- NHULUNBUY in Transition -
From Mining Town to Regional Service Centre
Nhulunbuy, often referred to as Gove, is the largest town in Arnhem Land and is the fourth largest town in the Northern Territory. Nhulunbuy was established in the 1970s to service the large Bauxite mine and refinery in the area. The town is home to some 4500 people and is spread around the slopes of Mount Nhulun after which it was named. The land on which Nhulunbuy sits is leased by the mining company from the Traditional Aboriginal Owners.
Brief History of Nhulunbuy
The Gove Peninsula was an important area during World War Two with a number of military installations including as a fighter airstrip, radar station, supply base and Catalina Flying boat base. Many Yolηu played a significant part in WWII as coastwatch auxiliaries, ships' pilots, labourers, domestic assistants and soldiers in the Northern Territory Special Reconnaissance Unit led by anthropologist Donald Thomson.
Discovery of large deposits of bauxite [aluminium ore] in the 1960s led to the establishment of a mine and refinery on the tip of the Gove Peninsula. The mining company at the time, Nabalco built the town of Nhulunbuy during the 1970s to house the workforce.
The town quickly became a key regional centre for the NT Government when schools and a hospital were built to serve the growing population.
The Gove Peninsula was an important area during World War Two with a number of military installations including as a fighter airstrip, radar station, supply base and Catalina Flying boat base. Many Yolηu played a significant part in WWII as coastwatch auxiliaries, ships' pilots, labourers, domestic assistants and soldiers in the Northern Territory Special Reconnaissance Unit led by anthropologist Donald Thomson.
Discovery of large deposits of bauxite [aluminium ore] in the 1960s led to the establishment of a mine and refinery on the tip of the Gove Peninsula. The mining company at the time, Nabalco built the town of Nhulunbuy during the 1970s to house the workforce.
The town quickly became a key regional centre for the NT Government when schools and a hospital were built to serve the growing population.
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Old Mission Jetty - 1st shipment of bauxite NTL PH0150-0001 Hans Werner 26-2-1966 - in bags bound for Porto Marghere Italy via MV Minnibasse (Denmark)
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The restaurant and pool area of the Walkabout Hotel.
