Gapuwiyak is an alcohol-free community of approx. 1100 people. It is
almost entirely made up of remote, traditional Aborigines - belonging to
a major ethnic group known as "Yolngu". The Community is about 3 hours
by dirt road west of the Mining Town Nhulunbuy and about 10 hours by
dirt east of Katherine. Gapuwiyak was built next to a large lake in the
late 1960s by the Methodist Missions (as a sawmill).
Most residents speak the pre-European Yolngu dialect "Djambarrpuyngu". The community
has an active "Outstation Programme" where Yolngu can spend time hunting
in their traditional homelands. As well, the community has a prominent,
colourful cultural and ceremonial life. Like all modern Aboriginal
Communities, Gapuwiyak faces challenges such as unemployment, diabetes
and infectious diseases. Miwatj Aboriginal Health provides the Community
with a full time resident doctor. There is a Health Centre run by the
N.T. Government as well as an Outstaion Health Nurse funded by the
Gapuwiyak Council.