Larrimah: A small Northern Territory town revealed as a hotbed of hatred at inquest

Chris McLennan
Updated June 10 2018 - 9:40am, first published 9:30am
Police divers searched Larrimah's dam but failed to find any signs of missing Paddy Moriarty (inset).
Police divers searched Larrimah's dam but failed to find any signs of missing Paddy Moriarty (inset).

Our small Australian country towns are supposed to be peaceful places where their dwindling populations have strong community bonds.

It seems the only thing the 10 or so residents of Larrimah, such a town on the Stuart Highway, a few hours south-east of Katherine in the Northern Territory share, is an abiding hatred of each other.

So much so that the mysterious disappearance, and likely murder of one of their own, has not come as great a shock as it should.

Larrimah residents wait outside the inquest for their turn to give a statement.
Larrimah residents wait outside the inquest for their turn to give a statement.

Residents lined up at an inquest into the disappearance of Paddy Moriarty, 70, to speak of their dysfunctional town.

Chris McLennan

Chris McLennan

National Rural Property Writer

ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.