Woolworths chief invited to visit at-risk remote supermarket

The Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation has raised urgent concerns over Woolworths’ proposed departure from Nhulunbuy, warning of risks to food access in East Arnhem Land and inviting senior company leaders to visit the town for talks.

The corporation said the proposal comes as Nhulunbuy, home to more than 3,000 people including 13 Yolŋu Aboriginal clans, faces wider economic uncertainty from Rio Tinto’s decision to wind down operations at its bauxite mine, the region’s largest employer.

The town’s only major supermarket depends on barge deliveries that can take several days, leaving supply chains exposed.

Key Points

The Corporation said it was “deeply disappointed and concerned,” noting the timing followed a visit to Canberra by chair Wanyubi Marika to “shore up confidence in the region.”

Mr Marika cautioned that the isolation of East Arnhem Land makes the community particularly vulnerable and warned of serious consequences if existing food providers are disrupted. He also pointed to Woolworths’ long presence in the town since 1972 and the absence of another like-for-like operator.

Consultation and community engagement

The Corporation said Woolworths had previously assured the community it would listen and work with Traditional Owners.

Mr Marika said the announcement had proceeded without meaningful consultation with the corporation or other regional stakeholders, contradicting expectations set during earlier discussions. The corporation stated it would not “abandon” affected communities and would instead harness the region’s resilience to lead development of a workable solution.

Speaking to ABC Radio, Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Malarndirri McCarthy, said an interdepartmental committee had been established to coordinate a response. She said she had also spoken with Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, who has visited the region, noting both governments are aware of community concerns and the potential impacts for Nhulunbuy.

“I don’t think you should ever say never.”

— Malarndirri McCarthy

Senator McCarthy said there are reasons for the company to remain and that food security is critical for all communities, particularly in Nhulunbuy. She indicated a willingness to directly engage with Woolworths as part of efforts to find a path forward.

Woolworths’ position

A Woolworths spokesperson described the Nhulunbuy store as one of the company’s most remote and difficult to service locations. Built more than 50 years ago to support the mining community, its future is now uncertain as Rio Tinto prepares to exit the region.

The spokesperson said discussions are underway on a possible handover of the supermarket’s operations, with any transition potentially finalised by June 30 next year.

Woolworths said it ws consulting with Nhulunbuy team members, Traditional Owners and the wider community, and acknowledged the need to provide certainty to customers and staff as soon as possible.

Economic transition

Rio Tinto is expected to leave the region by 2030, with the lease over Nhulunbuy to be returned to Traditional Owners, signalling a major economic transition. Against that backdrop, Member for Mulka, Yiŋiya Guyula, said he was disappointed by the prospect of Woolworths leaving by mid-2027.

He argued the Northern Territory government had not done enough to retain major businesses or safeguard essential services.

Mr Guyula acknowledged the Woolworths workforce and families who have made a home in Nhulunbuy and now face uncertainty. He said it remains unclear what would follow if Woolworths departs, highlighting the reliance of Aboriginal homelands and surrounding communities on the supermarket.