Kalumburu, Western Australia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kalumburu Western Australia
The mission garden at Kalumburu
Kalumburu Location in Western Australia
Established	1937
Postcode(s)	6740
Elevation	23 m (75 ft)
Area	[convert: needs a number]
LGA(s)	Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley
State electorate(s)	Kimberley
Federal Division(s)	Durack
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall 34.3 °C 94 °F 20.8 °C 69 °F 1,217.3 mm 47.9 in

Kalumburu is a small community in Western Australia. It is the northernmost settlement in the state. Kalumburu is also known as Kalumburu Community. It used to be called the Drysdale River Mission.

This area is part of the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley. It is quite far from main roads. The closest main road is the Gibb River Road, about 270 kilometers south. Most people living here are Aboriginal people. They are mainly from the Wunambal and Kwini language groups. Kalumburu was also an important airbase during World War II. It was attacked by Japanese planes in 1943.

History of Kalumburu

Early Mission Days

In 1905, a group of monks called the Order of Saint Benedict (OSB) decided to start a mission. They chose a spot near the Drysdale River. The mission began in 1908. It was first located at a place called Pago.

In 1937, the mission had problems with its water supply. So, the missionaries moved it to its current location. This new spot is at Kalumburu Pool, on the King Edward River.

Kalumburu During World War II

When World War II started, the Australian government built an airfield at the mission. After Japanese forces took over the Dutch East Indies in 1942, Drysdale became a frontline base. It was used by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It served as a stop for Allied planes. They would refuel and get ammunition here.

In February 1943, Allied forces learned that Japanese planes were gathering in Timor. Eight Beaufighter planes from No. 31 Squadron RAAF were sent to Drysdale River. Their job was to strike first. On February 28, they attacked the Japanese airfield. They destroyed 12 Japanese planes and damaged 10 more.

Japanese Attack on Kalumburu

On September 27, 1943, the Kalumburu base was attacked. Twenty-one Japanese Kawasaki Ki-48 bombers, with fighter planes, bombed the area. They came from Kupang, Timor.

During this attack, Father Thomas Gil, the mission leader, sadly lost his life. He was 45 years old. Five Aboriginal people also died. They ranged in age from 1 to 45 years old. This included a mother and her son. All victims were buried together at the mission. Many buildings were also destroyed or badly damaged.

In April 1944, the base was very busy. About 367 aircraft movements happened that month. Planes from Drysdale dropped about 60,000 pounds of bombs on enemy areas. The airfield became less important after Truscott Airfield was built in 1944. This new base was about 32 kilometers north.

After the War

In 1951, the Drysdale River Mission was officially renamed Kalumburu. Later, the Kalumburu Aboriginal Corporation took over running the community. They still work closely with the Benedictine monks and nuns.

Healthcare in Kalumburu

Kalumburu is 568 kilometers from the nearest hospital. The road is not very good. It can take about 12 hours to get there in the dry season. There is a small clinic in Kalumburu. It has two nurses who work in remote areas. A doctor visits once a week.

In 2008, a new clinic was built. It was a joint effort with the Australian Army and Western Australia Health. This new clinic has space for a small dialysis unit. This helps people with kidney problems. The Royal Flying Doctor Service also lands planes at the Kalumburu airstrip. They provide emergency medical help.

Population and Community Life

According to the 2016 census, 412 people lived in Kalumburu. Most of the people, 91.4%, were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Almost everyone, 97.3%, was born in Australia. Most people, 88.1%, spoke only English at home. The main religion in the community is Catholic, with 89.5% of people following it.

Town Planning

Kalumburu has a special plan for its development. This plan is called Kalumburu Layout Plan No.2. It was made to follow the State Planning Policy 3.2 for Aboriginal Settlements. The community approved this plan in 2004. The Western Australian Planning Commission also approved it in 2005. You can see the plan and its details on the Planning Western Australia website.

Climate of Kalumburu

Kalumburu has a tropical savanna climate. This means it has very hot days all year round. The winter nights are cool.