Nungalinya College, Darwin

Diocese of the Northern Territory

This project needs $36,000 in 2012.

Nungalinya College in Casuarina, Darwin was founded in 1973. It is a theological and pastoral training college for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people supported by the Anglican, Catholic, and Uniting Churches. Students come from all over Australia, with the majority from communities in the north or from the deserts of the Centre. Mostly mature aged, some are recognised leaders in their own churches and communities.

The College takes a holistic approach, teaching courses on theology, family and community services, and cross cultural awareness. There is also a special program in secondary and vocational studies catering to indigenous youth. Students study the Bible and Christian faith within the context of their culture.

Post-ordination training for indigenous clergy is also provided. Ordained ministers receive positive encouragement, guidance and instruction on the various aspects of the Anglican Church’s ministry. Many come from remote areas in Australia, so the opportunity to train in the rites and liturgies of the Anglican tradition makes a difference to their roles as church and community leaders.

One of the aims of the College is to develop Aboriginal teachers and tutors to work both within their communities and during intensive training at the Darwin Campus.

In 2011, one new tutor, Margaret Mirniyowan, of Numbulwar has started the process. Margaret has 5 boys and 3 daughters. She speaks 4 languages; Wubuy, Anindilyakwa, Kriol and English which enables her to assist Anglican students from a variety of communities.

Margaret is actively involved in her church – helping with a Bible study group for young women, leading some of the evening fellowship and leading in prayer and preaching at church when it is her turn. Sometimes the students from her community get stuck with the work they need to do back at home.

Through her funding from ABM, Margaret has completed a Certificate IV in Indigenous Mentoring which she found helpful and said it helped her understand more.

Nungalinya College aims to continue supporting Margaret and hopes to work to empower others.

By supporting this project, you can help us to enable more tutors like Margaret to study at Nungalinya College, and work within their communities.

Donations to this program are tax deductible.

HOW CAN I DONATE?

You can make an online donation to this project by selecting Nungalinya College, Darwin NT from the full project list.

Alternatively, for donations by cheque/money order (made out to the Anglican Board of Mission - Australia), telephone or email, view contact details here.

(Project information will be available soon.)