Secure crisis accommodation in Gapuwiyak now
Secure crisis accommodation in Gapuwiyak now
The issue
Women and children in Gapuwiyak experiencing domestic, family, and sexual violence (DFSV) urgently need safe, culturally-led crisis accommodation.
Since 2022, Galiwin’ku Women’s Space (GWS) has been running a local service called Miyalkku Mulka Wäŋa, providing DFSV education, healing, well-being, and case management. But there is no local crisis shelter. Women in urgent need are forced to travel to the GWS crisis shelter in Galiwin’ku, Miyalk shelter in Nhulunbuy, or Darwin shelters, depending on availability because DFSV shelters are often full.
This removal from their community is not culturally appropriate, separating women and children from family, support networks, and their homeland at a time when they need it most.
Currently, around 1 in 10 women in Gapuwiyak are accessing GWS services with nowhere safe to stay locally. Meanwhile, a vacant building in the community could be transformed into a culturally-led crisis accommodation centre right now, but government delays and leasing issues mean it may not be available until 2028.
We are not asking for a handout. We are asking for the NLC and NIAA to do the right thing by supporting the community to access an asset that already exists in Gapuwiyak. The Traditional Owners have spoken. The local women have spoken. It’s time to listen and act.
We call on the Northern Territory Government to:
1- Immediately release the vacant building for community-led crisis accommodation.
2- Ensure it is safe, culturally appropriate, and led by local Yolŋu women.
3-Act urgently. Women and children cannot wait until 2028.
Women and children deserve safety now. Local, culturally led solutions save lives and strengthen communities.
Selena Uibo MP - Member for Arnhem
08 8973 8780 electorate.arnhem@nt.gov.au
Yingiya Mark Guyula MLA - Member for Mulka
08 8987 0125 electorate.mulka@nt.gov.au
Marion Scrymgour MP - Federal Member for Lingiari 08 8983 3129
Malindirri MaCarthy Senator - Minister for Indigenous Australians 08 8941 0003
16
The issue
Women and children in Gapuwiyak experiencing domestic, family, and sexual violence (DFSV) urgently need safe, culturally-led crisis accommodation.
Since 2022, Galiwin’ku Women’s Space (GWS) has been running a local service called Miyalkku Mulka Wäŋa, providing DFSV education, healing, well-being, and case management. But there is no local crisis shelter. Women in urgent need are forced to travel to the GWS crisis shelter in Galiwin’ku, Miyalk shelter in Nhulunbuy, or Darwin shelters, depending on availability because DFSV shelters are often full.
This removal from their community is not culturally appropriate, separating women and children from family, support networks, and their homeland at a time when they need it most.
Currently, around 1 in 10 women in Gapuwiyak are accessing GWS services with nowhere safe to stay locally. Meanwhile, a vacant building in the community could be transformed into a culturally-led crisis accommodation centre right now, but government delays and leasing issues mean it may not be available until 2028.
We are not asking for a handout. We are asking for the NLC and NIAA to do the right thing by supporting the community to access an asset that already exists in Gapuwiyak. The Traditional Owners have spoken. The local women have spoken. It’s time to listen and act.
We call on the Northern Territory Government to:
1- Immediately release the vacant building for community-led crisis accommodation.
2- Ensure it is safe, culturally appropriate, and led by local Yolŋu women.
3-Act urgently. Women and children cannot wait until 2028.
Women and children deserve safety now. Local, culturally led solutions save lives and strengthen communities.
Selena Uibo MP - Member for Arnhem
08 8973 8780 electorate.arnhem@nt.gov.au
Yingiya Mark Guyula MLA - Member for Mulka
08 8987 0125 electorate.mulka@nt.gov.au
Marion Scrymgour MP - Federal Member for Lingiari 08 8983 3129
Malindirri MaCarthy Senator - Minister for Indigenous Australians 08 8941 0003
16
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Petition created on 1 November 2025