{{Use Australian English|date=April 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}} {{Infobox Australian place | type = town | name = Timber Creek | state = nt | image = | caption = | image_alt = | relief = | coordinates = {{coord|15|38|43|S|130|28|28|E|display=inline,title}} | pushpin_label_position = | map_alt = | pop = 278 | pop_year = {{CensusAU|2021}} | pop_footnotes = <ref name="census21">{{Census 2021 AUS|id=SAL70257|name=Timber Creek (All Persons) |accessdate=15 July 2022|quick=on}}</ref> | poprank = | density = | density_footnotes = | established = 1898 | established_footnotes = | abolished = | gazetted = | postcode = 0852 | elevation = | elevation_footnotes = | area = | area_footnotes = | timezone = | utc = | timezone-dst = | utc-dst = | dist1 = 601 | dir1 = | location1 = Darwin | dist2 = 286 | dir2 = | location2 = Katherine | lga = Victoria Daly Region | region = | county = | stategov = Daly | fedgov = Lingiari | url = | maxtemp = | maxtemp_footnotes = | mintemp = | mintemp_footnotes = | rainfall = | rainfall_footnotes = | near-n = | near-ne = | near-e = | near-se = | near-s = | near-sw = | near-w = | near-nw = | near = | footnotes = }}
'''Timber Creek''', traditionally known as '''Makalamayi''', is an isolated small town on the banks of the Victoria River in the Northern Territory of Australia. The Victoria Highway passes through the town, which is the only significant settlement between the Western Australia border and the town of Katherine to the east. Timber Creek is approximately {{convert|600|km|mi}} south of Darwin, in an area known for its scenic escarpments and boab trees.
==History==
===Pre-European history=== The Ngaliwurru and Nungali peoples, two Aboriginal Australian peoples, are the original inhabitants and traditional owners of the lands surrounding the town.<ref>{{cite web | title=Traditional owners win Timber Creek claim | website=ABC News| date=17 July 2006 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-07-17/traditional-owners-win-timber-creek-claim/1803900 | access-date=12 February 2024}}</ref> Their way of life remained unchanged for tens of thousands of years until first contact with Europeans in the 19th century. The traditional name for the locality is "Makalamayi".<ref name=antar>{{cite web | title=The Timber Creek compensation case | website=ANTAR | date=12 December 2023 | url=https://antar.org.au/issues/native-title/the-timber-creek-compensation-case/ | access-date=12 February 2024}}</ref><ref name="fahcsia">FAHCSIA [http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/indigenous/pubs/annualreports/aboriginal_land_comm_reports/timber_creek/Documents/21.PDF Timber Creek Land Claim, Report no. 21], 1985 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323022635/http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/indigenous/pubs/annualreports/aboriginal_land_comm_reports/timber_creek/Documents/21.PDF |date=23 March 2012 }}</ref><ref name=hilly/>
===European exploration=== In 1839, HMS ''Beagle'', under the command of Captain John Wickham, sailed into the Victoria River.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ridgway |first1=Peter |title=Minor Ports of Australia |date=1988 |publisher=Australian Association for Maritime History |location=Perth |page=11 |edition=First}}</ref>
In September 1855, Augustus Charles Gregory and a party of 19 men reached the mouth of the Victoria River. The party's schooner, ''Tom Tough'', proceeded along the river, landing near the present town of Timber Creek and a base camp for the expedition was established.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.travelling-australia.info/Infsheets/Northaustraliaexpedition.html |title=Travelling Australia information website|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307230847/http://www.travelling-australia.info/Infsheets/Northaustraliaexpedition.html|archive-date= 7 March 2016}}</ref> Gregory named a nearby stream "Timber Creek" on 24 November while seeking timber to make repairs to the boat.<ref name="place names">{{cite web | website=Place Names Register | title=Place Names Register Extract: Timber Creek | url=http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/placenames/view.jsp?id=18974 | access-date=12 February 2024}}</ref>
