Ali Curung *
Location
The community of Ali Curung is located about 380kms North East of Alice Springs in the Southern Barkly region, just South of the Devils Marbles. Ali Curung is 22kms inland travelling East from the Stuart Highway. The turnoff is 150kms South of Tennant Creek.
Category
Medical Students.
Population
Approximately 960.
Major Language Groups
There are four (4) main language groups: Warlpiri, Warumungu, Kaiditch and Alyawarra.
Access via Road
Ali Curung is accessible by bitumen road.
Access via Air
No commercial flights operate; however charter flights can be arranged on request.
Seasonal Access
During the wet season from November to March some surrounding dirt roads may become impassable.
Health Centre Information
Staff: Ali Curung has one (1) General Practitioner, one (1) District Medical Officer every two weeks and four (4) regional nurses.
Community Programs
Visiting Specialist Medical Services
Primary Health Care Clinic
Well Men’s Clinic
Child Health Service
Antenatal Care
Aged Care
Well Women’s Clinic
Visiting Allied Health Services
Visiting Specialists
Ali Curung receives regular visiting health specialists every two (2) to three (3) months.
Open Times
Mon – Fri: 0800hrs – 1700hrs | Emergencies: 24/7
Contact Details
Ali Curung Health Centre
PO Box 1427
Tennant Creek NT 0861
P: (08) 8964 1954 | F: (08) 8964 1971
Community Profile
Community Information
Ali Curung is Kaiditch (Kaytetye) word meaning ‘Country of dogs’ or ‘Dog Dreaming’. The story relates to an area of land ancestral dogs visited while travelling around the country. The community adopted the emblem of a dog to signify the importance of the ceremonial story.
History
The people who traditionally occupied the area were Kaiditch. During the late 1950s, small groups of people were collected and relocated to Warrabri Settlement – Kaiditch people from Barrow Creek, Warlpiri people from Bullocky Creek areas and Alyawarra people from Murray Downs and Hatches Creek. Over 1,200 people populated Ali Curung in its early days.
Warrabri was established in 1956 under its original name of ‘Warrabri Settlement’. The community changed its name to Ali Curung in 1978.
Art & Culture
Arlpwe Art Gallery was established by Arlpwe Artists Aboriginal Corporation in 2008. The Gallery sells Aboriginal Artefacts: Boomerangs, Nulla Nulla, Spears, Jewellery, Coolamon, magnificent one-of-a-kind paintings by renown artists of the area.
City/Shire Council
Barkly Shire Council (http://barkly.nt.gov.au)
Local and Government Services / Facilities
Ali Curung services and facilities include: Shire Service Centre, Warrabri Bakery, Minnirri Store, Police Station, Safe House, Homemakers Aged Care Service, Arlpwe Art Centre and Gallery, Baptist Church, Health Centre and a Mechanical Workshop.
Attractions
Local attractions include the Arlpwe Art Gallery.
Telecommunications reception and internet access
- Phone access
- ADSL Internet/email access
Information on the coverage available from major carriers is found on their respective websites:
- Vodafone
Permits required ie camping, alcohol, beach etc
Entry permits are required to visit Ali Curung. Ali Curung is a dry community; whereby there are restrictions on the sale of alcohol/bringing alcohol into the community.
Useful Links
Barkly Shire Council (http://barkly.nt.gov.au/our-communities/ali-curung)
