Trial Sites

Wadeye (NT)

Lead Agency Contact Details
ICC Contact Details
Trial Site Profile [includes]
- Geography
- Communities
- Population
- Community Partners
- Australian Government Sponsor and Partner
- NT Government Partner [end Profile]
Shared Responsibility Agreement

Lead Agency Contact Details

Department of Family and Community Services
Darwin ICC
Agnese Rinaldi
Tel:(08) 8944 5566

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ICC Contact Details

Darwin

PO Box 40670, CASUARINA NT 0810
Bldg 2, 13 Scaturchio Street, CASUARINA NT 0811
Tel: 08 8944 5566
Fax: 08 8944 5599

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Wadeye (Wod-air: formerly Port Keats) is approximately 420 kms south-west of Darwin, 45 km by road West of Nganmarrianya. Wadeye is the sixth largest town, by population, in the Northern Territory with the largest Aboriginal community.

Road access, approx 6 hours from Darwin, is limited to the dry season. Air travel takes approx 50 mins form Darwin. Murin Air has a daily service and other flights can be chartered. A barge brings in goods to Wadeye once a fortnight.

Communities

There are three ceremonial groups, encompassing at least 23 tribal groups and seven language groups. Language groups include Murinh Patha, Marri Ngarr, Murrinh Kura, Murrinh Nguwan, Marri Tjevin, Mati Ke and Marri Arnu. The most common language spoken is Murrin Patha, although this may be the second or third language of many residents. English is not widely spoken.

The Kardu Diminin are the Traditional Owners of the land on which the Wadeye Township is situated. Wadeye was founded as a Roman Catholic mission in 1939, originally located at Werntek Nganayi (old Mission) from 1935.

Population

Wadeye has a population of approximately 2215 in town, 45 on outstations. Approximately 100 are aged over 50, approximately 500 aged 25-50 and approximately 1500 aged less than 25. There are approximately 700 school aged children, with about 50% enrolled in school. Wadeye population is growing at a net rate of about 3% per annum and is expected to increase rapidly.