Broome vs Apatula

Broome and Apatula are remote areas located over 1,000 km apart in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Apatula has a far larger First Nations population, with 8,238 people, and a much higher share of people who speak a First Nations language at 80.7%. Broome has a far higher rate of First Nations Year 12 completion at 35.6%, compared to 11.9% in Apatula. Income is also well higher in Broome, where the typical First Nations household earns $1,266, while in Apatula it is $955.

Everyday life in both places relies heavily on cars, as both are mostly car-dependent and neither has any homes within a 10 minute walk of public transport. While Broome has more homes within a 15 minute walk of parks, groceries and schools, Apatula has a far higher share of homes within 15 minutes of health services. The gap in First Nations unemployment is well higher in Apatula, where the rate is 23.7% compared to 17.8% in Broome.