Papunya and Outstations vs Yuelamu

Papunya and Outstations and Yuelamu are two remote areas in the Northern Territory. Papunya and Outstations is far larger, with 448 First Nations people compared to 142 in Yuelamu. There are significant gaps in employment and education; for example, First Nations unemployment is far higher in Yuelamu at 53.6% compared to 14.5% in Papunya and Outstations. However, Yuelamu has a far higher rate of First Nations Year 12 completion, at 18.2% compared to 5.8% in Papunya and Outstations.

Both areas have tracked similarly since 2011, remaining largely isolated with no homes within a short walk of public transport, parks or groceries. They share a very strong cultural connection, with 96.0% of people in Papunya and Outstations and 95.1% in Yuelamu speaking a First Nations language. Typical First Nations household incomes are also very similar, sitting at $875 in Papunya and Outstations and $833 in Yuelamu.