Lifting of Travel Restrictions for Groote Eylandt and Bickerton Island

Following advice from the Northern Territory Government’s Chief Health Officer (CHO), the designations of the Darwin and Katherine lockdown areas were lifted at 12pm (midday) on 19 and 20 August 2021 respectively. While travel restrictions linked to these designations have also been lifted, a number of precautionary measures remain in place to protect community from Covid-19.

While travel to and from Groote Eylandt and Bickerton Island has resumed, anyone wishing to travel to these areas is advised to check the latest travel advice from the CHO on the Northern Territory Government’s Coronavirus at Coronavirus (COVID-19) (nt.gov.au) to ensure they meet the appropriate requirements prior to travelling.

Groote Eylandt and Bickerton Island residents who were in a designated lockdown area are now able to return home. Support is available for any residents who are required to isolate for a 14 day period under the CHO’s advice. Anyone in need of assistance is advised to contact Yilli Rreung Housing Aboriginal Corporation on (08) 8935 0100 or Larrakia Nation on 1800 PATROL.

If you are feeling unwell, do not travel to Groote Eylandt or Bickerton Island. Protecting our community remains the responsibility of everyone, and we ask that you respect the wishes of our Aboriginal communities during this difficult period.

Travel restrictions for those coming from interstate may still apply, and visitors to Groote Eylandt and Bickerton Island are advised to check the latest Northern Territory Government advice in relation to this.

For further information on the current travel requirements in place for the Groote Eylandt and Bickerton Island please contact the:

• Northern Territory Government’s Coronavirus Lockdown Advice Hotline on 1800 490 080
• Office of Township Leasing on 1800 152 259
• Anandilyakwa Land Council on (08) 8987 4006

For current information about COVID-19 Coronavirus:

Coronavirus Health Information Line
1800 020 080
Call for information on Coronavirus COVID-19. Operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

NT COVID-19 hotline
1800 490 484
Coronavirus (COVID-19) (nt.gov.au)
For information on COVID-19 in the Territory call the hotline.

NT Coronavirus Lockdown Business Advice Hotline
1800 193 111
For information on lockdown arrangements call the hotline.

Australian Government Department of Health
Latest news, alerts and situation status within Australia. Protection advice and fact sheets.

SecureN
Latest news, alerts, situation status and advice relevant to the Northern Territory. Health message recordings in Aboriginal languages.

World Health Organisation (WHO)
Public advice for personal and organisational protection, global situation updates.