Brad and Trish hit the road on one of the most meaningful journeys Kirra Services has ever undertaken. Over 4,000 kilometres from Canberra to Darwin, travelling through Country, delivering resources, listening, and connecting with communities along the way.
The mission: get technology and sporting gear into the hands of remote Aboriginal communities that need it and do it the right way by showing up in person, building relationships, and walking on Country.
Here is how the journey unfolded.
Day One: Canberra to Colanderbri to St George
After slipping out of Canberra late Friday afternoon and spending the night just outside Dubbo, the first full day started early. A coffee stop in Walgett, a look around some local buildings, and then on to Colanderbri to make the first delivery of the trip: sports balls, uniforms, and 10 laptops to support digital technology classes and students without devices.
The afternoon brought an unexpected highlight in Hebel (population 63). Stopping to photograph Brad’s new helicopter, they ran into a group of local boys returning from a footy victory. A gift of footballs and shirts, a crowd that gathered quickly, and a conversation about why Kirra makes these trips. Before leaving, the Aunties extended an invitation to the Goodooga Knockout. Safe to say that is locked in.
Day one wrapped up with a meal at the Australian Hotel in St George and a good night’s sleep by the Balonne River. A washed-out road added a slight detour, but that is the outback.
Day Two: Iningai Country, Central West Queensland
Hundreds of kilometres of open road, big skies, and rugged landscape across the lands of the Iningai (Yiningayi) people. The kind of day that gives you perspective.
Country tells stories. Of resilience, connection, culture, and community. Travelling through these places is a reminder of why digital inclusion matters beyond connectivity. It is about creating real pathways to education, employment, cultural preservation, and self-determination. Meaningful technology outcomes start with listening, building relationships, and respecting the deep connections that communities have to Country.
Crossing into the NT: Alyawarr and Warumungu Country
A close encounter with a wedge-tailed eagle somewhere along the way. By evening, the border crossed into the Northern Territory and the Barkly Roadhouse reached for a late dinner and a well-earned rest, on the traditional lands of the Alyawarr and Warumungu peoples.
Reconciliation starts with respect, listening, and a willingness to understand. Moments like these reinforce that it is not just a concept. It is a journey, experienced step by step.
Daly Waters: Jingili and Yangman Country
Red dirt has a way of getting everywhere. On your boots, in your clothes, in the cracks of your gear. And somehow, into your heart too.
A night on the lands of the Jingili and Yangman peoples, taking in the weird, wonderful, unmistakable character of Daly Waters. The stories and connections you pick up out here do not wash off. They stay with you and shape how you see the work.
Mataranka: Sorting, Reflecting, and Giving Back
Moving on from Daly Waters to Mataranka, on the lands of the Mangarrayi and Yangman peoples, the team took a couple of nights to regroup, reflect, and sort through the extraordinary volume of donations received for this trip.
In amongst the organising, there was time to stop in at Mataranka School to drop off balls and clothing for local kids, with items also shared with Jilkminggan Community School. Small moments, but the kind that matter.
None of this happens without the support of people and organisations who believe in what Kirra is trying to do. A huge thank you to Toongabbie Tigers, Arawang Netball Club, Knights Soccer Club, Tuggeranong AFL Club, ACT/NSW AFL, Steamers Rugby Club, Como-Janali Crocodiles, and Saints Netball Club for donating sporting gear that will find a new home across the Territory. Thank you also to the National Gallery of Australia for more than 180 Lenovo laptops, now restored and ready to make a real difference. And to Vertiv, Orion Energy, Bunnings (100 AFL footballs), and CommBox for their generous contributions of equipment and interactive screens.
A football. A laptop. A set of playing gear. It is easy to underestimate what these things mean in communities facing real challenges. They create opportunities, build connections, and bring genuine joy.
Thank you to the team at Little Roper Stock Camp for the space to bring some order to the mountain of bags. And to Michelle, Barry, Zahli, and Kenzie for embracing the chaos and helping make it work.
Barunga Festival: Journey’s End on Jawoyn Country
The final destination. Barunga Festival is held on the traditional lands of the Bagala clan of the Jawoyn people, in the remote Aboriginal community of Barunga, about 80 kilometres southeast of Katherine in the Northern Territory. Each year it brings people together to celebrate culture, music, dance, and community.
After watching the opening football matches and handing out a few footies, the team gathered for a moving opening ceremony. Strong, powerful words spoken on historic ground, setting the tone for the weekend ahead.
The morning started early with Auskick and the youngest participants. The crisp morning air meant hoodies were in high demand, and even a few scarves made an appearance.
Being here is a genuine privilege. To share in the festival, connect with the community, and contribute in a small way is something we are incredibly grateful for.
Thank you to everyone who followed along on this journey, and to every person and organisation that helped make it possible. The generosity continues to amaze us.
