Arabic version: وولورثس تخطط لإغلاق سوبرماركت نولونباي، ردود فعل المجتمع

Woolworths has announced that its supermarket in Nhulunbuy, located in East Arnhem Land, will close at the end of July 2027. This decision has raised concerns about food security for the local community, as there are no major supermarkets nearby. The closest Woolworths store is nearly 1,000 kilometers away in Katherine or Darwin.

According to SBS News, the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation is urging Woolworths to renegotiate the closure decision, emphasizing the lack of consultation with the community. Wanyubi Marika, Chair of the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation, highlighted the unique challenges faced by residents in securing reliable food supplies, given the region’s isolation.

Marika stated that Woolworths is central to food security in Gove, and the community feels ignored in the decision-making process. The corporation has called for negotiations with Woolworths and other stakeholders to develop a solution that addresses the needs of the community.

In response, a Woolworths spokesperson noted the difficulties of operating in such a remote area and mentioned ongoing discussions with another organization to potentially take over the supermarket’s operations. They acknowledged the importance of providing certainty to customers and team members as the situation develops.