Nyirripi, Northern Territory


Nyirripi is a community in the Southern Tanami Ward of the Central Desert Region in the Northern Territory of Australia. Location: 250 kms North West of Alice Springs Population: Approximately 240

History

Nyirripi was first established in the late 1970s when several families including Tiger Japaljari Morris, Charlie Jampinjin- pas, Molly Napurula Martins, Phylis Napurula, Leo Japurula and others decided to leave the pressures of the growing population of Yuendumu. Two men were sent into town to secure a Pastor for the outstation and Pastor John Henwood returned with them to take up ministry. The community was officially recognised as a minor community or outstation after the former Federal Minister of Aboriginal Affairs was pressed in a public forum by community members to define the population numbers that would constitute an outstation. This enabled the securing of much needed funds for infrastructure. Later the community was recognised as a major community and campaigned to the government. This ultimately led to the construction of a school. In 1985 the community became incorporated under the Aboriginal Council Association Act. Nyirripi is located close to the southern and south western extent of traditionally owned Warlpiri land. Although still predomi- nantly a Warlpiri Community there are a number of Pintubi, Luritja and Kukatja speakers. Languages spoken are: Warlpiri, Pin- tubi and Kutkatja languages.

Governance

The Nyirripi Community Government Council is the local governing body and has 13 members who are elected annually. The Local Government Shire is the Central Desert Shire, Southern Tanami Ward.

Infrastructure and Community Life

The community has: