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.

Batchelor

About

The first inhabitants and traditional owners of the land surrounding the town area the Warrai and Kungarakany people. Batchelor is a well maintained small town with sealed road access and small shopping/services centre and tourist accommodation.

Batchelor is the gateway town to Litchfield National Park which has readily available camping, swimming and bushwalking areas. Scenic flights and tours are also available.

In Batchelor, there is a tennis court and swimming pool and other sporting activities within the community. Around Batchelor, there is fishing, bird watching, bushwalking, swimming (in certain places), camping, horse riding, and 4WD driving. Many station owners in the district are happy to allow police members access to hunt as well.

Fire and Emergency Response Group

A Fire and Emergency Response Group (FERG) exists in Batchelor and responds from a fire station.

The FERG consists of approximately ten fire and emergency service volunteers, trained in road crash rescue, first aid, search and rescue and flood boat operation. 

Education

Pre and primary schooling is available at the Batchelor Area School located within the township.

Secondary schooling is available in Darwin and Palmerston, or by correspondence.

It is the home of the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education, specifically catering for Indigenous students.

Health

Batchelor Health Clinic has a resident doctor and nurses. An ambulance is stationed at Batchelor for emergencies.

Attractions

  • Litchfield national Park
  • Coomalie Cultural Centre
  • Batchelor Butterfly Farm
  • WWII Aerodrome and Museum
  • Lake Bennett
  • Rum Jungle Lake