Gregory inscribed of the dates of this expedition on a large boab tree near the original campsite, located approximately {{convert|15|km|mi}} from the present town; the tree, and the inscription, can still be seen today, and is known as Gregory's Tree.<ref name="kath">{{cite web|publisher=Katherine Town Council |url=http://www.visitkatherine.com.au/pages/timber-creek-victoria-river/ |title=Timber Creek & Victoria River |accessdate=10 May 2012}}</ref><ref name=ma>{{cite web | title=Gregory's Tree | website=Monument Australia | url=https://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/landscape/exploration/display/80254-gregory%60s-tree- | access-date=12 October 2022}}</ref> The scientific name of the boab, ''Adansonia gregorii'', was named in honour of Gregory.<ref name=gregstree>{{cite web | title=Gregory's Tree, Timber Creek | website=Visit the Northern Territory, Australia | url=https://northernterritory.com/katherine-and-surrounds/see-and-do/gregorys-tree-timber-creek | access-date=12 October 2022}}</ref>
===20th century development=== A police station was constructed in 1898, and substantially upgraded in 1908 as river traffic grew to service pastoral properties being established in the area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timbercreekhotel.com.au/about_timber_creek.html|title=About Timber Creek |publisher=Timber Creek Hotel / Fogarty's Store / Circle F Caravan Park |accessdate=10 May 2012}}</ref> In 1911, a depot was established to service the river trade.<ref name="place names"/> Historical records from the late 19th and early 20th century indicate there were ongoing tensions, and isolated incidents of violence between pastoralist and Aboriginal residents in the area at during this time.<ref name="fahcsia"/>
During World War II growing concerns over a Japanese invasion of northern Australia led to the formation of the 2/1st North Australia Observer Unit, a highly mobile reconnaissance unit led by local Aboriginal guides who knew the local landscape. The role of this unit was to report any enemy landings on isolated areas of the coastline.<ref>Australia at War [http://www.ozatwar.com/ausarmy/naou.htm 2/1 NORTH AUSTRALIA OBSERVER UNIT (2/1 NAOU) THE "NACKEROOS"]</ref> The unit was active in the Timber Creek and Victoria River areas, recognised in 1998 with a memorial to the "Nackeroos" – the nickname for those who served with this unique unit – being constructed near the town.<ref>Victoria Daly Shire Council [http://victoriadaly.nt.gov.au/service-centres/centre/timber-creek Timber Creek Timber Creek] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410140650/http://victoriadaly.nt.gov.au/service-centres/centre/timber-creek |date=10 April 2012 }}</ref>
Traffic passing through Timber Creek increased following the completion of the Ord River Diversion Dam at Kununurra, Western Australia in 1963<ref>[http://www.lakeargyle.com.au/ord-river-irrigation-scheme Ord River Irrigation Scheme] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016203453/http://www.lakeargyle.com.au/ord-river-irrigation-scheme |date=16 October 2011 }}</ref> and subsequent construction of the road bridge in 1970 across the Victoria River, {{convert|82|km|mi}} east of the town, and sealing of the Victoria Highway in 1974.<ref>NRETAS [http://www.nretas.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/20013/Chapter1.Introduction.pdf Document regarding Victoria Highway Upgrades] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329111927/http://www.nretas.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/20013/Chapter1.Introduction.pdf |date=29 March 2012 }}, Northern Territory Government, 2003</ref> Timber Creek was proclaimed a town on 20 June 1975.<ref name="place names"/>
In 1996, the Department of Defence purchased Bradshaw Station, a large cattle property in the vicinity of Timber Creek. This land subsequently became Bradshaw Field Training Area, an 8700 km<sup>2</sup> live fire training facility. In 2002, the 270m long Bradshaw Bridge opened, providing road access to the training area from the Victoria Highway at Timber Creek.<ref>Steelcon Constructions NT [http://www.steelcon.com.au/projects/bridges/bradshawbridge Bradshaw Bridge] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410022815/http://www.steelcon.com.au/projects/bridges/bradshawbridge |date=10 April 2013 }}</ref>
===1997–2019: Griffiths decision and appeals=== {{further|Northern Territory v Mr Griffiths and Lorraine Jones}} Ngaliwurru and Nungali lands surrounding Timber Creek were the subject of the landmark Griffiths decision in the High Court of Australia. The case (''Griffiths v Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment'') involved an appeal by the traditional owners, represented by Alan Griffiths and William Gulwin, against the Northern Territory Government's attempted sale in 1997 of vacant Crown land for the purposes of commercial development. In the course of doing so, the native title would be compulsorily acquired under the ''Lands Acquisition Act 1989 (NT)'' from the traditional owners by a government minister, for the commercial benefit of a private third party. Due to a change in government following the 2001 Northern Territory elections, the development did not proceed and the native title was not acquired, but the case proceeded in the courts.