Josephine Mesiku, our dear friend and colleague, died on 19 February 2008. Josie, as she was known to many of her friends and family, was a tireless community development and arts worker. She worked with us last year, organising "Bringing Africa to Darwin" at Chambers Crescent Theatre in Malak last September, which was attended by hundreds. Josie set it all up, but was very ill that day and was unable to attend. Josie was also instrumental in setting up the Malak Telecentro, across the hall from Chambers Crescent Theatre. The Telecentro was Josie's office and quiet place.

Josie was working on several potential projects involving African community groups and Brown's Mart at the time of her death, including bringing The Young African Divas -- a dance group of young African women she managed -- to Art at the Heart in Alice Springs in October. We were also working on setting up "The African Kitchen", a cafe to be run by African women in partnership with Brown's Mart Community Arts at Malak Shopping Centre.

She was also actively pursuing other projects involving other organisations. She is well known to the Africa Australia Friendship Association, Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory, Melaleuca Refugee Centre, Sudanese Association, and many other community groups.

Josie was an inspiration to us at Brown's Mart and to many others who felt energised by her compassion and dedication. We hope to honour her memory by working to realise her many dreams for our communities in Darwin. We will miss her so much.