The mission was established in 1908, 20 kilometres north-east of the present site, at Pago, near the southern end of Napier Broome Bay, by Benedictine monks from New Norcia.

In 1937, water supply problems forced the missionaries to move to the present site at Kalumburu Pool, on the King Edward River.

The airfield was a refuelling and ammunition depot for the RAAF anti-submarine aircraft operating between Darwin and Fremantle.

On 19 February, the mission provided assistance to the crew and passengers of the merchant vessel Koolama, which had been attacked by Japanese planes.

In February 1943, Allied signals intelligence suggested that Japanese aircraft would be built up in Timor for attacks on Darwin.

All victims were buried together on mission grounds, the Aboriginal people on either side of Father Thomas, following the funeral at the damaged church.

The community retains strong links with the OSB, including a priest and several Benedictine nuns.

This community has been extensively studied and is the subject of publications in regards to Aboriginal health (e.g. trachoma and kidney disease).