Alice Springs town camps facts for kids
Alice Springs town camps, also known as Alice Springs Community Living Areas, are special Aboriginal communities located within Alice Springs in the Northern Territory of Australia. These communities started in different ways. Many were first set up for Aboriginal people visiting Alice Springs from far-off places. Over time, these places became permanent homes for many families, often for many generations.
How the Town Camps Started
The Alice Springs town camps began way back in the 1880s. This was when Europeans first arrived in Central Australia. They followed explorers like John McDouall Stuart. Soon after, people who raised livestock (called pastoralists) came. In 1872, a telegraph line was built, and the Alice Springs Telegraph Station was set up.
Because of these changes, Aboriginal people were forced to leave their traditional lands. Their camps, then called "fringe camps," became places where they could get food rations. They also became places where people could find work.
By the 1900s, some people wanted to remove these camps. There were attempts to move Aboriginal people to missions, like the Sacred Heart Mission near Arltunga. This happened in 1929 and again in 1960. Also, from 1929 to 1960, Aboriginal people were not allowed to enter the town of Alice Springs.
Things started to change in the 1970s. People living in the town camps began to ask for land, proper homes, and services. In 1977, they created their own group to manage the camps, called the Tangentyere Council. The word "Tangentyere" comes from the Arrernte language. It means "all speaking together."
As of 2019[update], about 1600 to 2000 people lived in the town camps all the time. Many more visitors come from remote communities. The number of people in the camps can almost double during big events in Alice Springs. These events include football games or the Alice Springs Show.
Each town camp is a unique Aboriginal community. They are often based on shared languages and family connections.
What Are the Town Camps Like Today?
There are many town camps in Alice Springs. Each one has its own name and history. Here is a list of some of the main town camps:
| Town camp Name | Alternative Name | Pronunciation | Meaning | Language | Tenure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mpwetyerre | Abbotts, BP | UM-BUTCHER-RAH | Place name | Arrernte, Warlpiri, Luritja, Pitjantjatjara | Special purpose lease |
| Basso's Farm | Place name | Arrernte, Kaytetye, Anmatyerre, Alywarre | Special purpose lease | ||
| Anthelk Ewlpaye | Charles Creek, Kunoth | UN-DERLK OOL-PIE | Gum leaf | Arrernte, Anmatyerre | Special purpose lease |
| Ilperle Tyathe | Warlpiri | ILP-ERL-A-CHATA | Ta Away/Ti Tree | Warlpiri | Special purpose lease |
| Karnte | KARNTA | Women's head dress | Luritja, Pitjantatjara | Crown lease | |
| Hoppy's | Warlpiri | Special purpose lease | |||
| Akngwertnarre | Morris Soak | UK-NOORT-NARA | Place Name | Arrernte, Warlpiri | Special purpose lease |
| Anthepe | Drive In | UN-DUPPA | Dreamtime dance, women's dancing | Arrernte, Warlipiri, Luritja, Pitjantatjara | Special purpose lease |
| Aper-Alwerrknge | Palmer's | UPPER AL-OORK-NA | Sinewy gum | Arrernte | Special purpose lease |
| Ewyenper Atwatya | Hidden Valley | OO-YEN-PER-A TWAH-JA | Spearbush gap | Arrernte, Warlpiri | Special purpose lease |
| Ilperenye | Old Timers | ILL-PA-RINYA | Green beetle | Arrernte, Warlpiri, Luritja, Pitjantatjara | Special purpose lease |
| Inarlenge | Little Sisters | INN-ARLUNG-AH | Porcupine, Echidna | Arrernte, Warlpiri, Luritja, Pitjantatjara | Crown lease |
| Mount Nancy | Place name | Arrernte, Kaytetye, Amatyerre, Alywarre | Special purpose lease | ||
| Yarrenyty-Arltere | Larapinta | YARR-WRENCH ARL-DER-AH | White devil dog | Arrernte, Pertame, Luritja | Special purpose lease |
| Nyewente | Trucking Yards | NEW-OONDA | Place name | Arrernte, Luritja | Special purpose lease |
| Ilparpa | IL-PAR-PA | Yam, Bush tucker | Arrernte, Pertame, Luritja | Special purpose lease | |
| Ilpiye Ilpiye | Golder's | ILP-EE ILP-EE | Needlewood bush, Women's head dress | Arrernte, Kaytetye | Special purpose lease |
| Lhenpe Artnwe | Anmatyerre | LUN-PA ART-NWE | Emu feathers, decoration in arm pit | Arrernte, Warlpiri, Anmatyerre | Special purpose lease |
| Anhelke | Namatjira's/Driffen's | UN-EARL-KA | Full of corkwood honey | Arrernte | Unofficial town camp |
| Irrkerlantye | White Gate | EAR-KER-LUNGE | Kitehawk | Arrernte | Unofficial town camp |
Notable People from Town Camps
Many important people have lived in or are connected to the Alice Springs town camps. They have made big contributions in different areas.
- Shirleen Campbell: She is an activist who works to stop family violence.
- Sally M. Nangala Mulda: She is a talented artist who lives at Mpwetyerre (Abbotts) camp.
- Albert Namatjira: A very famous artist who once lived at Akngwertnarre (Morris Soak) camp.
- Geoff Shaw: An important Aboriginal leader who lives at Mount Nancy camp.
