Rio Tinto takes a stand against violence in the Northern Territory

22 June 2018

Rio Tinto continues to take a stand against family and domestic violence in its communities with support of a national anti-violence conference in Yirrkala, Northeast Arnhem Land this week.

The Aboriginal Family Violence Policing Conference, run from 20-22 June, has been organised in partnership by the Northern Territory Police and the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation with support from Rio Tinto.

Rio Tinto Gove Operations general manager Linda Murry said "We are pleased to support this meaningful event which will not only provide great benefit to our local communities but also to the wider Northern Territory.

"Earlier this year Rio Tinto received a White Ribbon Australia Workplace Accreditation recognising we are taking active steps to support our employees and communities experiencing family and domestic violence. This conference will complement our work in this space."

During the three-day summit delegates will engage with local Yolgnu people and Traditional Owners with the aim to bring new energy, respect and understanding to working with Aboriginal people.

In addition to Traditional Owners and local Aboriginal community members more than 100 Northern Territory police officers will participate in the event. Key NGO and Northern Territory government representatives including Chief Minister Nigel Gunner and Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw will also attend.

The Northern Territory has the highest police employee numbers supporting the smallest population in the country and strong local partnerships are essential for police to engage with Aboriginal communities.

Yirrkala is a community of approximately 700 people located 15 minutes from the town of Nhulunbuy (Gove) and was built to provide infrastructure to the mine workers in the Northeast Arnhem region.

The town has seen a reduction in family and domestic violence since its participation in initiatives such as the ‘No More’ campaign.