Willowra teachers evacuated due to ongoing community violence

TEACHERS have been ordered to leave a remote Central Australian community after recent unrest

Teachers have been evacuated from the Willowra (Wirliyajarrayi) community, some 300km northwest of Alice Springs. Photo: Chris Tangey

TEACHERS have been ordered to leave the remote Central Australian community of Willowra due to recent unrest.

Acting Superintendent Michael Potts said police on the ground had confirmed there had been “some minor unrest” in the community.

However, there have been no reports of large scale fighting or subsequent injuries.

“Officers within the community are investigating the unlawful entry of the school last week,” he said.

“There was a number of unlawful entries during the school holidays, of which the offenders were identified and dealt with either in the Youth Court or via Youth Diversion.

“Members are currently based in the community to monitor the situation, provide a presence and ensure public safety.”

Education Minister Selena Uibo told ABC Darwin because staff felt unsafe the department didn’t take any chances and removed staff from the community.

AMAZING OFFER: Subscribe to the NT News online for just $5 a month (min $5)

“There’s been other advice that there is police in the community and that they’re looking at settling any of the unrest that is happening,” she said.

“There are police on the ground, supporting the community and settling that community.

“I’m hoping we’ll have our staff return when the department deems it safe for them to do so.

“But worker conditions and safety are absolutely a priority for all of our staffers and education leaders.”