Liquor ban for West Australian Aboriginal community

The Aboriginal community of Kalumburu, located 606 kilometers north-west of the Northern Territory border, has officially been put on an alcohol ban for the next three years.

Alcohol Free Zone Sign

File image of Alcohol Free Zone sign. Source: Getty Images

The north-east Kimberley community of Kalumburu, formerly known as Drysdale River Mission, has been declared an alcohol restricted area.

With a population of roughly 400 people, there are an estimated 25 non-Indigenous locals in the community.

The liquor ban is not only for this Aboriginal community but has been applied for a 20-kilometre radius around Kalumburu.

The West Australia government said the ban came after a request from community leaders in the hope it will minimise alcohol-related harm.

Kalumburu is Western Australia’s most remote and isolated Aboriginal community.

It can only be accessed by gravel in the dry season and you must have entry permits before arriving.

The alcohol ban will be in place for the next three years and takes the number of Western Australian communities with alcohol bans to 22.

It’s now an offence to sell, supply, possess, or bring liquor into the community.

Kalumburu has previously been recognised as a “dry community” but the announcement on Saturday has formalised it.

Tourists passing through the restricted area will not be affected.

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Published

Updated

By Rangi Hirini
Source: NITV News


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