Walangeri Ngumpinku Aboriginal Corporation

In order to reduce the impact of COVID-19, the NT Government is restricting all non-essential travel to Indigenous communities. It’s also recommended that any staff returning from international travel be self-isolated for 14 days away from community.

These measures are put in place to protect vulnerable clients in our region and the broader NT, minimise transmission of COVID-19 and flattening the curve of cases so that our health service and the NT health services won’t become overwhelmed so quickly and we can better prepare for the work to come.

Additional measures may be put in place as the situation develops. There are concerns that the virus’ impact in Indigenous communities may be severe due to a range of other existing health conditions.

With the passing of the recent cyclone and associated heavy rains, the water levels at Sandy Creek have dropped back to their usual low levels during the wet (< 100mm). While rain may still cause the creek to rise, it’s expected travellers should have little trouble getting through Sandy Creek for the rest of the wet – pending any further cyclones or heavy rain warnings.

The recent heavy rain has seen the levels of Sandy Creek rise. Surpassing 1.2M, we are currently cut-off with no access by road.

The forecast calls for continued heavy rain which means it may be a few weeks before the creek subsides and 4WD vehicle access is reliable. Those travelling to Yarralin should call someone local to check the creek levels before travelling.

We held our first board meeting of the year on the 29th of January. Many issues were discussed. Ray, from the local Police came along to talk answer some questions about the community’s desire to have a local Aboriginal Liaison Officer.

2020 is a new year of opportunity for Walangeri and we look forward to finding out what the year will bring.

The Directors of Walangeri Ngumpinku are pleased to announce Martin Schahinger as their new General Manager. Martin comes to Yarralin from Ngukurr, where he worked for 3 years as Business Manager, and then CEO of Yugul Mangi Development.

Martin’s background in start-up business, along with his experience in Indigenous communities, will be invaluable as Walangeri continues to expand and grow. There are many opportunities the Directors are keen to pursue and having Martin on the team will help make them reality.

We welcome Martin to Yarralin and trust he will enjoy his time with us.

Funded by the Australian Indigenous Languages Dictionary Project and after much work from all involved, we’re pleased to launch the Ngarinyman to English Dictionary.

Local community member and Walangeri Ngumpinku Business Manager Alicia King presented a copy to Johnathon Thurston (former Australian Rugby League player) at the 9th Aboriginal Economic Development Forum. We’re please to promote our dictionary and gave it to him as a gift from the Yarralin community.

If you would like a copy, get in touch with us. Copies are $35 (inc GST) + Postage and handling. They can also be bought directly from the Walangari Ngumpinku office at Lot 60, Yarralin.