Peace Prevails in Yuendumu


‘Everyone is enjoying peace; people from all areas are smiling, talking, walking and doing shopping together, also making plans for a good future for Yuendumu.’   These are the proud words of Robert Robertson, the Chairman of the Yuendumu Mediation and Justice Committee.  

Yuendumu is celebrating today as it marks one full year of peace with no inter-family conflict.  

Over the past two and a half years the Central Desert Shire Mediation and Justice Program, funded by FaHCSIA, has played a key support role to bring families together to resolve their differences.  

Shire President Adrian Dixon congratulated Yuendumu community on their achievement. “This has taken a lot of hard work from the entire community and a lot of forgiveness but they are reaping the rewards.  The community is abuzz with activity once more”, Mr Dixon said.  

The anniversary comes on the back of some significant milestones including:

  • December 2012 – The first school Christmas party for two years was held and attended by the whole community.
  • April 2013 – A Community ceremony was conducted that achieved ‘mala mala’ - a Warlpiri term meaning, ‘proper sorry’, to mark an end to the inter-family conflict. 
  • May 2013 – The Yuendumu Community Careers Expo was held, a whole of community event encouraging community harmony and promoting work opportunities in Yuendumu.  
  • August 2013 - The 50th Yuendumu Sports Weekend, the most successful ever. 
  • August 2013 – The Launch of a Warlpiri Mediation Manual; a bi cultural road map to peace to guide future generations resolve conflict.  

Acknowledging everyone involved in bringing harmony to his community Mr Robertson added, ‘Thanks to everyone for their support in this mission of peace. This has been the coming together of two ways for one outcome.”

For more information http://centraldesert.nt.gov.au/news/peace-prevails-yuendumu