Utopia - RAHC · Utopia region has an all-weather aircraft landing strip located approximately 20 kilometres from the clinic. Other Clinic Community Garden: Run by the Utopia clinic

UtopiaCentral Region

Climate (Central)

Utopia

Community ProfilePronunciation: U-tope-ee-ah

Alternate names: Amengernterneah and Urapuntja

Location: 270km north-east of Alice Springs

NT region: Central

Population: 1200 approx. including outstations

Access: By road via Alice Springs

Language groups: Anmatyerre and Alyawarra

Season Description Temp. Range

Winter (June to August) Cooler and dry -3°C to 30°C

The temperature can drop below 0°C overnight in winter. Please ensure you are equipped for these extremes.

Generally fine weather and the possibility of getting quite cold by Territory standards during June/July. Spring (Sept-Nov) and Autumn (Mar-May) in Central Australia see warm days and cool evenings.

Summer (December to February) Hot and dry 17°C to 46°C

The temperature can rise above 40°C in summer. Please ensure you are equipped for these extremes.

Central Australia has a semi-arid climate. In the summer months, the days are generally hot, sometimes very hot. If rain is to fall, it is more likely in the summer months, which may lead to road closures.

1 | Remote Area Health Corps I Community Profile: Utopia, Central Region

HistoryLand to the north east of Alice Springs remained largely unknown to Europeans until the South Australian Government commissioned a survey of the region in the 1870’s. By 1872 the telegraph line between Darwin and Alice Springs had been completed providing access to Europeans through many traditional lands. Pastoralism grew in fits and starts, occupying the better watered land surrounding the Alyawarra, before finally occupying the entire land through the Sandover subdivision in 1947.

The Anmatyerre were less fortunate still, as their lands lay on both sides of the telegraph line. Once again the pastoralists occupied the better watered land, but by 1910 had taken up much of the land around Harts Range and the Davenport Range north of the Sandover River. Thus came into existence the stations which were to dominate local life for many decades: Alcoota, Woodgreen, Utopia, and MacDonald Downs to name but a few.

In the 1970s the Chalmers Family sold the lease to Utopia Station to the Aboriginal Land Fund Commission and in 1978 the station was claimed under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.

Community LifeDescription of community: This region is known as Utopia and much of the land (not all) lies on Aboriginal owned land called Urapuntja. Utopia comprises several large communities and several small communities being sixteen in total.

Changes in population: Population figures are estimates, as several factors impact on movement. These include seasonal changes and ceremonial activity.

How is it affected by seasons: Heavy rain can cause road closures.

Major landmarks/cultural factors: There are men only and women only areas on the homelands for cultural reasons. Please check with clinic staff where these areas are.

Local industry/mine: Art and craft, small beauty products and bush medicine, cattle grazing.

Tourism: None

Arts/crafts: Today the art of Utopia continues to astound. There are well over 250 professional artists in the region, all producing work that has great significance in one way or another. Whether it be traditional or abstract art, or in the form of dots, lines or a mixture of these applications, there is always a sense of pride and achievement in their art.

Websites: www.mbantua.com.au/about-utpoia/

www. barkly.nt.gov.au/communities/arlparra

**Please check with the Health Centre on arrival for sacred sites to avoid and health or social issues to be aware of.



Governance

Local government Barkly Shire Council Telephone (08) 8962 0000 Web www.barkly.nt.gov.au

Community or other governance structures

Urapuntja Aboriginal Corporation Telephone (08) 8956 9099

Web www.urapuntja-aboriginal-corporation.com

Outstations There are 16 outstations including Antarrengeny, Ngkwarlerlaner, Arnkawwenyerr and Amengernternenh.

Permit system RAHC HPs are not required to obtain permits for their placement as they are exempt under legislation related to the Emergency Response. Government workers (and contractors to government) do not require a permit. A permit is required for all visitors to the community who are not on official government business. Permit application forms are available through, Central Land Council (CLC).

Web www.clc.org.au

Infrastructure, facilities and services

Community Church: Most outstations have a small church that meets informally at least once a week.

