Warrabri (1954 - 1978)

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Warrabri was established as a government settlement in 1956 to replace Phillip Creek Native Settlement. Run by the Welfare Branch of the Northern territory Administration, it was situated 24 miles south east of Wauchope, more than 100kms South of Tennant Creek.

Work began on the site in 1954, with two bores being sunk for water, and in 1955 the settlement was laid out and the first four staff residences constructed. By June 1956 all residents of the Phillip Creek Native Settlement had been transferred to the new settlement at Warrabri and Phillip Creek was closed. Missionaries from Australian Baptist Home Mission provided welfare services at Warrabri from 1957. It does not appear that the dormitories for Aboriginal children that operated at Phillip Creek continued to operate at Warrabri. A school was established for Aboriginal children as well as training facilities for young adults.

A 1958-59 NT Administration Report states that 368 adults and children were resident at the settlement.

By 1977 it was reported that 200 children between 3 and 17 were attending the Warrabri School.

With the passage of the Aboriginal Land Rights (N.T.) Act 1976, reserve land was returned to the traditional owners. The official handover of the land title for reserve at Warrabri occurred on 4 September 1978. Warrabri came under the control of a Lands Trust run by the local Aboriginal Community. It became known as Ali Curung and ceased to operate as a Government Settlement.