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.

Maranboy

About

The patrol area is 23,000km², including four major Aboriginal communities and four cattle stations comprising 30 percent of the district.

Although Beswick, Barunga and Manyallaluk are Alcohol Restricted Zones under the Liquor Act, permits to drink at home are issued and police attend alcohol related incidents.

Members also attend to the general duties of motor vehicle registration, firearms licensing and regular patrols.

Recreational activities include fishing, hunting, and bush walking. Barunga has an AFL team playing local competition.

The annual Barunga Festival is a major event on the Aboriginal cultural and tourist calendar.

Education

The nearest school is at the Barunga Community Education Centre which caters for Pre-School through to Year 12.

Health services

The nearest health clinic is at Barunga. The Sunrise Health Service (SHS) manages the clinic for this community. Staffing for the clinic are registered nurses and Aboriginal health workers. A doctor visits two to three days per week.

Attractions

  • Beswick Falls
  • Nitmuluk Gorge and National Park
  • Beswick Creek