1989: NT Government reached agreement with Jawoyn people for lease of national park

1989 was a big year for the Katherine region with the NT Government reaching an agreement with the Jawoyn people for the lease of Katherine Gorge National Park, now known as Nitmiluk National Park.

Title to the Katherine Gorge was handed over to its traditional owners, the Jawoyn people, before a crowd of 3000 people including traditional dancers and various Northern Territory community members. The Federal Aboriginal Affairs Minister Mr Gerry Hand presented the title to Jawoyn leaders at the ceremony held near Katherine River. Published: 11/9/1989. Page 2. NOTE: This picture may contain images of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people who are deceased.

1989 was a big year for the Katherine region.

The NT Government reached an agreement with the Jawoyn people for the lease of Katherine Gorge National Park, now known as Nitmiluk National Park, and Prime Minister Bob Hawke officially opened Stage 1 of RAAF Base Tindal, 15km from the town.

Meanwhile, the sweet sounds of woodwind, brass, percussion and string instruments were heard in the Territory’s capital at the Darwin Symphony Orchestra’s first concert.

Since then, the group has performed with artists across the Territory, including at Glen Helen Gorge, Groote Eylandt and Alice Springs.

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Education was high on the agenda, with the opening of the Northern Territory University.

It was Australia’s first dual sector university, delivering both VET courses and Higher Education for 14 years, before merging with the Northern Territory Rural College in Katherine and Centralian College in Alice Springs to form Charles Darwin University in 2003.

The Territory Wildlife Park also opened in 1989, providing a much-loved place to visit for locals and tourists alike.

Originally published as 1989: NT Government reached agreement with Jawoyn people for lease of national park