NPY Women's Council facts for kids

The Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara Women's Council, also known as the NPY Women's Council or NPYWC, is a special organization created by and for Aboriginal women. It was started in 1980 to support women and their families living in the central desert region of Australia. Its main office is in Alice Springs.

The NPY Women's Council helps bring together women from the Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara, and Yankunytjatjara communities. These groups share strong family and cultural connections. The council provides many services, including help for families, community projects, and speaking up for the needs of their people.

Who the Council Helps

The NPY Women's Council works across a large area that covers parts of three different Australian states and territories. This area is home to the Anangu (a word for Aboriginal people from this region) communities.

Where They Work

The council's work reaches communities in:

• The Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in South Australia.
• The Ngaanyatjarra Lands in Western Australia. This includes lands that are leased and lands officially recognized as belonging to the Aboriginal people under native title.
• The Northern Territory communities of Imanpa, Mutitjulu, Kaltukatjara, and Aputula.

The Council has also worked with the government on important programs to improve safety and well-being in their communities.

Amazing Achievements and Awards

The NPY Women's Council has been celebrated many times for its incredible work. Here are some of the special awards they have received.

• 2012 Indigenous Governance Award: This top prize from Reconciliation Australia recognized the council as a leading and well-run Aboriginal organization.
• Deadly Awards: These awards celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievements in music, sport, entertainment, and community service.
  • In 2012, the Tjanpi Desert Weavers, a project of the NPYWC, won an award for their work in keeping culture strong. These artists also won a famous art award in 2005.
  • In 2011, the council's Child Nutrition Program won for creating a health campaign that helps families raise healthy children.
• 2011 International Sigmund Freud Prize: This award from the city of Vienna, Austria, was given to the council's Ngangkari Program. Ngangkari are the traditional healers of the Anangu people. This program has also won other awards for its work in mental health.
• 2005 Women in Community Policing Award: This award recognized the council's work in helping to keep their communities safe.
• 2000 Human Rights Award: The council was honored for its amazing work in the community sector.