Central Australia Region

Community Profile Kings Canyon

1st edition March 2010

Funded by the Australian Government

This Community Profile provides you with information specific to the Region of the .

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: www.bushtel.nt.gov.au/northern_territory/region3/shire_id13/community_display?comm_num=162 www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks/find/watarrka.html www.kingscanyonresort.com.au/default-en.html

RAHC would also like to acknowledge and express gratitude to the Aboriginal people of the Pitjantjatjara 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: [email protected] or call 1300 MYRAHC.

Cover Photo: Watarrka (Kings Canyon) National Park, NT (AAP Images)

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, 2009 2

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

Pitjantjatjara Area Profile

This map of the Central Australia – Pitjantjatjara Area has been taken from the map of the Northern Territory, adapted from the OATSIH Program Manage- ment & Implementation Section (2008) Map of the Northern Territory.

Kings Canyon 

Uluru 

*The population figures refer to the number of Aboriginal Major Communities peoples living in the community, and are estimates only. Name Population Resource Centre Yulara (Uluru) 1800 Yulara Town Council

Family Outstations around Kings Canyon Name Resource Centre It should be noted that in many Aboriginal communities, Pertarratenge Ngurratjuta/Pmara Aboriginal population figures can fluctuate dramatically, due to a Corporation number of factors including seasonal changes (wet and dry seasons), and ceremonial activity. Pantyinteme

Communities can also known by several names – this may Arkanta include the European name given to it after colonisation, Ukaka and several Aboriginal names. Wanmarra Lilla Ulpanyali

Languages in the Region

The below languages are present in the Pitjantjatjara 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 Kutkatja Warlpiri Mudbarra Warnmanpa Central Arrernte Warrumungu Eastern Arrernte Western Arrernte Jingili Pintubi Yankunytjatjara Kaititj Pitjantjatjara Wuriaki Ngaatjatjarra Southern Arrernte Pertame Wambaya

Aboriginal Interpreter Service www.dlghs.nt.gov.au/ais NT Dept of Local Govt & Housing Central booking service 08 8999 8353

The AIS Provides 24 hours 7 days a week central booking service.

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Kings Canyon

History Kings Canyon is part of the in the Northern Territory. Watar- rka National Park is located 300 or 450 kilometres depending on the route) south west of . Watarrka encompasses the western end of the George Gill Range and is home to a variety of unique native flora and fauna, including over 600 different plant species. The area has also been home to the Luritja Aboriginal people for the last 20,000 years. The dialect of Luritja spoken in this region is referred to as Southern Luritja. While it is quite similar to Luritja, it shows notable differ- ences as it had been derived mostly from Pitjantjatjara as well as being influenced by Antakarinya and the more southern varieties of Arrernte. The permanent population in the Kings Canyon area is approximately 400.

Access & Flight Restrictions Kings Canyon can be accessed via the Stuart and Lasseter Highways and (450 km).It can also be reached: via Larapinta Drive, through the West MacDonnell National Park, linking into the new gravel Mereenie Loop Road (4WD recommended); or via Ernest Giles Road (4WD essential) and Luritja Road. Careful driving tech- niques should be applied at all times to accommodate changing road conditions.

Health Centre The Health Centre at Kings Canyon has 2 RNs and caters for up to 200 indigenous people living in 6 ustations and 150 – 200 non-indigenous residents. In addition to the residents there are up to 300,000 visitors to the park each year.

Kings Canyon Health Centre Ph: (08) 8956 7807

Accommodation, Food and Activities

Accommodation for health professionals working in the Health Centre is in a 2 bedroom house. Fresh food is very limited at the shop at the Mobil Service Station in Kings Canyon so take as much food as you can from Alice Springs and resupplies can be ordered through Coles in Alice Springs. Note that the freight has to be paid up front for this.

Accommodation for visitors can be found at:

Kings Canyon Resort Frontier Kings Canyon Resort & Kings Creek Station Camping Luritja Road Caravan Park Ground Wartarrka National Park Ernest Giles Rd Ernest Giles Rd Phone: +61 08 8956 7442 Kings Canyon NT 0872 Kings Canyon NT 0872 Telephone: (08) 8956 7442 Telephone: (08) 8956 7474

Keeping the Peace Kings Canyon is part of the Ntaria Police District which is primarily either Aboriginal owned or National Park land with the Police Station at the community of Hermannsberg. The Station is one of the busiest remote Police Stations in Central Australia.

Although Ntaria is an Alcohol Restricted Zones under the Liquor Act, alcohol related incidents do occur. Police also deal with substance abuse in the community. Members also attend to the general duties of motor vehicle registration, medical emergencies, firearms licensing and regular patrols.

Regular patrols are conducted to Areyonga and Kings Canyon via the Mereenie Loop Road.

Hermannsburg Police Station - Phone: (08) 8956 7422

Left: Health professional’s accommodation 5

What to Do Watarrka (Kings Canyon) National Park - Parks & Wildlife Service of the NT Ph: (08) 8951 8211

Watarrka National Park, synonymous with Kings Canyon, contains the western end of the George Gill Range. This scenic landscape of rugged ranges, rockholes and moist gorges acts as a refuge for many plants and animals. This makes the Park an important conservation area and a major visitor attraction in Central Australia. When to visit The Park is accessible all year round. The cooler months (April to September) are the most pleasant. Overnight camping in tents or campervans is not permitted in the National Park.

Kings Creek Station Ph: (08) 8956 7474. The station lies 36 kilometres from the magnificent Kings Canyon (Watarrka) and is set amongst majestic desert oaks. Walking Before undertaking any of the following walks, consider your per- sonal health, fitness and available time. Check the temperature gauge at the start of the Canyon walks. The Kings Creek Walk (2.6 kms, one hour return). The gentle slope of the track meanders up Kings Creek to a lookout point. This walk is suitable for families. Wheelchairs can access the first 700 metres.

The Kings Canyon Rim Walk (6 kms loop, 3-4 hours). After an initial steep climb the walk offers spectacular views from the Can- yon rim. Along the way are the weathered, buttressed domes of the ‘Lost City’ and the ‘Garden of Eden’, a sheltered valley with permanent waterholes and lush vegetation. This walk is suitable for fit and experienced walkers. For safety reasons, the track must be walked in a clockwise direction. This minimises traffic conges- tion, track erosion and vegetation degradation. Emergencies Emergency Call Devices are located on the Kings Canyon Walk and at the canyon car park. Please use them to contact the rangers in an emergency only. Two first aid boxes are located at the top of the canyon. Refer to the map on the ‘Be prepared for walking’ sign in the shelter at the canyon carpark. Safety and Comfort • Observe park safety signs. • Carry and drink plenty of water. • Wear a shady hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, suitable clothing and footwear. • Avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day. Please Remember • Keep to designated roads and tracks. • All historic, cultural items and wildlife are protected. • Firewood collection is not permitted in the park. • Fires are not permitted in the park.  Pets are permitted on a leash in the Kings Canyon carpark only.  Please do not throw rocks over cliff edges, as there may be people below.

Walkers planning extended and overnight walks are strongly advised to register with the Walker Registration Scheme (Phone: 1300 650 730). For up to date information contact: www.nt.gov.au/ipe/pwcnt/ or contact Central Australian Tourism (08) 8952 5800

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Getting Advice The following organisations and contact numbers may be useful in locating sources of advice about Kings Canyon. Care has been taken to ensure these details are correct, however unfortunately some may change or be unattended.

Ngurratjuta-Pmara-Ntjarra Aboriginal Corporation 29 Wilkinson St Alice Springs NT 0870 Ph: 08 8951 1930

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