Wugularr (Beswick)

Wugularr, also known as Beswick, is in the Nyirranggulung Ward 118 kilometres south-east of Katherine

Quick snapshot

Population

Approximately 542 people reside in Beswick with a median age of 27 years old (Census 2021)

Languages

The people of Beswick speak Kriol, Mayali and English

Outstations

Bishop Bore

Contact

Beswick Council Office: 30 Balanda Street, Beswick NT 0852

(08) 8977 3100

Beswick Postal Address: PMB 26, Katherine NT 0852

Wugularr, also known as Beswick, is in the Nyirranggulung Ward and is located on the bank of Waterhouse River, 118 kilometres south-east of Katherine on the Central Arnhem Highway. The Traditional Owners of the land in and around Wugularr are the Jawoyn people.

History

In 1913, the Maranboy Tin Mine was established which brought people seeking employment opportunities to the area. The mine ceased its operation in 1945, and in 1947 the Government bought Beswick Station, which is where the community derives its name from, and it was used as a WWII Native Training Centre. The Jawoyn people were given Native Title to their lands in 1991.

Beswick Falls

The sacred and spectacular Beswick Falls on Wugularr country. A popular fishing location for local people and freshwater crocodiles. This sacred place is only accessible for tourists with one of the local guides at Djilpin Arts

Beswick Falls
Council staff enjoying the peace and quiet of Beswick Falls

Access

By road, the trip to Wugularr takes approximately one and a half (1.5) hours from Katherine on an all-weather road. The single lane Central Arnhem Highway is sealed to the gateway of Wugularr. Only during severe flooding which occurs only sporadically does the road become inaccessible. Please be advised that Wugularr is a closed community; a Northern Land Council (NLC) permit is required to visit this community.

 

Local Authority

An integral part of the community consultation process in Wugularr occurs through Wugularr Local Authority Meetings. The Local Authority is made up of the Elected Member/s who sit on Council for the Nyirranggulung Ward and are nominated representatives from the community. All stakeholders in Wugularr are invited to attend the Local Authority Meetings. The resolutions made at these meetings form the basis of all planning made by Roper Gulf Regional Council.

To attend a Wugularr Local Authority Meeting, click here

To view our Local Authority Meeting dates, agendas and minutes, click here

 

Services

This information is sourced from the Northern Territory Government and is available on BushTel.

Service TypeAvailableDetails
Regular Transport ServiceYes 

Bagala Remote Community Bus

(08) 8922 2666

Katherine Coaches 

 (08) 8971 0774

FuelYes Opal and Diesel available in the community
Commercial AccommodationYes 

Djakanimba Pavilions Beswick

0428 606 733

Roper Gulf Regional Council Accommodation

Community StoreYes 

Beswick Community Store

(08) 8975 4523

AirstripNo Nearest airstrip is in Barunga (30km from Beswick community)
Health CentreYes 

Primary Health Care delivered by Sunrise Health Services 

(08) 8975 4924

AlcoholYes Alcohol Protected Area and a General Restricted Area
Police StationNo 

Serviced by Maranboy Police Station (40km from the community)

(08) 8975 4500

SchoolYes 

Wugularr School

(08) 8975 4549

Council Service Delivery CentreYes  Council Office located at 30 Balanda Street, Beswick NT 0852
Mobile Phone, Internet & RadioYes There are currently two public telephones in Beswick and also Telstra 3G telephone and internet coverage. Digital television is connected to all homes and local radio is provided through the Remote Indigenous Broadcast Services (RIBS)
Post OfficeYes Post Office located at Council Service Delivery Centre
Early Childcare CentreYes Council operates a Crèche Centre at Lot 193
Aged Care CentreYes Council operates an Aged Care Centre at Lot