Koonibba Aboriginal Community     The community of Koonibba is located some 40kms northwest of the coastal township of Ceduna along Highway 1 on the Eyre Peninsula. The nearest city is Adelaide, an 8-hour drive by car in the opposite direction. In the early years of the 20th century, before it became a missionary settlement, it was thick unused scrublands owned by the Australian government, later to be sold to the Lutheran Church for a few pounds. A government surveyor with the help of two friendly natives set about determining the boundaries of the Mission lands. Our land is roughly 7000 acres - 4000 acres are used to farm cereal crops such as wheat and barley, the rest is scrub. Presently the land is leased to one of the local farmers for 3 years, with 20% of the profits coming back into the community. The population in the virgin years was in its high hundreds; today the community can only cater for a maximum of 150-200 people due to limited housing and essential services.   Authority The Koonibba Aboriginal Community Council Inc. has the responsibility for the overall running of the community and the essential needs of the people. The board currently has 8 members, with office-bearers holding their positions for 1year. Elections are held annually in the first week of September. The Koonibba Council was established in 1967 in name only, as control rested with the White Protectors or Superintendents, until the signing of the Incorporations Acts 1972.  Sports The Mission days witnessed the strong growth of an enthusiastic and competitive sports following, with the girls, boys, mums and dads all wanting to do their best. Sports Day at Koonibba had the whole community talking and excited with neighbouring towns bringing their champions to do battle with the local heroes. It saddens the heart when we stroll down Memory Lane and look at all the sports events which once had tremendous support - foot races, hammer & nailboard races, javelin throwing, football, netball and tennis. The two sports which allow all members of the family to participate are the winter sports of football & netball.