Milikapiti, Northern Territory facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Milikapiti Melville Island, Northern Territory
Milikapiti Location in Northern Territory
Postcode(s)	0822
LGA(s)	Tiwi Islands Region
Territory electorate(s)	Arafura
Federal Division(s)	Lingiari

Milikapiti is a small village found on the northern coast of Melville Island. This island is part of Australia's Northern Territory. In 2011, about 447 people lived in Milikapiti.

The village is about 105 kilometers (65 miles) by air from Darwin. Small planes from Fly Tiwi airlines fly to and from Darwin twice a day. The flight takes around 25 minutes. The local Tiwi Islands Region Council manages the daily running of the Milikapiti community.

Exploring Milikapiti's Past

How Milikapiti Began

Milikapiti was first started in 1941. It was known back then as the Snake Bay government aboriginal settlement. It served as a place for Aboriginal people to live.

Milikapiti During World War II

In 1942, something very interesting happened here during World War II. Aboriginal people from Snake Bay captured Australia's first Japanese prisoner of war. This was Sergeant Hajime Toyoshima. His plane was damaged while bombing Darwin. He crash-landed on Melville Island.

During this time, a group called the Snake Bay Patrol was also formed. This patrol was made up of local Indigenous Australians. They helped protect the area during the war.

Life and Services in Milikapiti

Community Facilities and Support

Milikapiti has many services and places for its residents. These help make daily life easier and more fun.

Here are some of the main facilities:

• Store and Take Away: A place to buy food and other items.
• ATM facilities: For getting cash.
• Post Office facilities: For sending and receiving mail.
• School and Pre School: Places for children to learn.
• Recreation Hall: A large building for community events and activities.
• Basketball court: For playing basketball.
• Football oval: A field for playing football.
• Library: A place to read books and learn.
• Centrelink agency: Helps people with government services and payments.
• Women's Centre: A safe place for women to meet and get support.
• Health Centre: Provides medical care for the community.
• Club: A social place open a few evenings a week.
• Public Garage: For vehicle repairs and maintenance.
• St Monica's Catholic Church: A place for religious services.
• Museum: Where you can learn about the local history and culture.
• Jilamara Arts and Crafts: A center for local artists to create and sell their traditional art.