Punmu Community facts for kids
Quick facts for kids PunmuWestern Australia |
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Punmu, Parnngurr and Karlamilyi National Park
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| Population | 142 (2016 census) |
| Established | 1985 |
| Postcode(s) | 6753 |
| Location | 640 km (398 mi) south east of Port Hedland, Western Australia |
| LGA(s) | Shire of East Pilbara |
| State electorate(s) | Pilbara |
| Federal Division(s) | Durack |
Punmu is a special Aboriginal community located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It is about 640 km (around 400 miles) south-east of a town called Port Hedland. Punmu is part of the Shire of East Pilbara.
The community was established in 1985. In 2016, about 142 people lived there. It's a place where the Martu people live and keep their culture strong.
Language of Punmu
The main language spoken by the Indigenous people in Punmu is Martu, specifically Manyjiljarra. This language is pronounced "Mun-dul-jar-ah." It's the first language for everyone in the community.
Children learn to read and write Manyjiljarra at the Rawa Community School. Many people also learn English to talk with others outside the community. However, Martu is usually spoken among the Martu people themselves.
Native Title Rights
The Punmu community is located within an area where the Martu people have special rights called native title. This means they have a legal connection to their traditional lands.
In 2002, the Martu people were officially given native title rights. This covered a huge area of more than 13.6 million hectares (about 33.6 million acres) in the Western Desert. This land stretches from the Percival Lakes in the north to south of Lake Disappointment. It also goes from near Jigalong and Balfour Downs east to the Kiwirrkurra and Ngaanyatjarra areas.
These native title rights recognize the Martu people's long history and connection to their ancestral lands.
Education in Punmu
Children in Punmu go to the Rawa Community School. This school helps them learn and grow.
The school has a team of people who work together. This includes a school board, a trainee principal, and a principal mentor. There are also non-Indigenous teachers and Aboriginal Education Workers. Specialist teachers help with certain subjects. All these staff members work to manage the school and teach its 74 students.
How Punmu is Managed
The Punmu community is managed by its own organization called the Punmu Aboriginal Corporation. This group was officially set up on December 14, 1983.
This corporation helps the community make decisions and manage its affairs. It ensures that the community runs smoothly and meets the needs of its residents.
