The Bidyadanga Aboriginal Community (La Grange) is situated on the Kimberley coast in Western Australia, approximately 1,590 kilometres from the capital city of Perth and 180 kilometres from Broome. The people are recognised as the traditional owners of the land.
In 1802, a French navigator named Baudin sailed into La Grange Bay and christened it after a French mathematician serving in the Prussian Court.
The formal creation of Bidyadanga occurred in 1955 with the establishment of La Grange Mission, although settlement traces back to around 1889 when a telegraph station was erected at La Grange Bay. This station connected cables to Broome, Marble Bar, and Perth. Initially, the West Australian government reserved roughly 180 hectares of land near a traditional meeting place as a reserve and ration depot for Aboriginal people. Later, it came under the management of a Catholic Mission.
The original inhabitants near La Grange were the Nadja-Nadja, speaking the Karajarri language, followed by the Mangala, Yulparija, Juwaliny, and Nyanyumarta people who migrated from the desert and the coast.
The final Superintendent of La Grange Depot, Jan de Grys, ran the post office and assisted local residents in constructing houses while providing government rations such as flour, oatmeal, sugar, salt, tea, and tobacco. His wife, Francis de Grys, worked as a nurse and taught the children.
At that time, two camps existed at La Grange: the Karajarri and Udialla, with the latter relocated to La Grange in 1948 when the Udialla post closed. The Udialla group included Mangala and Juwaliny language speakers. Later, when the Mission initiated a school, the Nyangumarta people from Anna Plains shifted, and their children began attending the school.
In 1961, Father McKelson arrived as the parish priest, serving the community for over three decades. He played a crucial role in translating all five languages into English, conducting weekly services in the local language, and earning deep respect and admiration from the congregation as a dedicated local figure.
Origin of the Name
Bidyadanga is the largest remote Aboriginal community in Western Australia, with a population of approximately 850 residents and is home to the Karajarri, Juwalinny, Mangala, Nyungamarta and Yulpartja language groups.
The word Bidyadanga comes from a word for "emu watering hole" (pijarta or bidyada).
Rich in history, art and culture and with a developing economy, Bidyadanga has many community facilities and infrastructure to support the community's people.
Bidyadanga Aboriginal Community La Grange Inc. (BACLG)
In 1975, the Bidyadanga Aboriginal Community La Grange Inc (BACLG) was established as a non-profit organisation with the objective of managing government-funded initiatives like the Daycare service, Municipal Services, and agencies of Centrelink and Australia Post for the community. The organisation is governed by a Council of Community Representatives, which comprises two members from each of the five language groups residing in Bidyadanga. Every three years, council elections are held to ensure fair representation.
BACLG Inc. is recognised as a Public Benevolent Institution by the Australia Taxation Office. The Council, along with the Community Administration Office, manages and oversees the delivery of all services, including most non-essential services, to the residents of the Community.
The responsibilities of BACLG Inc. are as follows:
As the largest remote Aboriginal community in Western Australia, and with surrounding outstations relying on the community for the majority of their essential needs, it is crucial that services and facilities remain operational and effectively managed.
Youth Centre and Swimming Pool
The Youth Centre and Swimming Pool complex offer a secure and supervised environment and play a pivotal role in the "Getting Youth Strong" program. The complex provides children and young people with a host of resources, facilities, and positive lifestyle options, enabling them to engage in various recreational and leisure activities that address social issues while also fostering a sense of community.
Bidyadanga Arts Centre
The Bidyadanga Arts Centre is a place where all five tribes can paint their stories.
Distance from Perth: 1,590 km
Population: 593
Postcode: 6725
Founded: 1955