DONNA ODEGAARD GAVE A TRADITIONAL LARRAKIA WELCOME TO THE TRAIN PAINTED BY LARRAKIA ARTIST GULLAWUN LEE

There were skydivers, performers, media hordes and a Melbourne Cup field of politicians on hand to celebrate the first freight train into Darwin on 17 January, but it was Larrakia woman Donna Odegaard who ensured there was a proper welcome to country.

Appropriately enough, Ms Odegaard delivered her welcome against the backdrop of Freightlink’s Kurra Kurraka locomotive featuring the Kenbi Kenbi (crocodile) artwork of Larrakia artist Gullawun (Roque) Lee. As Prime Minister John Howard and NT Chief Minister Clare Martin looked on, Ms Odegaard paid tribute to the contribution Larrakia people – including her own father, Leo Odegaard – had made to the development of the Northern Territory’s transport infrastructure.

“I am honoured at being asked to speak here today … especially given my close connection to the pioneering development of the transport industry in the Northern Territory and South Australia through my father, the late senior Larrakia man Leo Odegaard who, along with many other Larrakia, shared a significant role in the transport industry and more recently the construction and completion of the railway,” she said.

“This place where we are now seated (East Arm Port) is an important site. I remember my father telling me about the times when he would come here with Larrakia and enjoy greeting visitors to Larrakia country.”

Ms Odegaard said the arrival of the freight train would bring economic benefits not only to Darwin but more specifically the Larrakia through the Larrakia Development Corporation’s commercial land holding at the port. She extended a sincere ‘thank you’ to supporters of the Larrakia Nation.

“I will close by simply saying ‘enjoy Larrakia country and all it has to offer’ and congratulations on the successful completion of the railway.

“Gwalwa Daraniki and Mamak!”