Organisations
Maralinga Tjarutja Inc. and Oak Valley (Maralinga) Inc. are Indigenous organisations controlled by two Aboriginal Councils — Maralinga Tjarutja Council and Oak Valley (Maralinga) Community Council. The Councils are comprised of Anangu people, the traditional owners of the Maralinga Lands.
Maralinga Tjarutja Inc. was established under the Maralinga Tjarutja Land Rights Act, 1984 as the body corporate to administer all matters concerning the Maralinga Tjarutja Lands. Oak Valley (Maralinga) Inc. was incorporated in 1986 to establish, develop and manage housing, infrastructure and community services at Oak Valley.
Oak Valley
Oak Valley Aboriginal Community is located in a remote location on the southern fringe of The Great Victoria Desert, approximately 540 kilometres northwest of Ceduna. Oak Valley has a fluctuating population of 50-80 people but can reach over 300 during cultural business, sporting and other community events.
Oak Valley was established in 1985 as a community outstation for Anangu people displaced from the Maralinga Lands for the British atomic tests. Oak Valley (Maralinga) Inc. has project-managed the establishment and development of the community, including the provision of housing, roads and other infrastructure. Oak Valley is now serviced with a store, mechanics garage, health clinic, aged care centre, a new school and an airstrip. The community also has a CDEP program and arts workshop for local employment and cultural development activities.
Power and water infrastructure have generally constrained the development of the community; however, several initiatives are presently being actioned to address these issues.
See also: https://oakvalley.com.au/
