The Alice Springs community will unite on Thursday for a memorial service to honour Kumanjayi Little Baby, the five-year-old girl who disappeared from an Indigenous town camp last week, sparking a massive land and air search, before her body was found in scrubland five days later.
Jefferson Lewis, 47, was arrested at another Alice Springs town camp the same day as the child’s body was discovered. He has been charged with murder and other offences.
Alice Springs Town Council Mayor, Asta Hill, is helping to share a message of support for local people left outraged by the crime.
“At this time of sorry business for Kumanjayi Little Baby, the community is coming together to support the family,” she wrote in an online statement.
“A food drop has been set up at the front of Hidden Valley town camp.
“If you’re able, please consider donating tinned food, flour, onions, potatoes, water (boxes), cordial, tea, coffee, sugar, biscuits, powdered milk, Weetbix, blankets, swags and mattresses.
“Every bit helps the family during this time and is deeply appreciated.”
A service will be held at ANZAC Oval at 5.30pm on Thursday, 7 May to honour the life of Kumanjayi Little Baby.
“Our hearts are heavy, but we are stronger together,” said Deputy Mayor, Allison Bitar.
“This Thursday, let’s gather at ANZAC Oval at 5:30pm – wear pink, bring an electric candle, and let’s give each other the strength we need as we grieve for Kumanjayi Little Baby.”
Meanwhile, senior Yapa (Warlpiri) elder and spokesperson for the family of Kumanjayi Little Baby, Robin Granites, has appealed for calm across the Central Australian community.
Five emergency service workers were injured and police vehicles and ambulances damaged and set on fire in the chaos surrounding Mr Lewis’ arrest.
Northern Territory Police have released CCTV footage (right) showing a supermarket and service station being looted by rioters outside the Alice Springs Hospital following the arrest.
Police have arrested 11 people in relation to the alleged looting.
“It is time now for sorry business, to show respect for our family and have space for grieving and remembering,” said Mr Granites.
“Everyone is feeling very upset and emotions are very high, I understand that.
“What has happened this week is not our way. Our children are precious, of course we are feeling angry and hurt at what has happened.
“This man has been caught, thanks to community action, and we must now let justice take its course while we take the time to mourn Kumanjayi Little Baby and support our family.”
Mr Granites also asked people in bush communities to carefully consider their need to travel to Mparntwe/Alice Springs at this time.
“If you need to come to join sorry business, that’s fine. But just come for that, then return home please,” he said.
“Now is not the time to be heroes on social media or make trouble.
“We must be mindful Mparntwe is traditional country for Central Arrernte, and East and Western Arrernte as well. We must respect that and their ways.
“We need to be strong for each other, we must respect family and cultural practice. This is the Yapa way.”
SNAICC – National Voice for our Children is helping to support the family of Kumanjayi Little Baby.
Online donations to support Kumanjayi Little Baby’s funeral can be made through SNAICC-National Voice for our Children.
