Nauiyu/Daly River residents are preparing for an emotional return home following a major clean-up and housing restoration program in the wake of the major flooding event that devastated the region earlier this year.
About 50 residents who have lived in evacuation centres in Darwin and temporary accommodation in Batchelor for months during the response and recovery effort were told today that they will be able to begin to return to their homes on Friday.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said returning residents home safely remained the Northern Territory Government's priority.
"This is an important milestone for Nauiyu residents and the wider community after an incredibly challenging period," she said.
"Families have spent almost three months away from home, and we recognise how significant this moment is for residents returning to community, reconnecting with family and beginning the next stage of recovery.
"This return has only been possible because of the combined efforts of community leaders, local organisations, government agencies, contractors and support services working together on the ground."
Residents were evacuated from Nauiyu for the second time this year in early March after the Daly River reached a record height of 16.26 metres.
Almost 400 people were evacuated from Nauiyu/Daly River, with more than 280 residents supported through evacuation centres in Darwin and temporary accommodation in Batchelor during the response and recovery effort.
The staged return home follows months of coordinated recovery work across government and community, including large-scale clean-up operations, housing restoration, infrastructure repairs and restoration of essential services.
Key supports currently in place in Nauiyu include:
Food and Fuel
The community store has been cleaned and will reopen on Wednesday 27 May. A food van remains operational in the community.A boil water alert remains in place. Residents are advised to boil water before drinking or cooking.Bottled water will be provided for families with bottle-fed babies.Fuel is now available within the community.
Education
Wooliana School is open and operating for enrolled students.Education support arrangements will be in place for students from St Francis Xavier Catholic School.
Health and medical services
A temporary clinic is operating for immediate healthcare needs.Medically vulnerable and aged care residents will remain in supported accommodation until health services and housing arrangements are fully restored.
Recovery works remain ongoing across Nauiyu, including housing repairs, safety inspections, waste removal and restoration of critical infrastructure.
The Northern Territory Government continues to work closely with Victoria Daly Regional Council, Green River Aboriginal Corporation and local service providers to support long-term recovery and community wellbeing.
The Department of Logistics and Infrastructure continues to lead housing clean-up, assessment and restoration works to enable more residents to return home safely in coming weeks.
