Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹



  • Embrace our

    Culture

    Button
  • Discover our

    Land

    Button
  • Get to know our

    People

    Button

Welcome to the Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Council

The Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Council (Aboriginal Corporation) represents the interests of around 1,800 Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹, Pintupi and Pitjantjatjara Traditional Owners (Yarnangu) who reside in the eleven member communities of the Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Lands

More Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Us

Our Services

From essential Health Services, to Housing, Maintenance and Project Management, we collaboratively work across a range of service areas to achieve remarkable outcomes for our communities.

Learn More

Employment Opportunities

We are passionate about making tangible impact within remote communities and are always on the lookout for likeminded and enthusiastic people to join the team and support our vision.

Learn More

Passing by?

The Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Lands is an area governed and controlled by the Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ People. Visitors require a valid permit to drive the Outback Highway which is home of "Australia's longest shortcut."

Request a Permit

What's happening in our Communities

By Natasha Perkins December 6, 2024
The Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Council has appointed Tim O’Brien as the new General Manager of Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Health Service (NHS), marking an important step toward addressing the distinct health challenges faced by Yarnangu on the Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Lands. With decades of experience in Aboriginal health across regional, metropolitan, and remote settings, Tim brings a strategic focus to NHS's unique mission of delivering a full spectrum of health services—from acute care to public health initiatives—in one of the most remote regions of Australia. O’Brien will oversee NHS’s three service delivery arms—Private Health, Primary Healthcare, and Public Health—managing 45 funding agreements totalling $30 million annually. These encompass hospital and clinic oversight, aged care services, community health clinics, dental and mental health support, and public health initiatives like environmental health. As General Manager, Tim’s focus is on driving a proactive approach to health and continuing the transition of the NHS to a more visionary and less reactionary funding model that can help address the deepest health needs on the Lands. “NHS is a vital service for Yarnangu on the Lands and the distinct health challenges they face,” Tim said. “NHS is unique in providing such a breadth of services under one umbrella,” “This remote geography creates challenges but also offers a rare opportunity to merge acute care with proactive public health strategies,” Tim said. “By focussing on preventive measures, we can help healthy Yarnangu enjoy even stronger health rather than predominantly reacting to acute needs. This is not just achievable—it’s essential,” Tim said. “With the health needs of 1,800 Yarnangu spread across an area larger than Victoria, NHS faces unique challenges and opportunities. While we will continue to provide acute services across the region, we can deliver impactful strategies like food and nutrition programs. These efforts can reduce disease prevalence, improve school attendance, and lower crime rates—outcomes that are not just achievable but essential.” Tim said. By fostering resilience and stronger communities, these strategies ensure Yarnangu remain strong on Country and thrive in a culture-rich environment.
By Natasha Perkins September 13, 2024
With a career spanning decades in remote education and community leadership, Leigh Nelson’s appointment as the new General Manager – Community and Sustainable Development at Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Council brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the land. In this role, Leigh will support Yarnangu through employment programs, essential municipal services, financial well-being initiatives, and year-round community engagement. Leigh has long been associated with Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ lands, having spent much of his career in education across remote locations, including Warburton, Wanarn, and the Cocos Islands. Most recently, he served as Director of Education, Goldfields, for the Department of Education—Australia’s largest education region. Born in Esperance and raised on pastoral lands in Salmon Gums, 100 km north of the town, Leigh’s connection to these lands spans over three decades. “My wife and I worked together in Warburton, and my first opportunity as a Principal was at the school in Wanarn,” Leigh shared. “That role began my journey as a School Principal across various schools, which lasted for 23 years.” Leigh’s leadership journey took a significant step when he became part of a cohort of education leaders selected for a Harvard Principal Fellowship, which catalysed his move into system leadership roles within the department. In recent years, Leigh also contributed to the Goldfields District Leadership Group (DLG)—a network coordinated by the Department of Communities to address local issues and drive