Jigalong

Jigalong is a remote Aboriginal community in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It is located about 1,560 kilometers northeast of Perth and about 170 kilometers east of Newman. The traditional owners of the land are the Martu people.

Jigalong Western Australia
Jigalong
Coordinates	23°21′41″S 120°47′01″E / 23.36139°S 120.78361°E / -23.36139; 120.78361
Population	289 (as of 2021)
Established	1907
Elevation	524 m (1,719 ft)
Location	1,070 km (665 mi) NNE of Perth
LGA(s)	Shire of East Pilbara

Jigalong was started in 1907. It was a place where people who were building the rabbit-proof fence could rest and get supplies.

In the 1930s, Jigalong was used for breeding camels. Later, in 1947, it became a Christian mission run by the Apostolic Church. The mission helped the Aboriginal community. In 1969, the land was given back to the Australian government and then to the Martu people in 1974.

Jigalong is known for the story of three Aboriginal girls, Molly Craig, Daisy Craig, and Gracie, who walked over 1,600 kilometers back to Jigalong in 1931. This story was told in the book and movie "Rabbit-Proof Fence."

Jigalong is on the western edge of the Great Sandy Desert.^[1] It is in a dry area with hot summers and warm winters. The community is located near the ancient rabbit-proof fence.

The population of Jigalong is around 300 people. Most of the people living there are Aboriginal. The main language spoken is Martu Wangka.

The Jigalong Remote Community School provides education for children from kindergarten to Year 12. The community also has a medical center run by Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Services.

1. ↑ Jigalong Community Layout Plan No. 2 Planning Report & Provisions Archived 26 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine, Western Australian Planning Commission, September 2005.