Central Australia Region. Community Profile. Amoonguna. 1st edition October Funded by the Australian Government

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1 Central Australia Region Community Profile Amoonguna 1st edition October 2009 Funded by the Australian Government

2 This Community Profile provides you with information specific to the Alice Springs Region of the Northern Territory. The information has been compiled though a number of text and internet resources, and consultations with members of the local communities. The first version of this Community Profile was prepared for RAHC by The Echidna Group and we acknowledge and thank Dr Terri Farrelly and Ms Bronwyn Lumby for their contribution. Other sources include: RAHC would also like to acknowledge and express gratitude to the Aboriginal people of the Alice Springs Region who have so generously shared aspects of their culture and communities for use in this Profile. *Please note: The information provided in this community profile is correct, to the best of RAHC s knowledge, at the time of printing. This community profile will be regularly updated as new information comes to hand. If you have any further information about this community that would be useful to add to this profile please contact RAHC via: enquiries@rahc.com.au or call 1300 MYRAHC. Photographs used in this Community Profile are copyright of the Remote Area Health Corps. Permission was sought from all individuals or guardians of individuals, before photography commenced. Copyright Remote Area Health Corps,

3 The Northern Territory This map of the Northern Territory, divided into regions, has been adapted from the Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (OATSIH) Program Management & Implementation Section (2008) Map of the Northern Territory. The depicted areas are for the purpose of the Remote Area Health Corps Community Profiles alone, and do not represent any Aboriginal language group, land or cultural group boundaries. 3

4 Alice Springs Area Profile Amoonguna This map of the Central Australia Alice Springs Area, noting the Alice Springs Urban Area in red, has been taken from the map of the Northern Territory, adapted from the OATSIH Program Management & Implementation Section (2008) *The population figures refer to the number of Aboriginal peoples living in the community, and are estimates only. It should be noted that in many Aboriginal communities, population figures can fluctuate dramatically, due to a number of factors including seasonal changes (wet and dry seasons), and ceremonial activity. Major Communities Name Population Resource Centre Alice Springs Approx Alice Springs Town Council Amoonguna 280 MacDonnell Shire Council Communities can also known by several names this may include the European name given to it after colonisation, and several Aboriginal names. Languages in the Region The below languages are present in the Alice Springs Rural region. However it should be noted that as a result of colonisation, the growth of towns, and the transient nature of some Aboriginal peoples, there may be many different Aboriginal languages evident in a given area. Alyawarre Anmatyerre Central Arrernte Eastern Arrernte Jingili Kaititj Ngaatjatjarra Pertame Kutkatja Mudbarra Luritja Ngaanyatjarra Pintubi Pitjantjatjara Southern Arrernte Wambaya Warlpiri Warnmanpa Warrumungu Western Arrernte Yankunytjatjara Wuriaki Aboriginal Interpreter Service NT Dept of Local Govt & Housing Central booking service The AIS Provides 24 hours 7 days a week central booking service. 4

5 Amoonguna Amoonguna is 15km south of Alice Springs with a population of around 350 people. History Amoonguna was established in 1963 as a Government reserve, to provide accommodation for Aboriginal people in close proximity to the town (Alice Springs). Many people were shifted there, including some Warlpiri and Luritja people, who had originally come to Alice Springs to work for the Army during World War 2 and then intermarried with local families. Most people living there now are Eastern Arrente or married into Eastern Arrente families. Many of the first residents there lived at the Old Telegraph Station. Major Language Group: Arrente (pronounced Arenda) and Warlpiri, with some Pitjinjatjarra people. English is a second or third language at Amoonguna. Access Access is via the Ross Highway, which turns east from the Stuart Highway just south of Heavitree Gap. After a short drive through the Farm Area you will pass Amoonguna Aboriginal Settlement on your right. 5

6 The Clinic New purpose built clinic recently opened in August 2007 with modern facilities and seven consultation rooms. The following programs operate from the clinic: Women s Health Men s Health & Men s Health screening day Aged Care programs Sexual Health The Health Centre currently employs a Health Centre Manager, two nurses, two trainee Aboriginal Health Workers and several other support staff. The Amoonguna Health Centre Board (consisting of elected community members) is a strong voice for the community. The Amoonguna Health Service (along with a number of other remote Aboriginal Health Services) is currently being managed by Central Australian Aboriginal Congress (CAAC) in the transition to community control. CAAC is the Aboriginal Health Service for Aboriginal people in Alice Springs and is the largest and oldest Aboriginal community controlled health service in the Northern Territory. Accommodation & Communications Accommodation is provided in a two bedroom townhouse in Alice Springs. You may have to share this with another Health Professional. Transport will be provided to & from Amoonguna on work days. Mobile phone reception is generally good within about 20 kilometres of Alice Springs. Telstra 3G network is best. NB There is no provision for after hours or weekend transport. 6

7 Getting Advice The following organisations and contact numbers may be useful in locating sources of advice about Amoonguna. Care has been taken to ensure these details are correct, however unfortunately some may change or be unattended. Amoonguna Community Council 43 Ross River Hwy Alice Springs NT 0870 Ph: Amoonguna Health PO Box 996 Alice Springs NT 0871 Ph: Central Australian Aboriginal Congress 25 Gap Rd Alice Springs NT 0870 Ph: (Clinic) Ph: (Admin) Services include Congress Alukura Women s Health & Birthing, Congress Social & Emotional Health. Staff include Medical Officers, Aboriginal Health Workers, Counsellors Central Australian Aboriginal Alcohol Program Unit 290 Rangonesi Rd Alice Springs NT 0870 Ph: Main alcohol rehabilitation provider in Central Australia. Services include treatment program, outreach, women s day care program, awareness and education, men s day care program. 7

8 rahc.com.au