Galiwin’ku

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The community is located on Elcho Island, at the Southern end of the Wessel Island group.

Situated off the coast of North East Arnhem Land. It is 150km North West of Nhulunbuy.

Galiwin’ku has a population of 2,206 (2016 Census) and is the largest Aboriginal community in North East Arnhem Land, established in 1947 by the Methodist church. During the 1950s a fishing industry, large market garden and a logging and sawmilling industry flourished. Today, most of the Indigenous people in Galiwin’ku hold on to traditional ways of hunting, living, art and law.

Fast Facts

Indigenous people represent 88% of Galiwin’ku’s population. The median age is 24 years, and 78% of the population speak Djambarrpuyŋu, which is the most widely used and understood language. Galpa, Golpa, Golumala, Gumatj, Liya’gawumirr, Wangurri, Warramiri and Gupauyngu dialects are also spoken. (2016 Census)

Health Services

Miwatj Health provides comprehensive primary health care services in Galiwin’ku. Our mental health program provides culturally safe mental health services/Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD)/Volatile Substance Abuse (VSA) Programs that address the needs of our Indigenous communities.

Miwatj also operates a well-being centre at Ŋalkaṉbuy which provides a range of public health, NDIS, social and emotional well-being programs. There are plans to offer Nurse-Assisted haemodialysis in Galiwin’ku in the future.

Outreach health services to the Homelands are provided by Marthakal Homelands Health Service.

Community Services

Shepherdson College is a bilingual school of 700 students with a comprehensive program from birth to year 12.  Galiwin’ku was one of the first communities to implement the Families as First Teachers in the Northern Territory in 2009.

Other community services include Child Care Services, ALPA, Aged and Disability Services, Elcho Island Arts, Sport and Recreation, Gumurr Marthakal Homelands, Marthakal Restaurant and Accommodation.

AirNorth fly daily to and from Darwin and MAF offer flights to other communities in Arnhem Land on weekdays.

Galiwin’ku Health Centre
Lot 600 Burmala Rd, Galiwin’ku NT 0822

08 8970 5800

08 8970 9292
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Operating Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 8am – 4:30pm
Wednesday: 8am – 12pm