HISTORY
As a joint venture between the Sisters of St Joseph and the Diocese of Broome, the centre was established in 1986 to provide formation in faith and leadership for the Catholics in Aboriginal communities of the East Kimberley.

Originally the property had consisted of a residence, transportable house and large machinery shed. To accommodate the groups who came for courses, twenty-four additional sleeping units, together with toilets, showers and a laundry, were purchased by the Sisters of St Joseph from Argyle Mining Company. Extra sleeping accommodation for volunteer workers was later added by the Diocese to complete the complex.

Under the direction of its foundress, Sr Clare Ahern rsj, the Centre catered for adult education and faith formation for Aboriginal people of the East Kimberley, mostly on a residential basis. Mirrilingki staff visited communities and carried out some follow-up work. Retreats and workshops were conducted for non-aboriginal people in the region.
Sr Pat Sealey rsj took over as director in 1992, and introduced a Family Drug and Alcohol Awareness and Recovery programme. It was during her period of tenure that the machinery shed was converted into a lecture hall and chapel.

Over the years, Mirrilingki has continued to expand its services. It serves the Aboriginal communities through a variety of programmes, is a centre for retreats, an in-service centre for teachers in Catholic schools throughout the Kimberley region and a conference centre for Government and non-government agencies dealing with Aboriginal services in keeping with Mirrilingki's vision and mission. In 1998, Sr Frances Maguire rsj and Sr Nellie Versluys rsj were missioned to Mirrilingki and a Board was appointed by Bishop Christopher Saunders. The co-ordinating team for 2007, Sr Frances Flemming rsj, Sr Maria Sullivan rsj and Sr Mary Baker rsj, is following in the footsteps of those who have gone before in making Mirrilingki a place of support and empowerment for Aboriginal people.