DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Current as of 30.11.11
Yirrkala
School and Community Profile
The Community
Yirrkala is located 700 km east of Darwin and 20 km from
Nhulunbuy, which is a large mining town that provides most
of the amenities that people require. There are a number of
interesting recreational areas in the region that require a
permit for entry.
The main language is Yolngu Matha, used by most residents
as a first language. The traditional owners of the land where
the community is located are the Rirritjingu and the Gumatj
clans. There are 16 clans that comprise the Yolngu cultural
block of the Laynhapuy region in which Yirrkala is located.
Region
Arnhem
Location
1050 km east of Darwin by road
Community Population
Approximately 1500 people
The School
Full-time teachers:
15
Full-time assistant teachers:
5
Enrolments:
208
Average student attendance:
43%
School years:
Preschool to senior years
Indigenous students:
100%
Yirrkala School provides education from preschool to senior
years. The school focuses on the priorities of attendance,
student achievement in numeracy, literacy and pathways to
employment and participation. Yirrkala is a bilingual school
and delivers programs in both English as a Second
Language and Yolngu Matha. Enrolment and attendance at
Yirrkala School is variable, with highest attendance during
the wet season and lower during the dry season when people
are most mobile. A number of students live in Gunyangara
(Ski Beach) and Birritjimi (Wallaby Beach) and use a bus
service to attend school. Yirrkala has a signed Remote
Learning Partnership Agreement in place and has also been
identified as a site under the National Partnership Agreement
on Remote Service Delivery, as well as a Territory Growth
Town under the NT Government's A Working Future
initiative.
Climate
The area has two distinct seasons, wet
and dry. During the wet season,
temperatures range between 30 °C and
40 °C and the humidity is high. During the
dry, the temperatures range between
21 °C and 30 °C with low humidity.
Getting In and Out
The community is accessible by road
during the dry. The road from Darwin can
be cut off during the wet season. The
sealed road from Nhulunbuy to Yirrkala is
open all year. There is an all-weather
airstrip located approximately 10 km from
the school. The daily flight takes
approximately an hour from Darwin.
Essential Services and Facilities
Health Clinic
East Arnhem Shire Depot
Recreation Facilities in Yirrkala
Arts and Craft Centre Beaches
Basketball Court
Football Ground
One radio and four television stations
Recreation Facilities in Nhulunbuy
Swimming pool
Sporting Clubs
Fishing
Golf Course
BBQs
Camping-Land permits must be
purchased to visit some areas.
Contact Dhimurru on 8939 2700
Housing
Remote Incentives and
Support
Teachers at Yirrkala School
may be eligible for a number of
remote incentives including:

remote incentives salary
allowance

remote retention
payment every
12 months continuous
service

100% subsidised rental
of Government
Employee Housing

subsidised household
contents insurance

fares out of isolated
locations and an
accommodation
allowance

accrual of points towards
special study leave every
12 months continuous
service

additional leave to attend
to business.
For more information refer to the
Conditions of Employment for
Teachers and Educators in NT
Government Schools
Furnished one, two or three bedroom
accommodation is provided to teachers
and their families to lease at no cost.
Staff will be accommodated in Yirrkala if
accommodation is available, however
there is limited housing available in the
community and you may be required to
live in share houses with other teachers or be accommodated in
Nhulunbuy.
The NT Government’s Territory Housing is the tenancy manager who
coordinates repairs and maintenance. The Department of Education
and Training provides funding to the school to furnish the houses.
Most houses are equipped with a lounge suite, coffee table, book case,
computer desk, oven and stove, microwave, fridge, dining room table
and chairs, a queen bed in the master bedroom and a single bed in the
other rooms, with a chest of drawers and
curtains.
Shopping and Supplies
The Yirrkala shop (IGA) sells a selection
of everyday items and hot takeaway
food stocks. There are many things you
cannot buy in the community and most
teachers do their grocery shopping in
Nhulunbuy.
Facilities and Services
Health Clinic
The Yirrkala Health Clinic is located near the church and provides
primary health care services to the residents. All health emergencies
are handled by the Gove District Hospital in Nhulunbuy which has a
complete range of services. The St John Ambulance Service based in
Nhulunbuy also services Yirrkala.
Police
Police are stationed in Nhulunbuy which is twenty kilometres from
Yirrkala. The police station is manned 24 hours a day.
In accordance with the NT Liquor Act, Yirrkala is a General Restricted
Liquor Area and a Liquor Permit must be obtained from the Department
of Justice to purchase take away alcohol.
Shire Office
The East Arnhem Shire Office is located near the Laynhapuy
Homelands Association. The Council provides housing, essential
services, Centrelink and youth services to local residents.
Service Station
The service station is located in Nhulunbuy opposite the fire station
where diesel, unleaded and opal fuel can be purchased.
For More Information
For more information on Yirrkala school and community visit
www.bushtel.nt.gov.au or www.teaching.nt.gov.au/remote.