An apology to Aboriginal Territorians

I, Michael Murphy, Commissioner of the Northern Territory Police am deeply sorry to all Aboriginal Territorians, for the past harms and injustices caused by members of the Northern Territory Police.

I formally apologise for the hurt inflicted upon Aboriginal people, and together with my fellow officers, I commit the NT Police service to do the hard work to transform our relationship with Aboriginal Territorians for a safer community for all.

We know that we cannot change or undo the past, but together we can commit to not repeating our mistakes and the injustices.

Mutitjulu

Police Officers image

About

The community is located approximately 1km from Uluru, within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, with land leased from the Director of Parks for 99 years commencing 1985. The main language is Pitjantjatjara, however Luritja and Yankunytjatjara are also spoken. The traditional ownership is Yankunytjatjara.

Uluru is just a short walk from the Mutitjulu Community, offering a range of walking trails to explore this iconic landmark. The Base Walk, approximately 10km loop, takes you around the entire base of Uluru, while shorter trails focus on specific sections.

Health

There is a permanent health clinic staffed by nurses and a doctor attends on a rotational basis. The Royal Flying Doctor Service operates from Yulara. The Yulara Medical Centre is located next to the Yulara Police Station and is also staffed by nurses and a visiting doctor. Yulara have an ambulance, which would typically respond to emergency calls at Mutitjulu.

Attractions

  • Uluru
  • Kata Tjuta
  • Valley of the Winds and Warlpa Gorge Walk
  • Kings Canyon

Education

Mutitjulu School caters for primary students and has two teachers and two classes. A part-time teacher comes in a couple of days a week to provide preparation time for the permanent teachers. Lunch is provided daily for students. Reward schemes such as no school, no swim are in place (students use the residents pool in Yulara).

Ngangatjatjara College in the Yulara Industrial area caters for secondary students. It is a boarding school with separate half year blocks for female students and male students. For the second half of the year while not boarding at the college, students attend at local Mutitjulu. There is a child care centre next to the Council building.