New healing centre for Tiwi Islands
A new healing centre will be built on the Tiwi Islands, with the Federal Government investing $3.1 million from the Aboriginals Benefit Account.
An initiative of the Djurrupuwu family group, the Djurrupuwu Healing Centre will provide culturally grounded health and wellbeing services, designed and led by the Tiwi community.
“This Tiwi-led approach to healing on Country is powerful and deeply important,” Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said.
“It allows people to stay connected with their families, culture and Country while receiving support in a way that respects Tiwi knowledge and values.
“The centre will help strengthen wellbeing and identity, while also creating opportunities for local jobs and passing cultural knowledge to future generations.”
The Tiwi-led approach to healing on Country is powerful and deeply important, Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said.
The Yimpinari Aboriginal Corporation will manage the development of the centre on the Jessie River, located on the north coast of Melville Island.
The centre will be a safe and culturally grounded space for Tiwi people to heal from a range of health concerns including alcohol and other drug use, mental health challenges, trauma and physical illness.
It will offer a unique blend of Tiwi healing practices and western therapeutic approaches.
Long held dream
The Djurrupuwu Healing Centre will be operated as a Tiwi-led, culturally informed facility, reinforcing the community’s commitment to self-determination and healing on-Country.
The centre will offer:
- Culturally informed healing and recovery programs
- Cultural enrichment programs to strengthen identity and connection to Country
- Support for healthier lifestyle choices free from alcohol and other drugs
- Structured transition support to reconnect with community in positive ways.
Domonic Grant-Walakurrimerri, Project Coordinator and Djurrupuwu Traditional Owner, said the centre had long been a dream of ours.
“This is a very proud moment for our Djurrupuwu family group, and for all Tiwi – taking control of our future, our way.”
The project is expected to create local jobs and training opportunities for Tiwi people, with community members involved in both the construction and operation of the centre.
The facility is expected to open in 2027.
