It has been 40 years since the small Barkly community of Canteen Creek was established and the residents are in celebration mode.

Set on Alyawarr land around 180 kilometres southeast of Tennant Creek, Canteen Creek was established by Raymond Butcher Mick who wanted to move his family from town back to the bush to develop a strong connection to the land.

Mr Mick, who has since passed away, was insistent that the community was alcohol-free and it remains dry to this day,

Forty years on, Canteen Creek is still growing strong, and last Sunday, the community was in celebration mode, with a football match between Canteen Creek and Ampilatwatja being the highlight of the day.

Territory Labor candidate for Barkly in the forthcoming election, Lizzie Hogan, was right in amongst the celebrations.

She said she was pretty chuffed to be able to spread the good news about new housing bound for Canteen Creek and neighbouring Epenarra which will see 12 new homes, and upgrades to six homes across the two communities.

“People were very pleased to hear that news,” Lizzie said.

“They have been waiting a long time and now it’s going to happen.

“Not only will there be new homes, but there will be extensions and upgrades to existing homes, as well as fencing works.”

The works are part of a $21 million investment across four communities, including Ali Curung and Imangara.

“The Territory Labor Government has built and upgraded 500 homes in the Barkly, which is more new homes than ever before,” Lizzie said.

“That’s why I’m so proud to throw my hat into the ring as a Labor candidate.

“The Barkly needs more housing, as well as road works and other infrastructure upgrades, and as far as I’m concerned we need a Labor government to continue these works because their track record shows they are serious about the bush.”

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 5 July 2024