improved outcomes. “The DLG brought together the Shire, the Council, Department of Justice, WA Police, NIAA, and the Department of Communities to collaborate for strong, shared outcomes in Warburton with a focus on youth engagement and food security,” he explained. Leigh’s leadership in the DLG deepened his connection to the Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ lands. “Within the DLG, we had a sub-group focused on Warburton, which reaffirmed my ties to the area. As Chair of this group since its inception, I will now lead from my new role within the Council, ensuring continued collaboration across agencies.” He emphasised his belief in authentic co-design between community members and organisations. “The strongest outcomes on the Lands will come from genuine community voice and all the agencies working together towards lasting, collective impact.” With a strong commitment to the Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ lands, Leigh intends to spend time in communities each month. “Improvement happens at the speed of trust, so I’m eager to strengthen those relationships with our leadership team on the ground, enabling us to make meaningful contributions to the Council’s shared vision of helping Yarnangu remain strong on Country.” Reflecting on his new role, Leigh said, “The most important thing for me—and what attracted me to this position—is the opportunity to work alongside Yarnangu, who are so integral to our country. Together, we’ll navigate the challenges and possibilities that developments like the Outback Way will bring to the lands.” Leigh’s appointment is also a full-circle moment. Fred Twine, the Community Development Advisor he worked alongside during his first Principal role in Wanarn, continues to serve the Council as Municipal Services Manager. Their renewed partnership, after 25 years, promises to further strengthen the Council’s commitment to the Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ community and foster long-term, sustainable outcomes for Yarnangu.
By Natasha Perkins September 3, 2024
The Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Council Group was honoured to welcome Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, the newly appointed Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, to our Perth office this week. This landmark meeting, coinciding with a federal cabinet gathering in Perth, marks the first ministerial visit to our offices in the Council's history. The meeting was attended by Senator McCarthy and her staff, along with Council CEO Thomas Williams, Mr Fred Chaney, Mr Preston Thomas, and Sonja Voogd Armstrong, General Manager of Community and Sustainable Development. The primary focus was on the current Remote Jobs Trial, 'Strong'. The meeting also featured a live link to Warburton with Angelica McLean, Director and Social & Wellbeing Coordinator and Shannon Inder, Operations Manager - CDP, providing the Minister with deeper insight into the Council's work within the remote Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ communities. Thomas Williams reflected on the deeper significance of the Ministerial visit, highlighting its importance beyond just the event itself. "While navigating the complexities of the NIAA (National Indigenous Australians Agency) to secure a trial work program is significant, it is even more impactful to witness the Minister’s willingness to meet with our people both in Perth and on the ground in Warburton, to hear firsthand about the Lands and the 'Strong' program," Williams said. "Her questions extended beyond the Remote Jobs Trial, as she sought to understand our vision for the future of Yarnangu and the ongoing challenges faced by remote communities," Williams added. Minister McCarthy’s deliberate focus on improving remote employment opportunities and empowering remote communities was evident throughout the meeting. "Our hope from this meeting is that it helps to foster greater flexibility within the Jobs Program, both during and beyond the trial," "This flexibility pertains to the variety and transferability of job options available to Yarnangu within the Trial," "The Minister embraced our desire to pursue innovative ways to engage Yarnangu in employment, even when those pathways involve a series of work opportunities that lead to longer-term prospects," said Williams. The most enduring outcome of the meeting was a renewed commitment to the partnership between the Council and the NIAA—a relationship grounded in transparency and accountability from both the Council and the Agency. "We concluded the meeting feeling highly optimistic about the Minister’s deep engagement and commitment to being part of the improvement of the Jobs Program on the Lands and to the members in our communities," Williams said. Due in large part to the remoteness of its members, the Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Council Group is a rare example of a Council providing a comprehensive suite of services (excluding policing). This unique position presents an opportunity, enabling the Council to partner effectively with the agency, given its capacity to monitor and assess the progress of its members. The Council’s vision of helping Yarnangu remain strong on country is shared by Senator Malarndirri McCarthy. Her visit encouraged us to pursue this vision through engagement, activation, strategy, and the broader embrace of change management across the Council.
View all News

