I learned a lot about myself. I also learnt a lot about the Indigenous people and the difficulties faced by people in remote areas. I learned that we can all make a difference.
“When I first went to Kalumburu, it was a Benedictine mission and exploring the Rule of Benedict certainly strengthened my faith. I have since become a Good Samaritan Oblate, and volunteer in the Midwest,” she added.
If there was one thing to take away, Mr Chitty said, it is the friendships that he has created in Kalumburu.
“I go up for the people, they are the ones who get me back every time. Volunteering is a great experience and I would encourage everyone who wishes to experience country life and community living to give it a shot.
“I’ve just returned from holidays but looking forward to going back in the summer,” he concluded.