Health Care and Medical Jobs in East Arnhem
Home to the Yolngu people, East Arnhem is a diverse paradise full of rugged coastlines, white sandy beaches and rich Aboriginal culture
The East Arnhem region is located in the far north of the Northern Territory and covers an area of about 41,000 square kilometres extending west to Milingimbi and south to Groote Eylandt and has a population of around 16,000. It encompasses the towns of Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula, Alyangula on Groote Eylandt, the islands of Elcho and Milingimbi and the major Aboriginal communities on the mainland.
The East Arnhem region accounts for three per cent of the Northern Territory's population. Throughout the region, there are more than 100 homelands and outstations that are almost exclusively Aboriginal in population and range from 30 to 200 people.
With a population of less than 4,000 people, Nhulunbuy is a remote township located on the Gove peninsula in East Arnhem and as the hub for East Arnhem Regional Health Service, services the Nhulunbuy Township, provides the Acute care Hospital for the region, and provides outreach medical services to four remote health centres on Groote Eylandt.
All regional health services in East Arnhem are provided and managed by the Regional Executive Director. East Arnhem works in close partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations which operate a number of health care services dispersed across the region.
Health services in the region are comprised of acute care, primary health care and mental health and alcohol and other drugs services. Acute care is provided through the Gove District Hospital which delivers a range of medical, surgical, emergency, gynaecology, maternal and child health, paediatrics, ophthalmology, palliative care, cardiology and dialysis.
Primary health care provides community allied health and aged care, oral health services, environmental health, public health, and remote health centres.
Home to the Yolngu people, one of the largest Aboriginal groups in Australia, it is an area rich in Aboriginal culture and is a diverse paradise surrounded by rugged coastlines and pristine white sandy beaches. Spend your mornings strolling along the unspoiled beach on the Arafura Sea, or cast a line out and take your catch to one of the local restaurants, where they will prepare it for you. It doesn’t get any fresher than that!
How to get there
You can travel to East Arnhem by:
Flights to East Arnhem are available through Air North. You will land at the local Gove Airport and taxis are available to take you to your accommodation.
East Arnhem is roughly 1,050 kilometres, or a 12 to 17 hour drive (dependant on conditions), from Darwin via the Central Arnhem Road. This road connects with the Stuart Highway 50 kilometres south of Katherine. Over 600 kilometres long, the journey is on a gravel road, so a 4WD vehicle and planning your drive in advance, as distances between fuel stops and accommodation options is recommended.
Culture
Yolngu culture in northeast Arnhem Land — a heartland of Aboriginal culture and land rights — is among the oldest living cultures on earth, stretching back more than 40,000 years. Yolngu people of Arnhem Land speak a dozen dialects of a language group known as Yolngu Matha. English is very much a second (or thirteenth) language. The people of East Arnhem work hard to protect, prolong and develop its rich, ancient Aboriginal culture. Each August, East Arnhem host the Garma Festival - a celebration of Yolngu culture where the cross-cultural exchange is immersive for all that attend.
Families and individuals alike come to East Arnhem to enjoy the beaches and natural terrains giving locals and visitors a happy escape from the hustle and bustle of city living. This is the perfect place for outdoor lovers who just can’t get enough of fishing, bush-walking, camping and bush-tucker safaris.
Health
The Gove District Hospital (GDH) is located in the town of Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula. GDH is a 30 bed hospital and provides a broad range of medical, surgical, emergency, paediatric, respite and maternity services to the East Arnhem Region population. It is the referral centre for 15 remote community clinics that refer patients to hospital for inpatient, outpatient and specialist care.
GDH offers a number of non-admitted services, including Ophthalmology, Cardiology and Gynaecological services.
The key range of health services provided across the Gove District Hospital encompasses:
- 24 hour accident and emergency care
- general surgical, medical and paediatric care
- two respite places and two emergency respite places
- elective and 24 hour emergency surgery
- maternity services including caesarean capability
- visiting specialists care
- 24 hour medical imaging (on call service after hours)
- pharmacy and pathology
- support services including engineering, catering, housekeeping and laundry, stores, mortuary and cyclone shelter.
East Arnhem is also serviced by a district medical officer who provides expert clinical advice and may refer serious cases to the local hospital or to the Royal Darwin Hospital via air.
There are 3 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in East Arnhem - Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation, and Marthakal Homelands Health Service.
Employment opportunities
Employment opportunities are available in occupations ranging from teaching to heavy machinery operators. The largest employer in East Arnhem is the mining industry, which earns the region over $1 million a year.
Discover jobs in East Arnhem.
Property in East Arnhem
Housing choices range from units and flats to homes for families, and you will find some specialty stores and a bank at the shopping centre. For information on the real estate market in East Arnhem, check your favourite online real estate website for accommodation options.
Childcare and Education
There are currently 12 primary and secondary schools, as well as 6 early childhood and childcare schools located across the East Arnhem region. The majority of these are public schools.
Weather
Just like the Top End, East Arnhem has a tropical climate, and only the 2 seasons.
During the dry season East Arnhem residents enjoy sunshine filled 32℃ days and 20℃ nights. The humidity drops to a comfortable 60-65%, making it the perfect condition for outdoor living.
The wet season generally starts in November/December and usually ends in April. Temperatures can reach 35℃ and with an increase in humidity, bringing the refreshing monsoonal rains and spectacular storms.
Testimonials
A great lifestyle goes with the Territory. Discover what East Arnhem’s locals have to say about living in Australia’s hidden oasis
Greater career opportunity goes with the territory.
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