New set of Darwin chambers represents "cessation of hostilities" ... Departures from William Forster Chambers ... Buffalo Bruce, our field agent in the Top End, reports that there's been a seismic shift at the Darwin bar
Three barristers from the well-established William Forster Chambers have bailed to create a new set in the same building, just two floors away.
The formative members of the new Magayamirr Chambers are Raelene Webb QC, the prez of the NT Bar 'n' Grill and until moments ago head of WFC; Simon Lee, secretary-treasurer of the grill; and Mark Johnson.
Georgia McMaster, grill vice-prez, who was previously at WFC, has come across to join Magayamirr from Bees Creek Chambers.
In the intimate pond that is the Darwin bar (total 25) the shift has been the subject of much analysis.
There have been stories of an intriguing recent occurrence at WFC.
Someone became aware that one of the computers within Darwin's oldest and largest chambers had been accessing a web site specialising transsexual pornography,
This involved depictions of transgendered people performing athletic feats.
Not that there is anything necessarily illegal or unhygienic in that. Indeed, I am fairly certain that this viewing would have been for research purposes only.
Whose hand might have guided the mouse, became the intriguing question around chambers.
It emerged that no one was readily identified as responsible for partaking of this intriguing distraction.
Apparently, that was a factor that deepened fissures and discontent at WFC.
Shortly afterwards Webb decided to set up her own shop. She refused to comment on what she said was a confidential matter within William Forster.
Webb is understood to be staking the lease on the new space at Harry Chan Avenue. The aim for Magayamirr is to offer a "flexible, no frills alternative".
Maybe there is a message in the word Magayamirr, which is the name given to the Yolngu system of government in central and north east Arnhem Land.
According to the chambers web site, it means to be, "with peace ... having no trouble ... a cessation of hostilities".
The Rev Dr Djinitini Dondarra explained further:
"Magayamirr is like when you walk into a yard where there is no breeze. Everything is still and quiet, with not a leaf or anything moving. Everything is very still and tranquil."
Buffalo Bruce reporting ...