Awards 2015

Joan & Lindsay Johannsen - Karama NT

This amazing couple has spent the most incredible life together since meeting in Alice Springs in 1961. Joan was a single mum with three children and had done some nursing in Sydney prior to her move to Alice Springs where she met Lindsay. A few years and two more children later, Lindsay found work at the Jervois Mine in Central Desert region north east of the Alice. Joan and the children accompanied Lindsay to that harsh, desolate and inhospitable place. She found the life difficult but never shied away from her man and her responsibilities.

 A couple of years later they moved to the banks of Bonya Creek and lived in a donga. Many travellers stopped by and those in need of water, supplies or repairs to vehicles received help. it was here that old Arrernte people came in growing numbers and settled on the other side of the creek. Joan's nursing skills found her tending to the injuries and medical care of these people. They also opened a store and provided a reliable source of food and clothing.

Joan then opened a simple school as the community began to grow. It was also here that Lindsay and Joan built their home, Baikal Homestead. Joan's garden and chicken flock provided a vital source of food.

Joan was so respected by the Arrernte people, she was adopted into the tribe and given a skin name. Her friendships and the high regard they hold for each other is still strong today, They then built a rough airstrip that enabled the Royal Flying Doctor Service to come visit on the first Tuesday of each month. Joan was also able to call RFDS in the event of any emergency.

Among the many visitors to Bonya Creek and Baikal Homestead were Joan's cousin, Joy McKean and her famous husband, Slim Dusty and when news got around that they were at Bonya Creek, Aboriginal families from far and wide would descend upon the homestead to be entertained by two of Australia's great country singers. An event that often lasted for days.

In Joan's 40 tough years in the Simpson Desert, she acted as medic, social worker, midwife, relationship counselor, protector, shopkeeper, banker, teacher, confidant and friend. She is definitely a Territory pioneer respected by the Bonya community and the larger community.

Lindsay in supporting his wife and family, has spent much of his life working in mines in the area, building upon his vast bush and geological knowledge and survival skills. Territory Departments and Federal Government Agencies have depended upon Lindsay's goodwill in order to build a big picture of the area. He has also been instrumental in mapping many of the areas geological features of the Simpson Desert, the environment and its peoples. Today Lindsay and Joan travel around in their bus with their dog Biggles, visiting old friends.

Unfortunately however, they are not able to be with us as Joan is unwell but their son Carl is here to accept the Award on their behalf.

Joan and Lindsay Johannsen are real Territory icons and were nominated by Ms Tania Nicholls.

Today we honor Joan and Lindsay as Seniors Of Excellence.