Police have charged two men, aged 16 and 18, over the death of 53-year-old pool manager Jupurrula Berry in Yuendumu last Thursday, but an elder has denied media reports that locals are fleeing the community in fear of further violence, it is reported.
The two accused have been charged with murder, arson, aggravated unlawful use of a motor vehicle and stealing.
In a media release Eddie Robertson, the chair of the Warlpiri Youth Development Aboriginal Corporation (WYDAC) which employed Mr Berry, is quoted as saying: “The whole community is gathering around to mourn this wonderful man who knew every child by name.
“All families and agencies are showing their respect in their own ways. The children and young people are very sad and have placed flowers, cards and letters at the swimming pool.”
WYDAC manager Susie Low is quoted as saying: “Obviously everyone is grieving but we are all supporting each other and to claim [in the NT News] that there is a climate of fear is just irresponsible nonsense.”
Mr Berry was the first non-Aboriginal person the Yuendumu football team has honoured with a moving ceremony of appreciation known locally as a “memory game”.
Ms Low is quoted as saying one of the two youths charged has only been in the community since December last year.
The other was employed by WYDAC as a pool attendant since 2013 while living with and being cared for by Mr Berry.
CLC and PAW Media chair Francis Kelly, who lives in Yuendumu but has been in hospital for the past two weeks, sent his condolences to Mr Berry’s family and the WYDAC team, says the release.
“Jupurrula had a good heart and was good with Yapa people. He listened and understood our culture. He was learning from us, as well as teaching us and our children.,” Mr Kelly is quoted as saying.
“I feel proud of my community for looking after each other during this sad and stressful time. We are all family and work any problems out together.”
The CLC’s community development program has worked with the community and WYDAC to build and run the pool Mr Berry managed.