Community Halls and Sheds: Arlparra Sports Facility and Community Basketball Centre. Community sports, exercise and children's afterschool care programs are run by the Utopia branch of the Barkly Shire.

Workforce skills or training facilities: Community Development Employment Program (CDEP)

Post Office: None. Mail is directed through the Utopia Clinic or through the Arlparra Store

School: Primary School and High School is in Arlparra

Library: No

Council Offices: Yes - Barkly Shire Council office in Arlparra

Women’s Centre: No

Childcare Centre: No

Aged Care Centre: There is an aged care centre at Arlparra

Banking: There is a private ATM located in the Arlparra store.

Community store Arlparra Community Store: Telephone (08) 8956 9910

Basic fresh fruit and vegetables are available although prices are higher due to transportation. Frozen meat and vegetable are often available.

It is advisable to bring in as much fresh produce as possible and any specialty products/items required.

• Opening hours Monday to Friday 9am – 12pm and 2pm – 5pm Saturday 9am – 12am Sunday Closed

Other food outlets Red-Gum store.

Located on Red-Gum Cattle Station, this shop is approximately 60km from the clinic area in Utopia. Red-Gum store is open seven days a week.

There is also a store at Three Bores.


Food orders Small orders via Coles or Woolworths online may be ordered and collection arranged with clinic staff/visitors travelling to community. Speak to Health Centre Staff to confirm.

Woolworths: Telephone (08) 8958 6575

Coles: Telephone (08) 8952 5166

Recreational facilities AFL and softball are very popular within the community. Arlparra has an undercover basketball stadium and sporting facility.

Commercial accommodation

None

Fuel Available through Arlparra Store.

Mechanic None

Police station Arlparra Police Station Telephone (08) 8956 9164

Alt. police contact Police Assistance Line Telephone 131 444

Other Urupuntja Council Aboriginal Corporation Telephone (08) 8956 9850

Telephone/internet/mail

Mobile phone¹ Telstra mobile coverage only. Patchy mobile coverage in the clinic/community area and in the staff accommodation houses. There is good coverage in Arlparra.

Internet All Utopia accommodation has access to basic Wi-Fi service. Please note that internet speeds can be quite slow in comparison to city and regional locations.

Mail Mail can be sent to Utopia community address via the clinic. Mail is received via mail plane weekly.

Other Landlines available for usage in staff accommodation.

Alcohol

Alcohol – not allowed² Utopia is a dry community. Alcohol is prohibited in the community and this applies to everyone.

Access

Road Alice Springs (3-3½ hours³): The road is sealed for the first 100km from Alice Springs with the remainder unsealed. The trip takes approximately 3.5 hours from Alice Springs in dry conditions, firstly on the sealed Stuart Highway and then on the unsealed Sandover Highway. A Four Wheel Drive is required to make the journey after rain.

NB: Whenever possible avoid being on the road from dusk till dawn as the region has a large population of feral horses, donkeys, dogs and the occasional camel along with a native population of kangaroos and dingoes. All of which are a significant road hazard.

Bus/other services The clinic operates a patient transport bus two days a week for non-urgent patient transfer and for out-patient appointments.

¹ Telstra 3G/Next G are typically the only mobile services that work in more remote parts of the Northern Territory. See link - http://telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/coverage-networks/our-coverage/² It is an offence to consume or bring alcohol into a dry community in the Northern Territory³ Approximate travel time one-way


4 Training should be arranged before your arrival in the community

Air Facilities: Utopia is serviced by a 24 hour, all weather, bitumen airstrip.

Charters are available from Alice Springs.

Regular passenger transport

None

Health Centre

Health service Urapuntja Health Service (UHS) Telephone (08) 8956 9994 Web www.urapuntjahealthservice.com Email [email protected]

Staff • Manager 1 CEO, 1 Clinic Manager• Remote Area Nurses 4• Medical Practitioner Visiting GP• Aboriginal Health Worker 2• Aboriginal Community Worker -• Administration Officer 1• Drivers/Gardeners/Cleaners 5 part-time local staff employed• Other 1 Operations Manager

Facilities Two consultation rooms, Doctor's room and an emergency room.

