Also known as
Harts Range, Arteyerre.
Location
215 km northeast of Alice Springs.
History
The history of the area draws many tourists each year, for at the turn of the century pastoral settlements were developed at Huckitta, Ambalindum, Alcoota and Mt. Riddock.. At the same time prospectors found mica and gens in Atitjere. During the 1930’s Atitjere mica attained great significance and became on of the most important mines in Australia.
Meanwhile pastoral settlement in the area had been proceeding since 1923. New pastoral country was opened up for settlement and occupied from the 1950’s ending the wholly traditional life in the Eastern Aranda who had not by then been affected by white incursion.
Pressures against Aboriginal residence on stations built up from about 1995 and made the position of Aboriginals untenable. This caused their withdrawal to small ‘living areas’ or to Crown Land such as that near the Atitjere police station.
The permanent and semi-permanent population in Atitjere is generally drawn from the Alice Springs, Sandover area, the main family groups coming from Mt. Riddock Station and neighbouring pastoral properties.
In contrast to other Aboriginal communities and the urban camps, the permanent population of Atitjere includes only one Skin group, the Eastern Aranda. While people from the Alywarra and Anmatjere District, having associations with the community, visit from time to time.
Population
Approximately 250 people.
Languages spoken
Mainly Eastern Arrente, with some Anmatjere and Alyawarre.
Traditional ownership
Eastern Arrente.
Homeland centres
Atitjere services the above-named outstations.
Governance
Governance is the responsibility of:
- Arltarpilta Community Council for municipal service matters (under the Northern Territory’s Local Government Act); and
- The Central Land Council for land-related matters (under the Commonwealth’s Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act 1976).
Land Tenure/Permits
Atitjere is on Aboriginal land. Under the Northern Territory’s Aboriginal Land Act, a written permit is required to visit. Permit applications should be lodged with the Central Land Council.
Intoxicating substances
Alcohol is banned from Atitejere. Severe penalties apply to residents and visitors who breach this law.
Essential infrastructure
Good, with power, water and sewerage supplied. Some older houses are serviced by an ablutions block.
Other facilities
These include a general store, arts and craft centre, school, women’s centre, recreation hall, aged care program, caravan park, basketball court, oval, police station and garage.
Community Life
Atitjere plays an important role as a centre for ceremonial functions in the Sandover area.
Access
By road or air. With road access, the last 47 km are gravel. The airstrip is for day use only.
Associated Communities, Outstations, Homelands:
Irrerlirre
Ilperle
Mt Eaglebeak
Foxalls Well
Pantharrpilenhe
Spotted Tiger
Alcoota
Notes:
Year Round Access
Road access may be restricted during periods of heavy rain. The airstrip can be closed but usually affects the airstrip for one day or so at any particular time.
Police
Police responsible for Atitjere and its surrounds are located in Atitjere and can be contacted on phone 08 8956 9772.
