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.

Maningrida

About

Maningrida is the largest Aboriginal community in the Northern Territory with a population of over 2,600. The community has a good social atmosphere with a social event almost every weekend; parents and children’s activity days occur regularly.

The traditional owners are the Kunibídji people. However, after the community was established in the late 1940s by the government, other groups settled in the area meaning over ten different languages are spoken in the community today and most residents are multilingual. In per capita terms, it is perhaps the most multilingual community in the world.

The township was established when, after World War II, the Welfare Branch sent two patrol officers to set up a trading post.

Pristine beaches and waterways for fishing and recreation are within walking distance. The community has a swimming pool and basketball courts. There is a local AFL competition and a basketball competition in which members play. The main activities are fishing and hunting. 

Education

There is preschool, primary school, secondary education and a community education centre.

Health

The Community Health Centre provides primary health care services to the residents of Maningrida community via a mix of Aboriginal health workers, registered nurses, a doctor and through visits by a district medical officer.

Attractions

  • Maningrida Arts and Cultural Markets
  • The Djomi Museum
  • Pristine beaches