Binjari, Northern Territory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BinjariNorthern Territory |
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 Binjari
Location in Northern Territory
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| Population | 190 (2016) |
| Postcode(s) | 0852 |
| Location | 13 km (8 mi) SW of Katherine |
| LGA(s) | Katherine Town Council |
| Territory electorate(s) | Katherine |
| Federal Division(s) | Lingiari |
Binjari is a small community located in Australia's Northern Territory. It is about 13 kilometers (8 miles) southwest of the town of Katherine. In 2016, about 190 people lived there. The Binjari Community Government Council used to be a local government area in the Northern Territory.
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Binjari and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Binjari became well-known in 2021 because of a COVID-19 outbreak. On November 20, nine people in the community tested positive for the virus.
Protecting the Community
Because the Indigenous people in Binjari were especially vulnerable to the virus, the Northern Territory Government took strong action. They put the community into a strict lockdown. This meant people had to stay home to stop the virus from spreading.
The government asked the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for help. The ADF assisted with moving people who were sick or had been in close contact with the virus to a safe place for quarantine. They also helped deliver food and supplies to the community.
Life During Lockdown
During the lockdown, residents could only leave their homes for medical emergencies or if the law required it. Police and Defence Force members set up checkpoints on the roads. This helped make sure everyone stayed safe and followed the rules.
Dealing with Misinformation
During this time, some untrue stories spread online, especially on social media. These stories claimed that the Army was forcing Aboriginal people to leave their homes or get vaccinated. However, these claims were false.
These false stories made it harder for health workers to do their job. It also made it difficult to deliver important supplies.
Support for the Measures
Despite the false rumors, many important Indigenous groups supported the government's actions. Groups like the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance and the Northern Land Council believed these steps were needed to protect the community. The Defence Force also clarified that their main role was to help with food, supplies, and transport for medical appointments.
End of Lockdown
Sadly, on December 3, an elder from Binjari became the first person in the Northern Territory to pass away from COVID-19.
The lockdown in Binjari ended on December 8. It was reported that nearly 200 people from the community were taken to the Howard Springs quarantine facility, which is about 300 kilometers (186 miles) away. This helped to control the outbreak and keep the community safe.
