The Whitlam government’s 1972 policy of self-determination saw communities taking control over the day-to-day running of their affairs. It was advancement from colonialism, paternalism, protectionism, assimilation and the time of the Stolen Generations, when children were taken from their families. Eddie Mabo had begun his campaign for land rights. These ideas were very much a part of the discussions I was having with my friends at the time. We were young and idealistic and thought we could make a difference. I wanted to act on my interests and convictions. I was also looking for escape from home, for adventure and a total change of scene. I applied for a job in a remote community in East Arnhem Land, Gapuwiyak. By then, almost all of Arnhem Land was already in Aboriginal hands. The application and interviews took several months. I applied through the Uniting Church because they had a contract to supply nurses to two remote communities in East Arnhem Land. They were looking for someone with general and midwifery certificates, but also someone who they felt would fit in with their religious and moral principles.
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