Community Profile - Kintore/Walungurra

The community (Township) of Kintore or Walungurra as it is sometimes referred to, is in the Kintore Ranges, 530 Km west of Alice Springs in the Eastern portion of the Gibson Desert, approximately 35km from the WA border, in the Northern Territory. The Tropic of Capricorn lies approximately 20klm to the South. The area was first explored by Europeans in 1889. It is believed that Lasseter prospected in the area but there is no proof of this. No other exploration occurred in the area until the late 1950s and early 60s when Len Beadell made the roads of the Central Desert area in support of the activities at Womera Rocket Range.

Getting there

By Road: The first 140km is on the sealed section of the Tanami Highway. The rest of the roads are unsealed and the conditions vary with the seasons. The road surface is mostly kept well graded. Some parts are quite sandy. When it is dry (most of the time) the road is passable and the journey between Kintore and Alice Springs takes about 6 hours. In the wet the roads become quite slippery and some areas are soft. On some occasions the roads are closed, but this is rare and they are re-opened not too long thereafter although heavy vehicle access is often restricted for a longer period. When in doubt about the condition of the road check with the local police before departing. Always drive within your capabilities and to suit the conditions. A 4WD is recommended. Expect to see wild camels, wedge tail eagles, kangaroos, cattle, owls and the odd dingo.

The Bush Bus provides a weekly service to Kintore. They also provide a light freight service for a small charge. To book call 89530127

Ngurratjuta Air Services operates a twice weekly service on Wednesday and Friday. Mail is delivered on Wednesday.

About the Community

The population varies upon cultural requirements and numbers vary between 300 to 600 Aboriginal people, averaging a usual population of around 400. There is an average of about 20 non indigenous people living in the community. Most work at the Clinic, School, and Community Council Papunya Tula (Art Centre) the Police Station and the Women’s Centre.

The store is open 5 days a week from 9am-12noon and 2pm-5pm and from 9am-12noon on Saturday and closed on Sunday. It stocks a good range of food along with car parts, blankets and toys. Fuel is diesel and avgas. There is no unleaded petrol available in the community.
The traditional language of the Pintubi people is Pintupi, the dialect of neighbouring peoples such as Warlpiri and Luritja is also spoken. English is considered to be a third or forth language for most. The majority of Pintubi speak and understand English well enough to converse at a basic level. Many people also read and write English. Kintore is a designated “dry” community and is strictly enforced by the local Police. The same rules apply to both the Indigenous and non Indigenous residents. Community initiated programs aimed at reducing the number of people sniffing petrol has decreased this practice. The use of other narcotic illegal drugs appears to be small and limited to cannabis.

Water

The water supply comes from an aquifer that has been tested to hold about 10 years of water supply without replenishment. It is recharged from the run off from the ranges and has been carbon tested to be about 30 years old. The water available from the taps is of drinking quality, although it has a mineral and calcium taste. Rain water tanks are situated outside the houses and flats. This is of good quality and is periodically sample tested by the Power and Water Authority. It is advisable to use rain water in the electric jug to prevent the build up of calcium deposits on the element.

TV and Radio

TV programs are transmitted to Kintore via satellite and then re-transmitted locally in a vertically polarized signal by the BRAKS system. Kintore receives three FM radio broadcasts. ABC radio (106.1) Triple J and CAAMA (102.9)

Forbidden Places

There are many areas in the immediate vicinity of Kintore environment into which it is culturally unacceptable to go. In fact it is forbidden. Intentional or accidental straying into these areas will more than likely result in your immediate departure from the community (and Aboriginal land) and possible physical retribution. It is permissible to walk around as long as you remain within the confines of the Kintore community. Many areas outside of the community are also free to venture to walk or run, always consult a local person as to where it is permissible to go. The usual personal safety precautions need to be observed particularly after dark. Travel outside Kintore is encouraged by the locals once they get to know you. There are many nice places to visit and the locals are often keen to show you their country or to take you hunting.