23/09/2026
September 2026
Happy 90th Birthday CWA Tennant Creek!
For the last 9 months as part of our ongoing celebrations we have showcased and shared an image every four weeks of the amazing attractions the Barkly region has to offer and has historic connection to our local CWA.
This is our last of our photo shoots.
Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre
On the 23rd September 1936, CWA Tennant Creek Branch was organised under the aegis of the South Australia Country Women’s Association until 1961 when they merged with the twelve-month-old CWA of the Northern Territory. For 90 years the women of this branch, living in a sparsely populated region drew comfort from the companionship other members offered plus through CWA activities they gained new confidence and self-esteem. An outback library was a major focus in those early times where books, magazines or periodicals were very sought after. Another early CWA interest was handicrafts, with instructions provided women became very creative, cooking was encouraged to assist with fundraising; both continue today. Maintaining some traditions and culture that CWA hold dear, they willingly embrace changes of their ever-evolving local community. During the last ninety years lifelong friendships were formed, ideas were shared and stories were told that are handed down to the future members of today.
Nyinkka Nyunyu (pronounced ny-ink-a ny-oo-ny-oo) is a unique art & culture centre (inaugural ceremonies held 9th & 10th July 2003 after seven years of planning under the direction of Warumungu community elders) where you will meet local Warumungu people & discover their connections to this land. On this site is the home to the Nyinkka (spiky-tailed Goanna), a sacred and powerful ancestral being and Wirnkarra (Dreaming). At the heart of the precinct lie the sacred rocks where the Nyinkka resides.
The striking asymmetrical steel buildings (award winning) are set in a landscaped garden featuring indigenous plants, bush tucker and cultural spaces. Outdoor areas are used for performances, workshops and community gatherings. Local Jerry Kelly conducts tours. The gallery/museum presents fascinating insights into contemporary indigenous life, art, cultural activities and history. Powerful stories come together in an experience that invite connection, curiosity and understanding. Browse through the retail shop featuring local art and craft works, gifts etc. The centre opens Tuesday to Friday 9am-2pm, Saturday 9am-12pm. Enjoy a coffee break at the Nyinkka Café, adjacent to the main building.
Nyinkka Nyunyu, guided by Warumungu Traditional Owners and operated by Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation is a keeping place; the return of traditional artefacts & objects are worthy exhibits, therefore at last, bringing the stories home to Warumungu land.
"We never go out of style"
Image : David Curtis Snr - Jungarayi 2000 Photography
CWA NT - Country Women's Association of the Northern Territory Inc.
CWA Tennant Creek
CWA Alice Springs
CWA Darwin
CWA Groote Eylandt branch
CWA - Litchfield Branch
South Australian Country Women's Assoc. (SACWA)
Steve Edgington MLA
Mayor Sid Vashist for Barkly Regional Council
Barkly Regional Council
Friends of the Tennant Creek Branch of the National Trust
Tennant Creek COMMUNITY EVENTS
ABC Alice Springs ABC Darwin
8CCC Community Radio 102.1fm - Alice Springs & Tennant Creek
Battery Hill Gold Mining & Heritage Centre
Tennant Creek Visitor Information Centre
Tourism and Events NT
Tennant Creek Show
Tennant Creek Friends
Tennant Creek in the 80's, 90's and beyond.
