Families will return to their small community off the coast of the Northern Territory's gulf region after years of displacement.
The residents of Mumathumburru (West Island) were forced to leave their homeland in 2021, after the community's ageing energy system failed.
“With no power, our water pumps stopped working too and our family were made to move to Borroloola where we’ve lived in overcrowded housing with relatives for four years now," Garrwa elder Shirley Simon said.
"We come back as much as we can to be on our homeland, but the cost of diesel for the generator and keeping our boat running is too much.
"I used to cry for my homeland sitting empty, hoping to see my grandkids grow up there one day.”
The displaced families started a campaign to restore energy services to Mumuthumburru, creating a short film to highlight impacts of energy insecurity on the community.
After raising $150,000 for a solar power energy system for Mumuthumburru, community members like Ms Simon can finally return back to their homeland.
“Thanks to your generosity, solar power will guide me and my family back to our special Saltwater Country," she said.
"I’m looking forward to raising the next generation on their homeland now with everything we need for a healthy life."
The solar energy system was installed by First Nations organisations Ngardara Cooperative, based in Borroloola, and Original Power.
Both organisations focus on renewable energy for Indigenous communities.
"The Mumuthumburru model shows what is possible when communities are empowered to take control of their energy needs," Ngardara Cooperative director and Garrwa man, Scott McDinny said.
"We hope this success will inspire further support and investment from the government and other stakeholders."
Original Power clean energy communities coordinator Lauren Mellor said this project shows the viability of solar energy in remote communities and the need to improve essential services, like power, in homeland communities.
"The Mumuthumburru model provides a blueprint for other homelands communities to benefit from renewable energy," she said.
"With the housing crisis facing the Northern Territory, it makes sense to support homeland communities where significant housing investments have already been made, to return to Country, supported by reliable power services.”
