Walungurru and Outstations vs West MacDonnell Ranges

Walungurru and Outstations and West MacDonnell Ranges are two remote areas in the Northern Territory. Walungurru and Outstations is much more walkable, with 97.5% of homes within a 15-minute walk of schools, health services and groceries. In contrast, only 31.3% of homes in West MacDonnell Ranges are near health services, and the area is car-dependent. First Nations identity is very strong in both, but it is far higher in Walungurru and Outstations, where 92.7% of people speak a First Nations language.

Both areas face similar challenges, with First Nations unemployment rates sitting at around 28% and no homes within walking distance of public transport. The gap in First Nations Year 12 completion is widening, as West MacDonnell Ranges is now well higher at 11.8% compared to just 3.3% in Walungurru and Outstations. While the typical First Nations resident in West MacDonnell Ranges is slightly older at 30, the area has a far larger First Nations population with 672 people.