Nyirripi is about 440 km from Alice Springs in the Southern Tanami ward. It has a population of nearly 300 people.

A Journey from Outstation to Community

Its story begins in the late 1970s when several families decided to return to their traditional lands and way of life, away from the pressures of the growing population in Yuendumu. With resilience and hard work, they cleared a 150 km road so they could move back to their traditional country.

Over time, Nyirripi grew in size and significance. As more families joined the community, it eventually transitioned from an outstation to a fully-fledged community. This transformation involved securing government recognition and funding, as well as establishing essential services such as a school, health clinic, and community store.

Nyirripi has faced challenges such as remote location, limited resources, and the impacts of colonisation. However, through strong community leadership, cultural preservation, and government support, Nyirripi has overcome these obstacles and continues to thrive as a vibrant and self-sufficient community. Today, Nyirripi is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Warlpiri people and their deep connection to their land.

Getting there

Nyirripi can be accessed by two main routes.

• Head north on the Stuart Highway and turn left onto the Tanami Highway to Yuendumu. From there, Nyirripi is approximately 150 km west-southwest along an unsealed road.
• Head north on the Stuart Highway and turn left onto the Tanami Highway until 23 km past Tilmouth Well roadhouse. Turn left on the unsealed Mt Wedge road and continue west to Nyirripi.

For Centre Bush Bus times see Bus Timetables

Services

Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) provides the following services:

• CDRC office
• Municipal services
• Waste management
• Airstrip maintenance
• Centrelink
• Housing maintenance
• Tenancy management
• Children's Services/Childcare
• Aged Care
• Youth Sport and Recreation program
• Community Safety Patrol

Other Services

• School
• Remote Health Clinic
• Community store with fuel available

Visiting

The Northern Territory Government has put together resources to help your visit to community be successful. Please have a look at the  Remote Engagement and Coordination Strategy and Toolkit  available from  bushready.nt.gov.au  and the Nyirripi profile on  bushtel.nt.gov.au

You can also visit our Visiting Communities page.

Accommodation

Community Plan

You can view the community's plan at Nyirripi Community Plan.

Council Presence in Nyirripi

No. Staff: 22 people (95% Indigenous)

Local Authority: To view LA membership in the CDRC region go to Local Authorities.

Ward: Southern Tanami

Ward Councillors: Cr April Martin, Cr Jacob Spencer, Cr Freddy Williams, Cr Warren Williams.

Contact

Phone 08 8958 9570
Fax 08 8956 8739
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.