In 1896 Lutheran Missionaries visited Koonibba to identify suitable land to establish a Lutheran Mission. A large number of Aboriginal people lived at Koonibba for many years prior to this.
In 1901 Koonibba Lutheran Mission was established with the help of local Aboriginal people who lived there. In that same year the "Church of our Redeemer" was built.
A special school was built and completed at the end of 1902.
After some time this building was used as a dining-room for the Aboriginal people and a new school was built by Thomas Richard in 1903 who was also the first adult Aboriginal person to be baptised at Koonibba in the same year.
In 1906 the Koonibba football club was established.
  • Languages for Koonibba
    Kokatha
    Wiringu
    Mirning
    Pitjantjatjara
  • Publications of interest
    Title: 25 Years of Mission Work among Australian Aboriginals
    Publisher: The Lutheran Publishing Co. Ltd
    238 Rundle Street Adelaide SA
    Printed: 1926 by Hunkin Glis & King Ltd 113 Pirie Street Adelaide SA
In many areas of Indigenous Australia it is considered offensive to publish photographs or names or Aboriginal people who have recently died. Browsers are warned that this website may inadvertently contain such names or pictures.
Commemorative Plaque - following photo & information taken directly from Plaque.
Koonibba Scrub Cutters 100 year History
In appreciation and acknowledgement we honour and we recognise these worthy and truthful men who worked hard for us. And gave us a place to call home organised and erected by the chairman, Bunna Rupert Lawrie and the Koonibba Council and the community people.
Dhootha Mickey Free Lawrie Willis Michael William [born 1868 Eucla - Died 1947 koonibba] from the Yirkala Mirning tribe.
Jimmy Richards Thomas James [Born 1871 Penong - Died 1955 Wallaroo hospital] from the Wirangu Tribe.
These two Aboriginal men brought the first two white men, Pastor Kempe and McKenzie to this site, now called in Koonibba in 1896.

They remained faithful and loyal to the original plan of building a city rising out of the virgin scrub in the wilderness of mallee.

Their work in scrub, cutting with axe clearing scrubland with their fellow countrymen for rations of flour, sugar and tea - 50 years of hard work and honesty, these two men built the second school. Two rooms which still stand now have given their Aboriginal people education and understanding and their contribution enables us to reap the fruits of their work and cherish the plan of building a home for our fellow Aborigines, a place to call home, a shelter and refuge to find care for body and soul.
Other Aboriginal mens' names for their contribution to Koonibba are:-
Dick Dory*, George Denning*, Noonu Jack McCarthy*, Ben Murray*, Billy Mungena*, Sam Billey*, Malcolm Bilney*, Henry Condon*, Willy Coleman*, Leslie Mundy*, Dick Davey*, Albert Lawrie*, Bill Lawrie, Frank Gray*, Robert Betts, George Burgoyne, George Saunders*, Charlie Traveller*, Harry Miller, Aurthur Richards*, Cyril McArthy, Albert Benell, Herbert Mundy*, Kevin Saunders, Leslie Moore, Long Jimmy, Long Willie, August Pompey, Dan Kelly*, Tommy Ted Thompson, Jimmy Cocoa, Jimmy Blueskin Pompy, Jimmy Gerken, Clarance Maurice, Paddy Nandy, Arthur B. Strutton, Frank Dunnett, Alec Kent, Abbott Malina, C. Kelly*, S. Walter, Billiam Woxey, Joe Miller, John Miller, Albert Webb.
Plaque sponsored by Andrew Pobke
  • Koonibba Rockhole - A Cultural site of significance
    A Rockhole Protection Project.
    Project Objectives;
    Protection of culturally significant site.
    Establishment of native vegetation.
    Community awareness and education

The rock hole was an important water source for Aboriginal people of this area, and was used as a camping place and swimming hole by many.
Koonibba Rockhole is a significant Aboriginal site with memories that are to be treasured. It is also a reminder for future generations about their ancestors and heritage. For this reason the site must continue to be cared for as those before have.

A joint project through;
*Koonibba Aboriginal Community Council
*The Natural Heritage Trust
*Aboriginal Lands Trust