Peppimenarti is the Ngan’gi word for big rock, which aptly describes the view from the banks of Tom Turner’s creek on the edge of the Moyle plain 300 odd klicks southwest of Darwin. Our school has an enrolment of around 50 local students and services a number of outstations from Nadirri northwest of here and Merrepen to the south. Bushtell have some more community information here and also check out Territory Stories. You can see our ‘My School’ profile here.
Peppimenarti school is supported by Food Bank SA, Kmart, Soap Aid, and Red Dust who also contribute to our arts and sport activities, you can see our kids here, here and, here in their latest productions, thanks to their team.
Weather:
Temperatures range from overnight lows of 18 degrees in the dry season (April-September) and occasional week of 45 degrees highs in the build-up to the wet season (October to March). The annual rainfall is approximately 600-700mm. We don’t flood, but everywhere around us can do.
What to wear:
It is recommended that you wear modest clothing, which will cover the thighs, tops of arms and midriff. Remember that you are a guest on Aboriginal land it is important to dress appropriately in a way that will not offend. In (post missionary) Aboriginal culture, tight-fitting clothes around the thighs and groin (and sometimes upper arms) may be considered promiscuous or offensive.
Do wear:
• Loose-fitting and long styles (below the knee) of the following: shorts, skirts, pants, trousers or dresses.
• Loose shirts or T-Shirts with sleeves.
• You may be invited to sit on the ground so wear clothes that won’t cause embarrassment or discomfort in such a situation.
Don’t wear:
• Tight figure-hugging clothing eg tight jeans, hipsters, skirts.
• See-through clothing or clothing that exposes too much.
Getting here:
The road from Darwin is bitumen to Daly River. Once you’ve crossed the Daly River Bridge there is 80 km of dirt road to the Peppi turn off. The dirt track is often impassable in the wet season, check with us before leaving Daly River so we can come looking for you. Careful driving and a 4WD is recommended at any time of the year. Directions and outstations & NT gov Maps. Once you get here you may want this community map.
Communication:
Like most of Australia only Telstra phones work out here and if you want internet you’ll have to sign up for 4g or a satellite connection. Between here and the bitumen you’ll need a satellite phone if you want to call for assistance.
There’s a photo album produced by Durrmu Arts here with some images from when Peppimenarti was re-established in the 1970’s as a cattle station as well as more recent photos.
Principal: Eric Barrows
Phone: 0447 395 828 (08 8978 2455)
Email: Eric.Barrows@education.nt.gov.au
Mail: PMB (Private Mail Bag) 49 via Winnellie NT 0822
Physical: Lot 31 (Crossroads) Peppimenarti Northern Territory
Department of Education Northern Territory Government
ABN 88 225 224 900 (Peppimenarti School Council)