Earlier this year, Kirsty Burgu featured in the February edition of Frontier News, where we introduced readers to her role serving some of the most remote communities in the West Kimberley as a Frontier Services Bush Chaplain. A proud Ngarinyin Worrorra woman and member of the Mowanjum community, Kirsty combines her ministry with a deep commitment to caring for Country, supporting her community, and sharing culture.
As we celebrate NAIDOC Week 2026 and this year’s theme, “50 Years of Deadly,” we caught up with Kirsty to hear what her work, culture and Country mean to her.
Meet Bush Chaplain Kirsty Burgu
Can you tell us a bit about who you are, your community, and your role as a Bush Chaplain?
My name is Kirsty Burgu. I’m a proud Ngarinyin Worrorra woman and a member of the Mowanjum community. Alongside my role as a Bush Chaplain, I’m involved in my church, serve on several community boards, and help look after Country, so it remains healthy for future generations. I became a Bush Chaplain last year and I’m excited to keep learning and growing in the role.
What does being a Bush Chaplain mean to you?
To me, being a Bush Chaplain means taking ministry to people living out in bush communities where very few people visit. Since I started, families have been asking me to come because they rarely have ministers travelling through. It means reaching people who might feel left out and sharing God’s love where it’s needed most.
This year marks 50 years of NAIDOC – "50 Years of Deadly." What does that mean to you and your community?
For me, NAIDOC is about walking together with respect while staying connected to our culture and our roots. I want to see our young people return to Country and learn from our old people, because that’s where healing begins. When we reconnect with Country, we don’t just heal physically – we heal mentally and spiritually, too.
Is there a story or moment from your work you're proud of, or that's stayed with you?
One of the proudest moments for me was being made a Bush Chaplain. I remember feeling so excited because I knew this was what I wanted to do – reaching out to people living in remote areas and serving communities that don’t have regular ministry.
What does culture and connection to Country mean to you?
Our culture is part of who we are. Our stories and our connection to the land have been passed down through generations, and I see so many similarities with the stories in the Bible. For me, our culture gives us strong roots, and together with our faith, it makes us complete. Every time we return to Country, it’s like the land welcomes us home, bringing healing and reminding us of who we are.
Kirsty Burgu’s work as a Bush Chaplain in the West Kimberley is a powerful reminder of what it means to truly walk alongside people – on Country, in community, and in faith. We’re proud to stand beside First Nations Bush Chaplains like Kirsty, who bring presence, care and deep cultural understanding to some of Australia’s most remote communities.
Stories like Kirsty’s are only possible because of the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our Outback Links volunteers, who give their time to walk alongside people in remote and rural communities across the country. Thank you for helping make this work possible.
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