Bickerton Island facts for kids
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Bickerton Island (Australia)
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Gulf of Carpentaria |
| Area | 215 km2 (83 sq mi) |
| Length | 21.5 km (13.36 mi) |
| Width | 20.9 km (12.99 mi) |
| Administration | |
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Australia
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| Territory | Northern Territory |
| Region | East Arnhem Region |
| Ward | Anindilyakwa Ward |
| Largest settlement | Milyakburra (pop. 176) |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 176 |
| Pop. density | 0.65 /km2 (1.68 /sq mi) |
| Ethnic groups | Anindilyakwa |
Bickerton Island is an island in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is located in the Gulf of Carpentaria. The island is about 13 kilometers (8 miles) west of Groote Eylandt. It is also 8 kilometers (5 miles) east of Blue Mud Bay.
Bickerton Island is roughly 21 kilometers (13 miles) long and 21 kilometers (13 miles) wide. It covers an area of 215 square kilometers (83 square miles). The island has many deep bays, including South Bay and North Bay.
Contents
Island History
Bickerton Island was named by a famous explorer. This explorer was Matthew Flinders. He named the island after Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton. Flinders explored the area in the early 1800s.
Flinders' Observations
Matthew Flinders wrote about the island in his book, Voyage to Terra Australis. He called it "Bickerton's Island." Flinders noted that a large bay on the island's south side could offer shelter for ships. This would be useful during the strong north-west monsoon winds. He also thought the high, woody hills might mean fresh water was available.
The Milyakburra Community
The main Aboriginal community on Bickerton Island is called Milyakburra. It was started in 1975. This community began as a family outstation. An outstation is a small, remote Aboriginal community. It allows people to live on their traditional lands.
Population and Location
Milyakburra is on the eastern side of South Bay. It is also next to the Bickerton Island Airport. According to the 2011 census, 176 people lived on Bickerton Island. Most of these residents (88%) were Aboriginal people. All of them lived in Milyakburra.
Local Government
The Milyakburra Community Council was formed in 1983. It helped provide local services for the island. Since July 1, 2008, the East Arnhem Region has been in charge of local government for Bickerton Island. The island is part of the Anindiyakwa Ward within this region.
Land Ownership
Bickerton Island is privately owned Aboriginal land. This means it belongs to the Aboriginal people. The landowners are represented by the Anindiyakwa Land Council. This council is located in Angurugu on Groote Eylandt.
Travel to the Island
Bickerton Island has its own airport. The airport code is BCZ. This allows people to fly to and from the island.
