Town rallies around stranded traveller

Scott Murray, Jennifer Adams, Peter Schipper, Richard McArthur and Sue McWhirter at the Croc Hotel.

IT was a decision that was to have drastic consequences, but Peter “Skip” Schipper says he never intended to try to cross the East Alligator River.

“I’d just gone out to Cahill’s Crossing for a look,” Skip said.

While at the crossing on 23 January, the Melbourne man was approached by three locals looking for a lift to the Gunbalanya side. Trusting their local knowledge and assurances that he would make it across, the 62-year-old made the ill-fated attempt.

His four-wheel-drive and caravan were washed onto rocks about halfway across. It was later looted of gear including a solar panel, generator and a chainsaw.

“When I tried to cross it was at about 0.5 (metres), not as it looks in the pictures - they were taken later,” Skip told The Wire.

Cahill’s was open at the time, and three vehicles had just made the crossing.

After becoming stuck, Skip waded back to the Jabiru side, unaware that crocodiles lurked in the muddy waters.

“I didn’t know about the crocs at the time,” he said.

Council and Gunbalanya Meats workers help retrieve the vehicle. PHOTO: NT POLICE

Skip spoke to The Wire over a few beers at the Croc Hotel, along with some of the Jabiru residents who have rallied around offered support after he came unstuck at the crossing.

Local photographer Scott Murray donated four metallic prints of landscapes to Skip, as a consolation for the fact he did not get to see much of Kakadu National Park.

“Everyone here has been amazing, the community has been amazing,” Skip said.

Jennifer Adams said she met the unlucky traveller at Jabiru Foodland.

“I served him there and we just got talking,” Jen said.

“It was really sad, all he had were the clothes on his back. He’s only gotten into trouble because he was helping someone else – that’s why his story is so touching.”

Jen immediately put a call out on the Jabiru Notice Board facebook page, asking for assistance for Mr Schipper.

“It got an overwhelming response,” she said.

“So many people in Jabiru offered their homes for Peter to stay in. I’d say he had the support of 99 per cent of the town.”

Along with Sue McWhirter, Jen set up donation tins at Jabiru Foodland and at the gatehouse at the Ranger Mine.

"He’s only gotten into trouble because he was helping someone else."

Sue also took a tin around town, and together with Jabiru’s support the pair raised $700, which they donated to Skip to help him meet his costs.

Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel General Manager Richard McArthur said the hotel had dropped Skip’s room rate, “but other than that he wouldn’t let us do a whole lot”.

“Throughout his trip he has been helping people, giving and sharing, which is indicative of the kind of person he is, so it’s nice to see a bit come back,” Mr McArthur said.

The Croc donated $500 towards Skip’s room costs.

Skip said he had planned to go travelling with his wife, Janet. “She would be 62 now, but passed away on 30 June 2011.”

Jenny the doll, washed away at East Alligator River.

He said he hoped someone would find his wife’s porcelain doll, Jenny.

“The doll went missing after the caravan was washed away,” he said.

“Out of all the possessions I had, that is the one that I miss the most, it’s the only thing I’m really worried about.”

Skip said he now planned to “go home and regroup”.

“But I will continue to travel, if the insurance company comes through,” he said.

Mr Schipper's car and caravan on the Gunbalanya side of the crossing.