Nitjpurru Community Health Centre
Also known as Pigeon Hole or Bunbidee
PMB 45, Katherine NT 0852
P: 08 8975 0910 | F: 08 8977 1026
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Nitjpurru is located roughly 420km south west of Katherine, and the community was established by former workers from Pigeon Hole station. The principal language of Nitjpurru is Bilinara, with Mudburra also important. Ngaringman and Gurindji are spoken by some people.
While the area and the health centre are widely known as Pigeon Hole, the community where the health centre is located is actually called Nijburru (alternative spelling Nitjpurru). Pigeon Hole is the station, 7km away.
Sometimes the community is referred to as Bunbidee (alternative and correct spelling Banbidi), and the school is actually named the Bunbidee school. However Bunbidee really refers to the locality on the other side of the river to Nitjpurru.
Population of the community is around 35 normally, but the health service has been known to be responsible for up to 120 people. The local roads are all dirt. The best access is to Kalkarindji for medical evacuation by road, as most of that road is sealed. The community has a primary school. A plane flies in to cater for about 15 senior students who are schooled elsewhere (but it is not possible for this plane to take other passengers).
Nitjpurru Health Services Information
The health centre is staffed by one Aboriginal Health Worker (who may or may not be available for emergencies from time to time), and receives assistance from visiting Remote Nurses from Yarralin once a week. GP Services are provided by a visiting GP from Timber Creek once a month.
Programs running in the community:
School screening
Well women checks
Well men checks
Under 5 screening
Visiting services to the community:
Physiotherapy — As required.
Occupational Therapist — As required.
Mental health — As required.
Family Youth & Community Services — As required.
Environmental Health Officers — Twice each year.
Pharmacy
Clinic staff dispense appropriate medications according to need and eligibility to the resident population of Nijburru and Pigeon Hole station.