Homes of essential workers targeted in series of break-ins in Yuendumu

THE Central Australian community of Yuendumu is once again in crisis following a series of break-ins targeting the homes of workers, according to a recent report

The Yuendumu welcome sign. Picture: Matt Garrick

THE Central Australian community of Yuendumu is once again in crisis following a series of break-ins targeting the homes of workers, according to a recent report.

The Australian reported that the houses of workers from the local school, police and health clinic in Yuendumu had recently been burgled and trashed, and an ambulance stolen as police struggle to respond.

It claims one health clinic worker has left in direct response to the recent unrest, and that the Northern Territory Health Department and police are working to prevent the clinic from closing and further essential workers from leaving.

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The last time the community’s health clinic closed was in November 2019, when workers were evacuated in response to a series of break-ins at the nurses’ quarters.

The evacuation came days before the death of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker on November 9, who due to the lack of medical staff was unable to receive treatment after he was shot by a police officer at a house in the community.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday Health Minister Natasha Fyles said the alleged incidents in Yuendumu were under investigation and health staff were getting the support they needed.

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“I understand that health staff were targeted, and so police and health are working together to make sure that those staff on the ground feel safe, but can still continue to deliver services to the community,” she said.

She said the Yuendumu clinic would remain open over the Christmas and New Year period.

According to The Australian, two 13-year-olds have been arrested and released in ­relation to some of the recent incidents.

Originally published as Homes of essential workers targeted in series of break-ins in Yuendumu