Galiwinku

NT 822 • Rest of NT

2,199
Population (2021)
$18,304
Median Income
282.40 km²
Area
$200/wk
Median Rent
Indigenous CommunityRemoteTropicalCultural HeritageIsland

About Galiwinku

Galiwinku is a remote Aboriginal community located on Elcho Island (also known as Galiwin'ku) off the coast of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. With a population of around 2,200 at the 2021 census, it is one of the larger Indigenous communities in the Top End. The community is predominantly Yolŋu people and maintains strong cultural traditions, languages, and ceremonial practices.

The community has a school, health clinic, art centre, and local store serving residents' daily needs. Galiwinku is renowned for its vibrant art scene, with local artists producing distinctive bark paintings and ceremonial objects. Access to the island is primarily by light aircraft from Darwin or Nhulunbuy, with limited barge services for freight. The tropical climate features a distinct wet and dry season.

Galiwinku falls under postcode 822 and is governed by East Arnhem Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mulka electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
822
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Rural
Timezone
Darwin (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-11.91°, 135.76°
Statistical Area
Rest of NT
Area
282.40 km²
Elevation
2m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Darwin

Distance
530 km
By Train
No train service available
By Bus
No bus service available
By Car (Peak)
Not accessible by road
By Car (Off-Peak)
Not accessible by road

🛣️ Access by light aircraft only (approximately 1.5 hours from Darwin, 30 minutes from Nhulunbuy). Barge services available for freight.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Small community where local facilities (store, school, clinic) are within walking distance, but no footpaths or formal pedestrian infrastructure.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$200
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$997
Avg Household Size
5.6 people
Median Age
25 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
79.6%

235 state housing + 11 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,206
Census 2021
2,199
0.3% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$12,428
Income 2021
$18,304
47.3% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,112
Born Overseas 42

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 6
  • 2. Canada 4
  • 3. China 4
  • 4. England 4
  • 5. Fiji 4
  • 6. Zimbabwe 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian Aboriginal 2,017
English 63
Australian 40
Scottish 17
Irish 12
German 7
Indian 5
Samoan 4
Chinese 3
Dutch 3

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

2,079
Both parents born in Australia
48
Both parents born overseas
24
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
62.9%
No Religion
4.9%
Buddhism
0.5%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
200 (9.1%)
5-14 years
382 (17.4%)
15-19 years
272 (12.4%)
20-24 years
238 (10.8%)
25-34 years
349 (15.9%)
35-44 years
320 (14.6%)
45-54 years
202 (9.2%)
55-64 years
157 (7.1%)
65-74 years
58 (2.6%)
75-84 years
17 (0.8%)
85+ years
3 (0.1%)

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