Our Vision

Yarnangu leading lives filled with purpose and agency, thriving in a culture-rich environment: Ngurra Rapa, Tjukurrpa Rapa.

Our Values

We are open and approachable


We value transparent communication that ensures inclusivity and collective engagement. We prioritise genuine connection and presence on country, valuing the contributions of all community members. Embracing cultural sensitivity, we strive to break down barriers through language and build meaningful relationships by active listening and empathy. 

We are all equal and important

We’re committed to protecting and nurturing the inherent value and dignity of every individual. We prioritise safety, respect, equality, and empowerment in all aspects of our work. This means fostering a culture of holistic care and cultural sensitivity, ensuring everyone feels safe, heard, and respected. 

We are better together

Our commitment to unity affirms our belief that collaboration yields better outcomes. By breaking down barriers and fostering collaboration across dapartments and communities, we amplify our collective strength while respecting our uniqueness. We ensure that all voices are heard, promoting inclusive decision-making processes in all we do. Through proactive communication and the sharing of resources, we enhance our ability to serve our communities. 

We are accountable to members

We serve the collective interests of our members, prioritising transparency, and accountability in all our endeavours. We advocate for best practice governance and encourage community-controlled decision-making processes, ensuring essential services are delivered promptly to all. Inclusive decision-making and meaningful communication ensures that our efforts benefit the wider community, holding us accountable to our collective goals and promises. 

We are responsible financial stewards

As financial stewards, we have a responsibility to prioritise the improvement of financial understanding within our communities and organisation to improve decision making and to combat waste and duplication. We aim to transparent reporting to empower community members. Continual reflection and accountability mechanisms help us ensure the best use of resources and financial integrity, to serve the collective interests of our communities. 

We are open and approachable


We value transparent communication that ensures inclusivity and collective engagement. We prioritise genuine connection and presence on country, valuing the contributions of all community members. Embracing cultural sensitivity, we strive to break down barriers through language and build meaningful relationships by active listening and empathy. 

We are all equal and important

We’re committed to protecting and nurturing the inherent value and dignity of every individual. We prioritise safety, respect, equality, and empowerment in all aspects of our work. This means fostering a culture of holistic care and cultural sensitivity, ensuring everyone feels safe, heard, and respected. 

Our Communities

The Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Lands are located in Western Australia near the borders of South Australia and the Northern Territory. This area covers 160,000 square kilometres—approximately 3% of the Australian landscape. The eleven Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ communities comprise Irrunytju | Wingellina, Kiwirrkurra, Mantamaru | Jameson, Papulankutja | Blackstone, Patjarr | Karilywara, Kanpa | Pira-Kata, Tjirrkarli, Tjukurla, Warakurna | Giles, Wanarn and Warburton | Mirlirrtjarra.

Did You Know?

  • Governance

    The Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Council is the principal governance organisation in the Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Lands. The Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Council’s administrative base is located in Alice Springs. The third week of each month, the Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Council hosts both a general meeting for all members and a Board of Directors meeting.

  • Communities

    Each Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ community is an autonomous, separately incorporated body as well as a member of the Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Council (Aboriginal Corporation). In the 20 years since the Council’s formation, membership has expanded from five original communities - Milyatjarra (Warburton), Irrunytju (Wingellina), Papulankutja (Blackstone), Mantamaru (Jameson) and Warakurna - to 12 communities (the original communities plus Tjirrkarli, Patjarr, Wanarn, Kanpa and Tjukurla, Cosmo Newberry and Kiwirrkurra. 

  • Pre-Council

    Prior to the incorporation of the Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Council on 24 March 1981, representation of Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ people was through the Pitjantjatjara Council. The formation of the Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ area was based on the historical association with the Warburton Mission, a common language, and the Western Australian state border.

  • Human Presence

    The Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Lands have few obvious signs of human presence. According to archaeological evidence from excavations in the Warburton area, continuous Aboriginal occupation dates back at least 10,000 years. 

  • Industry

    There has never been a pastoral industry and, apart from a few activities such as sandalwood harvesting, collection of dingo scalps and prospecting, there has been no other industry in the area. 

  • Access

    The Outback Highway (Great Central Road) bisects the Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Lands east to southwest, providing access to two major regional centres - Alice Springs (1,000 kilometres Northeast of Warburton) and Kalgoorlie (900 kilometres Southwest of Warburton). The 2,000 kilometre section of road from Laverton to Uluru National Park is unsealed and subject to wet weather closure.

  • Voting Rights

    All residents of Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ communities who are of voting age and identify themselves as being of Aboriginal descent, have voting rights on the council. 

  • Remoteness

    The Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Communities are some of the most remote communities in all of Australia. According to the Accessibility and Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA), which measures the distance of a settlement from an urban centre, each community is "very remote" and a significant distance from any urban centre.

  • Size

    Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Lands cover approximately 3% of mainland Australia(250,000 km2) and encompass sections of the Gibson Desert, Great Sandy Desert, Great Victoria Desert, and all of the Central Ranges within Western Australia.

  • Representation

    Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Council Board of Directors has 17 members. Each Chair from the 12 member communities governing councils, 4 female representatives plus a chairperson elected by the general membership (on an annual basis) are on the Board of Directors. 

  • Climate

    The climate in the Á½ÐÔÉ«ÎçÒ¹ Lands is arid to semi-arid with average annual rainfall of 200-250 millimetres with a distinct summer pattern. During the summer, the mean daily maximum temperatures are around 37 C - days of 40+ C are common. Winters are cool with a mean daily temperature range of 6- 21 C; sub-zero temperatures are not often experienced. Periods of prolonged drought are not uncommon.

Share by: