areyonga - rahc · 2017-08-24 · 6 | remote area health corps i community profile: areyonga,...

AreyongaCentral Region

Climate (Central)

Areyonga

Community ProfilePronunciation: Ar-ree-on-ga.

Alternate names: Utju

Location: 230km south west of Alice Springs

NT region: Central West

Population: 240 seasonal

Access: Via Alice Springs

Language groups: Pitjantjatarra

Season Description Temp. Range

Winter (June to August) Cooler and dry -3°C to 20°C

The temperature can drop below 0°C overnight in winter. Please ensure you are equipped for these extremes.

Fine weather with minimal rain and the possibility of getting quite cold by Territory standards during June/July. Spring (Sept-Nov) and Autumn (Mar-May) in Central Australia see warm days and cool evenings.

Summer (December to February) Hot and dry 17°C to 46°C

The temperature can rise above 40°C in summer. Please ensure you are equipped for these extremes.

Central Australia has a semi-arid climate. In the summer months, the days are generally hot, sometimes very hot. If rain is to fall, it is more likely in the summer months, which may lead to road closures.

1 | Remote Area Health Corps I Community Profile: Areyonga, Central Region

HistoryAreyonga or Utju was established during the 1920s drought, which forced a large group of Pitjantjatjara people from the Petermanns area to find new country.

From Hermannsburg the Pitjantjatjara people made their way to Utju.In the 1940s a Lutheran mission was established. A dramatic decrease in the population occurred during the 1970s, as many of the group moved back to the Pitjantjatjara country of Docker River.

The Lutheran mission was closed down in 1990 and the local people regained control of the community as part of the Haasts Bluff Aboriginal Land Trust.

The community also has a number of Arrernte and Walpiri people who have joined the community through marriage.

Community LifeDescription of community: Nestled in the picturesque ranges, Areyonga provides a stunning backdrop for life in the community. Despite its relatively small population, there are a number of vital services in the area such as a community arts centre, swimming pool, outdoor basketball court, sports ovals, a community store and the Lutheran Church. The community hall holds various functions and recreational activities such as discos.

Changes in population: Population figures are estimates, as several factors impact on movement. These include seasonal changes, ceremonial activity and movement between outstations.

How is it affected by seasons: During the wet season the roads can flood and road closures can occur. The road is often quite rough with corrugations and sand, and ‘bull dust’ patches are not uncommon. A few creek crossings make the road impassable in extreme wet conditions. All internal roads are sealed.

Local industry/mine: None

Tourism: The bush bus brings tourists to the community once a month for a cultural and arts tour.

Arts/crafts: Painting, wooden artefacts and bush bead necklaces. Woven baskets are the primary arts created by the Utju women.

Websites: www.caac.org.au/how-we-help/remote-allied-health/areyonga-utju-health-service

http://macdonnell.nt.gov.au/communities/areyonga

**Please check with the Health Centre on arrival for sacred sites to avoid and health or social issues to be aware of.


¹ RAHC HPs are not required to obtain permits for their placement as they are exempt under legislation related to the Emergency Response


Governance

Local Government MacDonnell Shire Council Telephone (08) 8958 9600 Web macdonnell.nt.gov.au/communities/areyonga

Community or other governance structures

MacDonnell Shire Council – Areyonga Office Telephone (08) 8956 7311

Outstations None

Permit system1 RAHC HPs are not required to obtain permits for their placement as they are exempt under legislation related to the Emergency Response. Government workers (and contractors to government) do not require a permit. A permit is required for all visitors to the community who are not on official government business. Permit application forms are available through, Central Land Council (CLC).

Web www.clc.org.au

Infrastructure, facilities and services

Community Church: Lutheran

Community Halls and Sheds: Recreational Hall

Post Office: Post comes weekly by air via Shire office.

Postal Address: c/- Areyonga Clinic PMB7 via Alice Springs 0872.

School: Primary School

Library: No

Council Offices: Yes

Women’s Centre: No

Childcare Centre: Yes

Aged Care Centre: Yes

Banking: There is an ATM located in the store.

Community store Areyonga Community Store: Telephone (08) 8956 7305

The store is community owned stocking basic fresh fruit and vegetables although prices are higher due to transportation. Frozen meat and vegetable are often available. It is advisable to bring in as much fresh produce as possible and any specialty products/items required.

• Opening hours Monday to Friday 9am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm Saturday 9am – 12pm Sunday Closed

Other food outlets None

Food orders Small orders via Coles or Woolworths online may be ordered and collection arranged with clinic staff/visitors travelling to community. Speak to Health Centre Staff to confirm.

Woolworths: Telephone (08) 8958 6575

Coles: Telephone (08) 8952 5166

Recreational facilities Swimming pool, football oval, basketball court and children’s playground Please check with local staff for areas to avoid walking/running through.


Commercial accommodation

There is no commercial accommodation, however Areyonga Store and The Shire have accommodation to rent subject to availability.

Fuel Fuel (OPAL and Diesel) is available from the community operated garage between 9am to 12pm and 1am to 3:30pm Monday to Thursday.

Mechanic None

Police Station Hermannsburg Telephone (08) 8956 7422

Alt. Police Contact Haasts Bluff Telephone (08) 8956 4922

Other Community Night Patrol Telephone Ask clinic staff on arrival

Telephone/internet/mail

Mobile phone2 No mobile phone service in the region.

Internet Each clinic house has Wi-Fi internet free of charge.

Mail The community has a post office located at the Shire Office and mail comes in on a weekly basis.

Other Each clinic house has a landline and Foxtel free of charge.

Alcohol

Alcohol – not allowed3 Areyonga is a dry community. This applies to everyone, including visitors.

Access

Road Via Alice Springs (2¾ hours4): 110km of bitumen along Larapinta Drive until Hermannsburg and another 90km of dirt road until the Areyonga turn off. 4WD is required to make the journey after rain. Heavy rain will close the road.

NB: Whenever possible avoid being on the road from dusk till dawn as the region has a large population of feral horses, donkeys, dogs and the occasional camel, along with a native population of kangaroos and dingoes, all of which are a significant road hazard.

Air Facilities: Day time dirt strip only – weather dependent.

Alice Springs: Private charter flights available.

Regular passenger transport

Bush Bus runs to and from Areyonga twice a week.

2 Telstra 3G/Next G are typically the only mobile services that work in more remote parts of the Northern Territory. See link - http://telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/coverage-networks/our-coverage/3 It is an offence to consume or bring alcohol into a dry community in the Northern Territory4 Approximate travel time one-way


5 Training should be arranged before your arrival in the community

Health Centre

Health service Utju Health Service is a remote clinic of Central Australia Aboriginal Congress (CAAC)

Telephone (08) 8956 7308Web www.caac.org.au/how-we-help/remote-allied-health/areyonga-utju-health-service

Email [email protected]

Staff • Manager 1• Remote Area Nurses 2• Medical Practitioner Visiting CAAC GP 2 days per fortnight• Aboriginal Health Worker 1• Aboriginal Community Worker -• Administration Officer -• Drivers/Gardeners/Cleaners 2• Other -

Facilities 5 consult rooms and emergency room.

Operating hours Monday to Friday 8am – 4.30pm, and closed for lunch from 12pm – 1.30pm.

On call After hours, weekends and public holidays, an Aboriginal Health Worker or nurse is on call for emergencies. A Remote Medical Practitioner is on call for after hours telephone consultations and evacuations.

Services The Health Centre provides 24 hour 7 day a week acute/emergency response through health staff on call and primary health care to the community: antenatal care; growth assessment and action (GAA) program for infants and children under 5; childhood and adult immunisation; healthy school aged kids program; preventable chronic disease (PCD) program; well women’s and well men’s screening; infectious and communicable disease prevention and control.

Medical Records System5

Communicare

Vehicles The Health Centre maintains a Toyota Troop Carrier that has been converted for use as an ambulance and a 200 Series Toyota as patient transport vehicle.

**Note: All Troop Carriers are 4WD, manual and take diesel fuel.

GP A CAAC GP is available for phone consults during weekday work hours. After hours and weekends the DMO consults are discussed with the Alice Springs DMO. Evacuations are dealt with in consultation with the DMO and the RFDS.

Visiting services The clinic has weekly visiting services, such as the Child Health Nurse (WAHAC), Mental Health Worker (RFDS).

Acute care Emergency evacuations can be made to Alice Springs via RFDS. Night time evacuations occur by road in consultation the DMO and a half-way-meet with St Johns occur or RFDS at Hermannsburg airstrip.

Other Pregnant women birth in Alice Springs.


rahc.com.au 1300 697 242

Canberra OfficeSuite 17J, Level 1, 2 King St, Deakin ACT 2600T 02 6203 9588 F 02 6203 9598

Darwin OfficeLevel 4, Darwin Central Offices, 21 Knuckey Street, Darwin NT 0800T 08 8942 1650 F 08 8942 1676

Accommodation

Accommodation Either a free standing three bedroom house, a two bedroom duplex or a one bedroom donga. Sharing of accommodation may be required.

Facilities Usual domestic amenities including microwave, fridge, oven/stove, washing machine, TV and split system air-conditioning.

Linen Provided by CAAC.

Vehicles

Vehicle No vehicle is provided for personal use.

Policy NT DoH has a strict policy on vehicle use. Any non-clinical use is not acceptable.

What to pack for placement

Clothes For advice on what to wear while on placement, please refer to

http://ntgpe.org/wp_site/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Appropriate-Clothing-2.pdf

It does get very cold in Central Australia during the winter months. It is not unusual for the nights during this time to get down to below zero in temperature. If you are preparing for a placement in Central Australia from April to October, ensure you pack something warm. From May to August, gloves, beanie and scarf are a good idea (especially for late night/early morning call-out). A sun hat is essential. A sturdy work-boot style shoe is recommended to keep out the dust and sand in the dry and the mud in the wet.

Supplies Bring any specialty foods and a small quantity of fresh food.

**Note: Please be mindful of weight restrictions on plane travel.

Personal effects Bring a hat, sturdy shoes, insect repellent and sunscreen.

Other tips or relevant information

Other tips/relevant information

Be prepared for variable standard of accommodation in communities. A sleeping bag sheet insert is a good idea for protection against biting insects. Bring a reusable water bottle for drinking water. Dust resistant shoes are also a good idea as you may be walking in red, soft dirt at times. Elastic-sided work boots are good choice and they will also keep your feet dry in the mud.

Disclaimer

This information is prepared in good faith and to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing. However, Aboriginal communities, like any community, can change as the population shifts and people move on. Please contact the RAHC Regional Coordinator or the Health Centre Manager to confirm any key issues or concerns you may have ahead of your RAHC placement. RAHC also values any input and up to date information or photos you can provide to improve our Community Profiles. Updated May 2015.


areyonga - rahc · 2017-08-24 · 6 | remote area health corps i community profile: areyonga,...

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