About us

Mala'la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation services Maningrida and surrounding homelands in North East Arnhem Land.


Find out what we are passionate about, how we got here and who we are.

Our Vision


"To improve the health & well-being of our people in the Maningrida community and surrounding outstations"

Our Vision


"To improve the health & well-being of our people in the Maningrida community and surrounding outstations"

Our Community


Manayingkarírra

Maningrida

Maningrida is a remote indigenous community in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. It is located approximately 520 km east of Darwin and 300 km north east of Jabiru. 


The name Maningrida comes from the Kunibidji name Manayingkarírra, which comes from Mane Djang Karirra (the place where the dreaming changed shape). Traditional landowners of the country are the Kunibidji people whose language is Ndjebbana, however there are a further thirteen different languages spoken in Maningrida.


Most people in the community can speak three or four languages. Burarra (46%), Ndjébbana (12%), Eastern Kunwinjku, Na-Kara and Wurlaki are also quite widely spoken. Maningrida has a population of approximately 2,600 people, including those who live on the 30 surrounding homeland outstations.


Maningrida has a School (Preschool to Year 12), Creche facilities, Health Clinic, Police Station, Post Office, Banks, ATMs, Centrelink, Swimming Pool, multiple food outlets, two Supermarkets, Service Stations, Auto Workshop, Arts & Crafts Centre, commercial accommodation and a tarmac Airport with daily commercial flights to Darwin.

Living and working remotely


Living and working remotely can be a very unique, challenging and rewarding experience.


While living remotely, you have the opportunity to learn more about who you are as an individual, while making a positive contribution to the community.


You will also have the chance to immerse yourself in a new culture and language while learning from the local indigenous people. You will meet and developing good relationships with members of the community, which will enhance your capacity to work and live in a remote context. 


The majority of residents are local Aboriginal people with deep connections to the country on which the community is established.

Our Story 


Malabam Health Board Aboriginal Corporation became incorporated under the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations on the 28th of September 1998.


On the 20th of July 2018, our organisation changed name and became known as Mala’la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation


Whilst the idea of becoming a Community Controlled health organisation was first talked about in the early 2000’s, it wasn’t until 2017 that the Board of Directors made the decision that Community Control was indeed the way forward for Mala’la.


The transition of Primary Health Care services to Community Control was a staged process, with the first health programs transitioning in October 2019, followed by the transition of the mortuary in July 2020. 

On the 1st of February 2021, the remaining health programs were transitioned and Mala’la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation was officially an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO). 

What's in a name?

The name Mala’la relates to the mangrove tree of the Maningrida region, of which the Ndjébbana speaking Kunibídji people are the Traditional Owners. Mala’la is the Ndjébbana word for ‘mangrove’. 


Our logo represents the significance of the mangrove tree of this region and what it means to our people. 

The mud represents ‘culture and law’, in which the mangrove tree grows. The trunk of the tree represents the Maningrida community, whilst the roots represent the many surrounding homelands, demonstrating the importance of the surrounding homelands to the community. The crown of the mangrove tree represents healthy people, growing well and strong in a culturally secure environment.

Our Values


Respect Trust EMPATHY

CARE PASSIONATE

non-judgmental

Integrity compassion

Management Team


Meet the folks who make it all happen!


We see big potential in every moment and care deeply about what we do every day. Our leadership team reflects a group of diverse individuals with breadth and depth of experience across the organisation.

Board Members


Our Partnerships


Australian Government Department of Health
Australian Government Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Northern Territory Department of Health
Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory
Northern Territory PHN
West Arnhem Regional Council
Menzies School of Health Research
Remote Area Health Corps
Brien Holden Vision Institute
Maningrida College
Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporation
Northern Territory General Practice Education
Share by: