Electricity has been restored to the Pirlangimpi community on Melville Island following the destruction of the local power station by fire late last week.
On Saturday night, a fire tore through the community's power station, destroying three generation units and cutting power to around 370 residents. While the cause of the blaze is not considered suspicious, investigations remain ongoing.
Essential services, including the local store, clinic, water supply, Telstra network, and sewerage systems, continued to operate during the outage through the use of individual generators coordinated by emergency response teams.
Acting Chief Minister Gerard Maley travelled to Pirlangimpi on Thursday to meet with residents and frontline responders, including Power and Water Corporation staff and Northern Territory Police officers, who have led restoration efforts under challenging circumstances.
"The rapid restoration of power within days of such a significant event is a testament to the commitment and professionalism of Power and Water staff, emergency responders, and the resilience of the Pirlangimpi community," Mr Maley said.
"The collective response has been nothing short of extraordinary, with daily community meetings, barbecues, and neighbours supporting one another through this difficult time. It demonstrates the strength and unity that defines Pirlangimpi."
A barge carrying two temporary generators and supporting equipment arrived on Tuesday. Power was restored to households that same evening using the smaller unit, with essential services scheduled to transition to the larger generator by Thursday.
Planning is now underway for the design and construction of a permanent replacement power station, expected to take at least two years to complete.
Community engagement has been central to the response, with NT Police leading daily meetings attended by more than 250 residents. Up to 200 people have been catered for daily through community barbecues, supported by the Tiwi Islands Regional Council, Power and Water, NT Police, the community store, and private donors.
Food waste collection commenced on Tuesday to assist households in safely disposing of spoiled goods. Options for customer support services are currently under active consideration.
Minister Maley praised the courage of first responders who were on the scene immediately after the fire broke out.
"Our NT Police officers acted with bravery and selflessness on Saturday night, placing themselves at risk to protect the community. Their actions are commendable and deeply appreciated," he said.
Power and Water Executive General Manager Power Services Belinda Small said:
"The safety and wellbeing of the Pirlangimpi community have been our first priority. The rapid delivery and installation of temporary generation has restored power supply, and we are working closely with the community to provide support and plan for long-term solutions."
