UPDATE: The Christian Brothers are concluding their impactful presence in the Kimberley region after more than 54 years, with Brothers Berkeley Fitzhardinge and Peter Thrupp set to depart Broome at the end of this year. Their departure signifies the end of an era for the community they have served since the establishment of Nulungu College in 1971, the first institution providing secondary education for remote Aboriginal students.
“This is a bittersweet moment for us,” said Brother Thrupp, who has dedicated 15 years to the Kimberley. “I’m still relatively young — 82 — and plan to remain active through volunteering in Perth, but I will miss the connections I have fostered here.” His sentiments reflect a shared longing among the brothers and the community, emphasizing the emotional impact of their departure.
The Christian Brothers’ journey in the Kimberley began with groundbreaking initiatives in education, notably Nulungu College, which opened its doors to its first boarders in 1972. Over the decades, the order has expanded its outreach, impacting numerous schools and community organizations across the region, including St Joseph’s School Kununurra, Ngalangangpum School, and Centacare.
Despite these contributions, their legacy is marred by a troubling past. The order faced severe allegations of abuse, with the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse highlighting widespread misconduct in institutions across Western Australia and beyond. Brother Thrupp acknowledged the dark chapters, stating, “We’re committed to justice and doing what’s right. It’s not something that we hide from.”
The Christian Brothers have expressed deep remorse for their past failures, with Brother Peter Clinch issuing a formal apology in 2014 to victims of abuse. “The failures of the past cannot be undone; however, we can continue our work to help bring healing to lives that have been damaged,” he stated.
On July 2, 2023, a farewell dinner at the Mangrove Hotel saw over 60 community members gather to honor the brothers’ contributions. A small mass was also held at the Nulungu Chapel, where Brother Fitzhardinge reflected on the trust he earned from the community. “Earning acceptance took time, but it was worth it for the rich connections I have made,” he said.
As the Christian Brothers prepare to leave, their legacy of educational impact and community service remains. Brother Fitzhardinge emphasized the importance of education, stating, “A better provision of education in the Kimberley would be a gift to the people here.”
The brothers’ departure marks a significant transition, and the community is left to contemplate the future of educational and social services in the region. The Christian Brothers have pledged to maintain their commitment to outreach and support, even from afar.
As the Kimberley bids farewell to these dedicated individuals, the impact of their work will resonate for years to come. The community is encouraged to reflect on the support offered to the brothers throughout their tenure and to continue fostering the spirit of connection and education they championed.
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