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Communities in East Arnhem Land are grappling with uncertainty following Woolworths’ decision to close its Gove store without prior consultation. This abrupt announcement has left residents feeling abandoned, as they face the impending closure of the Nhulunbuy location by the end of June 2027.
For those who call Nhulunbuy home, this development is particularly troubling. With no other major supermarket available in the vicinity, the nearest Woolworths is a daunting 1,000 kilometers away in either Katherine or Darwin. The closure poses significant challenges to the local population, who now worry about their access to essential goods.
The announcement has stirred considerable concern among community groups, including the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation. The corporation’s board members had been in Canberra at the time, advocating for federal investment in the region, only to be blindsided by the news of the store’s impending shutdown.
Wanyubi Marika, Chair of the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation, expressed deep concerns over the impact of this closure. He emphasized the region’s precarious situation regarding food security, highlighting the unique and vulnerable position of those living in East Arnhem Land.
In a statement, Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation Chair Wanyubi Marika said those living in East Arnhem Land are in a “unique and highly vulnerable position when it comes to food security”.
“As a remote region, our only reliable supply route is by barge, which significantly limits access, choice and flexibility,” he said.
“This isolation means there are serious consequences for any disruption to existing food providers.”
The Rirratjingu clan senior leader said that Woolworths is “central” to ensuring food security across Gove as there is no viable alternative.
He said despite assurances by the Woolworths Group community voices would be valued, they were ignored.
“Woolworths has failed to bring us into their conversations. They announced their plan without any meaningful consultation with us, or other regional stakeholders,” he said.
“Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation will not abandon our people or those in other communities and homelands who will be affected by this decision. Rather, we will harness the demonstrated resilience of the region and lead the development of an effective solution.”
Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation has requested negotiations with Woolworths, and the inclusion of the Nhulunbuy community, other Traditional Owner groups, and governments.
“To work with us on developing a fit for purpose solution that serves the interests of all stakeholders,” Wanyubi Marika said.
The corporation has also extended a personal invitation to Woolworths Group Chair Scott Perkins and CEO Amanda Bardwell to visit Nhulunbuy and understand the impact of the store closure.
Mr Marika reminded Woolworths of its public commitments under its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and its commitments to Closing the Gap.
He said their stated values of “care and commitment to better outcomes” have been “fundamentally undermined” by the management of this issue with the Gove community.
In a statement to NITV, a Woolworths spokesperson said Nhulunbuy is their most remote and difficult store to access due to stock being delivered by ocean barge.
“Our store was established more than 50 years ago to serve the community that grew around the local mine. With Rio Tinto’s planned exit, we are considering how the mine’s closure will impact our store’s viability,” they said.
They noted that they are “in conversation” with an organisation to “take over the running of the supermarket”.
“We are in close consultation with our Nhulunbuy team members, traditional owners and the wider community, and we understand the importance of providing certainty for our customers and team as soon as we can.”