Gapuwiyak

The community is nestled on the edge of Lake Evella in North East Arnhem Land, and 420km West of Nhulunbuy.

Gapuwiyak has a population of 900 people today, and was established in the late 1960s by the Methodist missionaries to supply timber for missions in the region.

In the 1970s the mission ended and Gapuwiyak became Aboriginal land under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. In 2008, Gapuwiyak become part of the East Arnhem Shire and the Council took responsibility for local government for the community.

Fast Facts

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders represent 92% of Gapuwiyak’s population. The median age is 25 years, and 76% of the population speak Djambarrpuyŋu (a dialect of Yolŋu Matha), while Dhayi (Dhalwaŋu), Kriol, Dhuwal (Djapu) and Dhuwala (Gumatj) are also prevalent. (2016 Census)

Health Services

Miwatj Health provides comprehensive primary health care services in Gapuwiyak. 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. We also provide fly in/fly out services to the surrounding Homelands of Donydji, Bäḻma, Raymaŋgirr and Badge .

There is a Raypirri Rom Program run by the community.

Community Services

Gapuwiyak has a coeducational combined school, serving years P-12. There is also Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts Centre, Gurrambalk Accommodation and Business Village, ALPA store, Post Office and workshop.

East Arnhem Regional Council delivers a range of family well-being, childcare and nutrition programs for the Gapuwiyak community.

The region is serviced by Fly Tiwi and MAF.

Gapuwiyak Clinic

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Lot 96 1Babawuynagumi St, Gapuwiyak NT 0880

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08 8987 9150

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08 8987 9121

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Operating Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 8am – 4:30pm
Wednesday: 8am – 12pm