iscoverMission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) has been an essential part of Arnhem Land’s fabric for decades, playing a crucial role in supporting both emergency services and education across one of Australia’s most isolated regions. Whether it’s flying rescue missions or providing logistical support to remote schools, MAF’s flights make a significant difference in the lives of those living in Arnhem Land.
Rescue Flights: A Lifeline in Crisis
In Arnhem Land, rescue flights are often unexpected and unplanned, responding to emergencies such as accidents, medical crises and domestic violence. MAF pilots, like Matt Kaye, are regularly called upon to help in these high-pressure situations, providing a lifeline for those in dire need.
“I thought I was finished after my charter flight, and I was gearing up to do some office work in the afternoon,” says pilot Matt, recounting a particularly challenging flight. He was called to assist in a situation due to domestic violence, where a mother needed to be reunited with her child.
The situation escalated quickly, with reports suggesting the perpetrator might have been near the airport. Matt, along with MAF reservations staff, swiftly ensured the woman was taken to a secluded area, away from other passengers for her safety before the flight. The team worked with urgency, knowing that time was critical.
“We took her out of view,” Matt recalls. “And then we were very quick to get her in the plane when it was ready, and I flew down to [the homeland], landed there, and she was able to find her child, and then we flew back.”
Despite the tension and potential danger, the rescue was successful. The mother and her young daughter were safely transported to a women’s shelter in the Nhulunbuy area, just a short drive from Gove Airport.
Brigitte Goepfert, manager of the Miyalk Women’s Shelter, had been coordinating the rescue behind the scenes for days, working tirelessly to piece together the information needed to reunite the mother and daughter. The pair had been separated for weeks, and despite the difficulty of arranging a safe return, MAF’s prompt action made all the difference.
“It was amazing that again MAF could assist us by providing a plane so that the mother could be reunited with the young daughter,” says Brigitte. “It was four weeks since she’d seen her little girl. So yeah, it was nice to see them together.”
“We’re lucky here in Nhulunbuy to have MAF working so closely with the shelter and for them to be able to provide a charter at such short notice,” Brigitte adds. “It was a great outcome. Once again, MAF came to the rescue.”
Matt emphasises the impact that MAF flights like these have on the lives of those we serve in Arnhem Land:
“They don’t rank highly in terms of the most joyful flights we can do. As pilots, we don’t always have the entire picture of what’s going on, but it’s knowing that through going the extra mile in the small things, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those we’re serving,” says Matt. “I often say we’re here for people on their best days and in the joyful times, but also when life is tough.”
Supporting Education in Remote Communities
Beyond rescue flights, MAF plays a critical role in supporting education in Arnhem Land, particularly in the remote community of Gäwa. Gäwa Christian School, located on the northernmost tip of Elcho Island, serves as a beacon of hope for local students, offering a unique blend of Yolŋu tradition, Christian teachings, and Western educational methods.
The school, which caters to around 50 to 80 students, is a long way from the nearest city, Nhulunbuy, and even further from the rest of Australia. The isolation of the region means that teachers and staff often require regular relief from their demanding roles in the community, and MAF is instrumental in making this possible.
“This is something we offer to our staff,” says Gäwa Christian School Principal, Rachel Herweynen. “Any time within the term, if staff feel like they need to refresh away from the homeland, we book a flight with MAF so they can have a weekend away, do some shopping, as well as build and strengthen connections with Nhulunbuy Christian College and the wider Christian faith community.”
The school is deeply embedded in Yolŋu culture, and its curriculum blends traditional Yolŋu ways of learning with standard numeracy and literacy education. The students learn through song, music, dance and the cultural knowledge passed down through generations. It’s an approach that acknowledges the richness of Yolŋu culture, while providing students with the skills they need for future success.
“Teachers can be afraid to teach Indigenous content,” says Rachel. “But it’s not just content, Yolŋu ways of being are just as – or maybe even more – important, and these allow teaching and learning to happen. We can try and follow that in our other schools.”
Rachel and her team are working to share this unique approach to education with the broader Northern Territory Christian Schools community in 2025. The school has recently expanded its facilities with new buildings, and MAF played a crucial role in facilitating the construction process. Materials for the school were shipped by barge to Galiwin’ku, but building contractors flew directly to Gäwa on MAF planes.
“The new classroom wouldn’t have happened without our contractors from Gove,” Rachel says. “Any workers from Gove will be flying in. We’re very grateful.”
MAF’s partnership with Gäwa Christian School extends beyond the transportation of materials and personnel. The flights enable teachers to visit the school and maintain vital connections with the wider educational community in Nhulunbuy and beyond. This support ensures that the school can continue to provide high-quality education to its students, despite the challenges posed by its remote location.
MAF’s Legacy in Arnhem Land
Since its founding, MAF has played a vital role in providing access to services, education, and emergency assistance in some of the most isolated regions of Australia. In Arnhem Land, MAF’s planes have been a lifeline for both individuals and communities, NGOs and organisations, offering crucial support when it’s needed most.
From rescue flights that reunite families in crisis, to the vital educational support that enables schools like Gäwa Christian School to thrive, MAF continues to be a trusted partner in Arnhem Land. With each flight, MAF pilots and staff bring hope and practical assistance to some of the most isolated and underserved communities in Australia, ensuring that help is never far away.
As MAF continues its work in Arnhem Land, it remains committed to meeting the unique needs of this remote region, providing both immediate assistance and long-term support to those in need. MAF’s rich history in Arnhem Land is a testament to its ongoing dedication to serving the people of this incredible part of Australia.
To find out more, visit www.maf.org.au