Operating hours Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm and closed for lunch for 30 minutes.

On call Registered nurses are on a rotating roster of on-call for after hours, weekends, public holidays, and emergencies. All time outside of normal clinic hours is covered by on-call system. On-call system is divided equally between staff.

Services The Health Centre provides 24 hour 7 day a week acute/emergency response through health staff on call and primary health care to the community.

Medical Records System4

Communicare

Vehicles The clinic is well equipped with five 4WD vehicles including a clinic ambulance.

**Note: All Troop Carriers are 4WD, manual and take DIESEL fuel.

GP GPs visit regularly

Visiting services Audiology and hearing health services, Optometry and Ophthalmology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cardiology, Podiatry, Dental health services, Mental Health Outreach

Acute care Utopia clinic has an emergency clinic transport vehicle and one emergency room within the clinic. Full set of Thompson emergency bags are available in clinic for retrievals. The Utopia region has an all-weather aircraft landing strip located approximately 20 kilometres from the clinic.

Other Clinic Community Garden: Run by the Utopia clinic staff the garden has a variety of citrus and vegetable plants when in season. The community garden also has chickens. Staff can purchase eggs from the clinic by the carton.

Clinic Gymnasium: the clinic operates a small gym for clinic staff and workers of the clinic. The facility has an electric treadmill, weight benches and exercise bike as well as other standard gym equipment.


rahc.com.au 1300 697 242

Canberra OfficeSuite 17J, Level 1, 2 King St, Deakin ACT 2600T 02 6203 9588 F 02 6203 9598

Darwin OfficeLevel 4, Darwin Central Offices, 21 Knuckey Street, Darwin NT 0800T 08 8942 1650 F 08 8942 1676

Accommodation

Accommodation Either a free standing three bedroom house or single occupancy demountable ‘donga’ style. Sharing of accommodation may be required.

Facilities Usual domestic amenities including microwave, fridge, oven/stove, washing machine, TV and split system air-conditioning.

Linen Provided

Vehicles

Vehicle No vehicle is provided for personal use. The clinic has a strict policy on vehicle use, any non-clinical use is not acceptable. Runs to the shop can be negotiated with clinic management as the shop is approximately 20 kilometres away.

What to pack for placement

Clothes For advice on what to wear while on placement, please refer to http://ntgpe.org/wp_site/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Appropriate-Clothing-2.pdf

It does get very cold in Central Australia during the winter months. It is not unusual for the nights during this time to get down to below zero in temperature. If you are preparing for a placement in Central Australia from April to October, ensure you pack something warm. From May to August, gloves, beanie and scarf are a good idea (especially for late night/early morning call-out). A sun hat is essential. A sturdy work-boot style shoe is recommended to keep out the dust & sand in the dry and the mud in the wet.

Supplies Bring any specialty foods and a small quantity of fresh food. Please be mindful of weight restrictions on plane travel

Personal effects Lip balm, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent and moisturiser are essential in Central Australia along with any clothes you will need, books, laptop, hard drive with movies etc.

Other tips or relevant information

Other tips/relevant information

Be prepared for variable standard of accommodation in communities. Bring a reusable water bottle for drinking water. Dust resistant shoes are also a good idea as you may be walking in red, soft dirt at times. Elastic-sided work boots are good choice and they will also keep your feet dry in the wet. A fly hat is recommended for the summer months.

Disclaimer

This information is prepared in good faith and to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing. However, Aboriginal communities, like any community, can change as the population shifts and people move on. Please contact the RAHC Regional Coordinator or the Health Centre Manager to confirm any key issues or concerns you may have ahead of your RAHC placement. RAHC also values any input and up to date information or photos you can provide to improve our Community Profiles.


Documents

Utopia - RAHC · Utopia region has an all-weather aircraft landing strip located approximately 20 kilometres from the clinic. Other Clinic Community Garden: Run by the Utopia clinic