A barge from Elcho Island used to deliver drums of fuel to run the generator at Mapuru homeland once every three months. About 100 residents would manage their diesel use by only running the generator at night but the diesel rarely lasted and the community would go without power, living by torchlight, until the barge returned.

Now Mapuru has a Bushlight solar system, residents will be able to run fridges and freezers 24 hours a day, do a load of washing every day and access some power for lights, fans and other household appliances regardless of the condition of the roads or the barge schedule!

Phyllis Batumbil has lived with a Bushlight system at nearby Mata Mata homeland since 2005 and was employed as a trainer for the first training session at Mapuru, working alongside the Bushlight Top End team.  Phyllis was able to translate the training into Yolgnu Matha as well as provide great insights on what it means to live with a Bushlight system.  

Bushlight will return at least three times during the first year to provide ongoing support and training as Mapuru residents learn how to manage their energy use and troubleshoot problems with the system.

More information about Mapuru community can be found at www.arnhemweavers.com.au