1995 was the Centenary year of the St John of God Sisters and I was asked to document various activities associated with this centenary. The Sisters have always kept a low profile and until this time I was unaware of their incredible history in Broome, Beagle Bay, Derby and Balgo. In the course of researching their humble video I was constantly amazed by thier selfless acts of charity, kindness and determination in caring for the sick, uneducated, distressed and down trodden. They were not consumed with preaching or converting, and seemed to have earned a deep love and respect from the Aboriginal community as a whole.

I soon learned that over the past 100 years these women had winessed and been party to the rapidly changing world of the Aboriginie.

Early last century the pastoral, mining and pearling industries took hold in Broome and throughout the Kimberley. Many Aboriginal people were shot or locked out of their traditional lands. Aboriginal women started co-habiting with Europeans, Chinese and Malays either through choice or against their will. Consequently many unwanted babies were born. I have been told that many were discarded and died as the mother would face heavy punishment or even death if they returned from a “birthing “ with a brown, white or yellow baby.

As a result of these circumstances and goverment policy, the mothers or the authorities would send the children and babies to the mission at Beagle Bay to be cared for by the Sisters.

During their centenery celebrations a special service was held at the famous Beagle Bay Church and I was asked to film the proceedings. A long line of older and middle aged men and women took to the microphone and one after the other thanked the Sisters for being their mothers. It was the most moving moment of my life. There wasn’t a dry eye in the church.

Around this time the Stolen generation meetings and seminars were being held in Broome. This was a heart-wrenching time for the sisters. Many felt they were guity of being a party to removalist policies and their lifes work was a sham. There grew deep divisions within the Aboriginal community. Loyalties were divided, families bickered about the past and the central question being asked was whether the sisters really did the right thing.

During the 1995 “celebrations” I filmed Sister Stella who was appointed spokewoman, on numerous occasions apologising for any hurt they may have inflicted. Each time I travelled with the Sisters to the various Missions, and public speaches, it was with a heavy heart.

Since this time Sister Stella and five other sisters have passed away.

This is the end of an order. Collectivly the Sisters represent a living link to a tumultuous, tragic and joyous past. There will be no new Sisters to join the Order in the North. The yougest is 63, some are ailing quickly, some have retired their faculties while others are activly still helping those in need.

This is a story that needs to be told.