<ref name=NativeTitleReport/> The final decision handed down in 2008 found that the provisions under the ''Lands Acquisition Act'' meant the Minister could legitimately acquire land for any purpose, extinguishing native title and interests in the land granted under the ''Native Title Act (1993)''. By the time of the decision the Northern Territory Government had already changed the legislation to prevent this or future compulsory acquisition of lands subject to native title.<ref name=NativeTitleReport>{{cite book | title=Native Title Report 2008 | author=Australian Human Rights Commission |chapter=Chapter 3: Selected native title cases: 2007-08| date=2008 | url=https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/native-title-report-2008-chapter-3#4 | access-date=12 February 2024}}</ref>
In September 2018, the High Court of Australia came to the Northern Territory for the first time ever, to hear an appeal against earlier decisions. Chief Justice Susan Kiefel presided in ''Northern Territory of Australia v Griffiths'' (D1-D3/2018).<ref name=hilly>{{cite journal| url=https://www.vicbar.com.au/sites/default/files/VBN164_2018_Summer_compressed.pdf| title= Navigating two systems of thought and law: The first sitting of the High Court in Darwin| first= Laura |last= Hilly|journal= Victorian Bar News |issue= 164 |date=Summer 2018 | pp=56–57}}</ref> A group of traditional owners of Timber Creek (Ngaliwurru and Nungali peoples) earlier claimed compensation for the loss of native title rights that had been extinguished after the Crown acquired land without their consent.<ref name=nlc2018/> In 2016, in ''Griffiths v Northern Territory of Australia (No 3)'',<ref name=hilly/> the trial judge had awarded a total of $3.3 million compensation across the three categories. In 2017, the Full Federal Court, on appeal, reduced that to around $2.9 million. The full claim is for almost $5 million.<ref name=nlc2018>{{cite web | title=High Court comes to Darwin: Valuing native title in dollars | website=Northern Land Council | date=21 December 2018 | url=https://www.nlc.org.au/media-publications/high-court-comes-to-darwin-valuing-native-title-in-dollars | access-date=12 February 2024}}</ref> In 2019, in ''Northern Territory v Mr Griffiths and Lorraine Jones'', the High Court awarded a total of $2.5m "in compensation for both economic and cultural loss, including interest". Described as "the most significant [case]… since Mabo", the High Court ruled for the first time on compensation for the extinguishment of native title in Australia.<ref>{{cite web | last=Hobbs | first= Harry | title=The Timber Creek Decision | website=ANTAR | date=4 November 2022 | url=https://antar.org.au/resources/the-timber-creek-decision/ | access-date=12 February 2024}} [https://antar.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/The-Timber-Creek-Decision-Factsheet.pdf PDF]</ref>
===2022–2023: Tropical Cyclone Ellie=== {{further|Cyclone Ellie (2022)}} Tropical Cyclone Ellie caused extensive flooding in Timber Creek, after it moved through the Northern Territory first from 22 December 2022, and then again after it crossed the border back into NT from Western Australia in early January. It was described as once-in-50-year flooding. Remote communities in the area had been cut off as roads remained closed. Victoria Daly Region Mayor Brian Pedwell said that better emergency procedures needed to be developed to help the community cope with future such disasters, after evacuees had to take shelter on a basketball court before being to a defence base.<ref name="Spina-Matthews 2023">{{cite web | last=Spina-Matthews | first=Sarah | title=Remote NT communities remain cut off by floodwaters as Timber Creek region mayor calls for new evacuation plan | website=ABC News| publisher= Australian Broadcasting Corporation| date=9 January 2023 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-10/nt-central-australia-communities-still-isolated-rain/101836996 | access-date=12 January 2023}}</ref>
==Climate== Timber Creek is a tropical savanna climate (Köppen climate classification Aw) with distinct wet and dry seasons. The annual rainfall is 979mm with the heaviest falls occurring during the wet season months November – April. High humidity and overnight temperatures as well as large thunderstorms characterise this season. The Victoria River is prone to flooding during these months. The dry season months, May–October, see minimal rainfall, blue skies, less humidity and cooler overnight temperatures.
