Chairman of the Galiwin’ku Community Incorporated Association, Oscar Datjarranga manages to live in two quite different worlds. Born and bred on Elcho Island, he says he loves having the opportunity to live a traditional lifestyle, at the same time as having access to information and advantages that come from aspects of western life.
“During the day I sit in an office with all the trappings of modern western life,” he said. “When I leave I return to the traditional way. I enjoy the fishing and serenity that are part of the island way of life. However, the role of Chairman requires establishing what is often a difficult balance between the two.”
Within the Clans, points of view differ as to what level of western style convenience people want, and there is a need to recognise what is worthwhile and what is not. His trips to Darwin and other parts of the country, meeting with people from other walks of life, he says, are learning experiences which he can bring back to the remote Island.
Oscar represents Elcho Island not only on Council but through ATSIC, LGANT and the Northern Land Council. He aims to glean the maximum knowledge he can from his participation in these bodies to achieve the most for Galiwin’ku residents.
On the Island, people are concerned, like people in most communities, for better housing, health and legal services. One achievement which he hopes will bring improvement is establishing a local legal service allowing policing issues to be resolved in the local community. He says that this is preferable to being dealt with in Darwin where inappropriate solutions might be used.
