Today we decided to start ticking off our "must see list" so mid morning we left the caravan park to drive out to see the Japanese and Chinese Cemeteries. Both cemeteries are quite historic and very different from each other, however, we could read nothing in either cemetery as the headstones were engraved with their own lettering (except for Jimmy Chi). The difference between the two was instantly noticeable, as the Chinese cemetery had graves that were decorated with flowers and even solar lights whereas the Japanese Cemetery had no flowers or decoration at all just the headstone which were all very regimented in their appearance. The Japanese cemetery was filled with 919 Pearl Divers who died whilst diving for the pearls and that was not a true representation of the number of pearl divers who lost their lives as there were also a great number of bodies never retrieved from the ocean.
We then retraced our steps to the city centre to visit the Relationships Exhibition at the Old Convent. It is the Sisters of St. John of God Heritage Centre and was an excellent display housed in the old Convent. The exhibition showcases the social history of the Kimberley through 100 years of historical photographs and other memorabilia. The photographs give an insight into the harshness of the climate and pioneering conditions in which the nine founding sisters who arrived from Ireland in 1907 and their work and relationships starting in Beagle Bay, then extending to Broome, Derby, Lombadina, Bidyadanga and Balgo. The story of their relationships with patients at Bungarun (the Leprosarium) is a special feature along with the various Orphanages, schools and other establishments. Their devotion and commitment to the Aboriginal people, particularly women and children that lasted for over 50 years.
We strolled around the beautiful convent garden that is known as the Garden on Healing, and admired the little grotto where the Sisters could go for quiet reflection. It was so peaceful and tranquil.
We came away very impressed with the display and with a new understanding of the Nun's involvement in the Kimberleys.
Returned to camp for lunch and a quiet afternoon before joining other campers for a Happy Hour/Sausage Sizzle provided by the management of the park with the proceeds from raffles and sausage sizzle sales going to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. We then joined Keith and Pat and several of their friends from the park for coffee and cake afterwards.
Another great day in Broome.
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| Very orderly but no english on headstones. |
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| Some of the Chinese burial sites were very colourful. |
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| These two ladies just love cemeteries. |
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| A special headstone for diver Jimmy Chi in the Chinese Cemetery. |
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| This visit was a real surprise. |
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| Some history of the Sisters of St John of God. |
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| There were many rooms of historical photographs spread over 100 years. |
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| The grotto in the Garden of Healing. |
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