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.

Willowra

About

Willowra is 300km North West of Alice Springs and 400km south west of Tennant Creek, and was first established as a cattle station in the 1920s.

In 1973, the Department of Aboriginal Affairs bought the property and held it in trust for the community. The community took over the running of the station in 1974 under the name of the Willowra Cattle Company.

In 1978, they lodged a land claim under the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act 1976 and the land was handed back to its traditional owners in 1983.

Activities include swimming in the waterholes after rain, BBQ’s with the community, football and regular discos and movie nights for the children.

Education

Willowra has a primary school with a student population of approximately 50. It has three full time teachers and five indigenous teachers assistants. The school provides a bus service that picks up and drops students off at their door steps. Upon arrival at school the students shower and change into their school uniform and are provided breakfast. A hot lunch and fruit is also provided during the school day. High School students attend boarding school most commonly at Kormilda Collage, Darwin or Yarrara Collage, Alice Springs.

Health

The community health centre provides primary health care services to the residents of Willowra via a mix of Aboriginal health workers, registered nurses and through visits by a district medical officer.

Attractions

There are a number of cattle stations nearby and beautiful desert views and flora and fauna.