Looma OpShop
Looma is a small, remote Aboriginal community located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, approximately 120 km southeast of Derby and around 2,500 km north of Perth. The community is situated on Nyikina and Mangala Country, and has three language groups Walmajarri, Nyikina and Mangala and others. Looma is home to about 500 residents.
The community is nestled between the Fitzroy River and the Oscar Ranges, surrounded by red earth, rocky outcrops, and expansive savannah woodlands. This picturesque setting provides a striking backdrop to the daily life of the residents and reflects the deep connection they have with the land. The name “Looma” also Known as Lungurra originates from a Walmajarri word meaning “blue tongue lizard.” A traditional legend tells of a Looma (Lungurra ) lizard escaping a great flood with its children, a story still cherished within the community.
The Looma community has strong cultural ties, with a deep connection to the land and traditional practices. Like many remote communities, it faces challenges related to access to services, education, and employment opportunities. Despite this, the community works to maintain its rich cultural heritage while striving for sustainable development and improvements in quality of life.
The Looma OpShop was established in 2023, initiated by local leader Melissa Skinner, who manages the shop with a deep commitment to supporting her community. The opshop has been highly successful, providing much-needed access to affordable clothing and household goods. Melissa’s vision is to expand the opshop into a permanent space with the support of the Remote OpShop Project and the Looma Aboriginal Corporation. Melissa also a member of the Remote OpShop Project First Nations Leadership Council.
In 2024, the Looma community partnered with HCF Health Insurance to organize a Christmas gift drive for families. The initiative provided practical household items such as cookware and essential goods, along with toys for children. Melissa coordinated the distribution of these gifts, ensuring that families received much-needed support and that children experienced the joy of Christmas, especially in a region where access to such resources can be limited.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Remote OpShop Project team will visit Looma to collaborate with Melissa, the Looma community chair, and board members. Together, they will develop a plan to transition the opshop from a pop-up micro-enterprise into a sustainable small business. This expansion will not only ensure ongoing access to essential goods but will also create training and employment opportunities, fostering long-term self-sufficiency for the community
