Wurrumiyanga facts for kids
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Timor Sea |
| Coordinates | 11°45′32.76″S 130°38′4.92″E / 11.7591000°S 130.6347000°E |
| Archipelago | Tiwi Islands |
| Administration | |
|
Australia
|
|
| Territory | Northern Territory |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 1563 (2016) |
| Ethnic groups | Tiwi |
Wurrumiyanga is a community located on the southern coast of Bathurst Island in the Northern Territory, Australia. It was once known as Nguiu.
This town is part of the Tiwi Islands, which are located in the Timor Sea. In 2016, about 1,563 people lived in Wurrumiyanga. Most of the people living here are from the Tiwi ethnic group.
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History of Wurrumiyanga
Wurrumiyanga has an interesting past. It was first set up in 1911 as a Catholic mission. This mission was started by a person named Francis Xavier Gsell.
Changing Names
For many years, the community was called Nguiu. But in 2010, its name was officially changed to Wurrumiyanga. This new name has a special meaning in the local language. It means "the place where the cycads grow." This name was chosen by the Tiwi Land Council, which helps manage the land for the Tiwi people.
First Post Office
The first post office on Bathurst Island opened in Nguiu (now Wurrumiyanga) on June 3, 1974. This was an important step for the community. It helped people send and receive mail more easily.
Education in Wurrumiyanga
Wurrumiyanga has two Catholic schools that help educate the children and young people in the community.
- Murrupurtiyanuwu Catholic Primary School is for younger students.
- Xavier Catholic College is for older students, from Year 7 to Year 13.
Tiwi Culture and Art
Wurrumiyanga is a very important place for preserving and sharing Tiwi culture.
Tiwi Designs
The town is home to Tiwi Designs. This is an art organization that involves about 100 local Indigenous artists. They create many different types of art, including:
- Fabric designs
- Wood carvings
- Ceramics (like pottery)
- Prints
- Paintings
The main goal of Tiwi Designs is to promote, protect, and make Tiwi culture even stronger through art.
Sports in Wurrumiyanga
Sports are a big part of life in Wurrumiyanga. The community is especially passionate about Australian rules football. The town has a special ground where games are played. It is also a key location for matches in the Tiwi Islands Football League. This league is very popular and brings the community together.