{{Weather box|location = Timber Creek, elevation {{convert|20|m|ft|abbr=on}}, (1991–2014 normals, extremes 1981–2014) |metric first = Y |single line = Y |width= auto |collapsed = Y |Jan record high C = 43.1 |Feb record high C = 41.9 |Mar record high C = 42.5 |Apr record high C = 39.9 |May record high C = 38.6 |Jun record high C = 36.1 |Jul record high C = 37.5 |Aug record high C = 39.7 |Sep record high C = 41.1 |Oct record high C = 43.6 |Nov record high C = 43.7 |Dec record high C = 43.5 |Jan record low C = 16.9 |Feb record low C = 19.4 |Mar record low C = 15.6 |Apr record low C = 11.0 |May record low C = 7.6 |Jun record low C = 5.0 |Jul record low C = 3.8 |Aug record low C = 4.6 |Sep record low C = 10.2 |Oct record low C = 10.6 |Nov record low C = 15.1 |Dec record low C = 17.8 |Jan high C = 36.0 |Feb high C = 35.0 |Mar high C = 35.5 |Apr high C = 35.3 |May high C = 32.8 |Jun high C = 30.4 |Jul high C = 30.8 |Aug high C = 32.9 |Sep high C = 36.8 |Oct high C = 38.3 |Nov high C = 38.5 |Dec high C = 37.1 |Jan low C = 24.9 |Feb low C = 24.6 |Mar low C = 23.4 |Apr low C = 21.2 |May low C = 18.0 |Jun low C = 15.2 |Jul low C = 14.6 |Aug low C = 15.3 |Sep low C = 20.1 |Oct low C = 23.9 |Nov low C = 24.9 |Dec low C = 25.3 |rain colour = green |Jan rain mm = 262.6 |Feb rain mm = 242.9 |Mar rain mm = 144.7 |Apr rain mm = 32.0 |May rain mm = 7.4 |Jun rain mm = 2.7 |Jul rain mm = 0.7 |Aug rain mm = 0.4 |Sep rain mm = 5.1 |Oct rain mm = 29.2 |Nov rain mm = 85.1 |Dec rain mm = 185.7 |unit rain days = 1.0 mm |Jan rain days = 15.1 |Feb rain days = 14 |Mar rain days = 9.6 |Apr rain days = 1.9 |May rain days = 0.7 |Jun rain days = 0.3 |Jul rain days = 0.1 |Aug rain days = 0.0 |Sep rain days = 0.7 |Oct rain days = 2.8 |Nov rain days = 6.8 |Dec rain days = 11.9 |source 1 = Australian Bureau of Meteorology<ref name="BoM" >{{cite web | url = http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/cvg/av?p_stn_num=014850&p_prim_element_index=0&p_comp_element_index=0&redraw=null&p_display_type=full_statistics_table&normals_years=1991-2020&tablesizebutt=normal | title = Climate statistics for Australian locations: TIMBER CREEK | date = 8 April 2024}}</ref> }}
==Demographics== There were 278 persons resident in Timber Creek at the 2021 census. This was an increase of 11.6% from the 249 residents reported at the 2016 census. 54.8% of the population was male and 45.2% female. 155 persons (56%) identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders. The median age of residents was 33 years, with 75% of the population was born in Australia.<ref name="census21" />
The most common languages spoken in the town were English and Ngaliwurru. Of those who reported a religious affiliation, the largest group was Pentecostal (22%). While median weekly incomes were lower for individuals than both the Northern Territory and national levels, household incomes were higher than the national median in Timber Creek.<ref name="census21" />
==Attractions== <!---"Gregory's Tree" redirects to this section, until an article is created---> The nearest official visitor centre is the Katherine Visitor Information Centre, on the Stuart Highway in Katherine.<ref name=aussietowns>{{cite web | title=Timber Creek, NT | website=Aussie Towns | date=16 March 2021 | url=https://www.aussietowns.com.au/town/timber-creek-nt | access-date=11 February 2024}}</ref>
===Judbarra National Park=== thumb|Judbarra - Gregory National Park Judbarra National Park, the largest part of which is situated to the south-west of Timber Creek, encompasses {{cvt|13,000|km2}} of wilderness, covering tropical and semi-arid landscapes. It is significant for the natural beauty and traces of Aboriginal culture throughout the park. It is open all year round for fishing, camping and four-wheel drive activities. The park was formerly known as Gregory National Park, but on 21 October 2011, it was announced that under a joint management plan with the traditional owners, the park would be dual-named "Judbarra / Gregory" for ten years. The plan aims to preserve the unique cultural heritage found at this place. From 2021, its official name became Judbarra National Park.<ref>NRETAS [http://www.nretas.nt.gov.au/national-parks-and-reserves/parks/find/gregory#recreational Judburra/Gregory National Park] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325182754/http://www.nretas.nt.gov.au/national-parks-and-reserves/parks/find/gregory#recreational |date=25 March 2012 }}, Northern Territory Government</ref>
===Gregory's Tree=== thumb|"Gregory's Tree" by the Victoria River, west of the town "Gregory's Tree" is a large boab tree on which explorer A.C. Gregory{{'s}} party inscribed the arrival and departure dates of the 1855–56 expedition to explore the Victoria River and surrounds. The tree is located at the northernmost point of the Gregory National Park at the expedition's original campsite by the river bank and is a short drive from the Victoria Highway and is well signposted. The site itself has boardwalks and information signs detailing its history. The tree is registered both as a heritage place and an Aboriginal sacred site.<ref>NRETAS [http://www.nretas.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/10550/Gregory20FS201120.pdf Judburra/Gregory National Park Fact Sheet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328161010/http://www.nretas.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/10550/Gregory20FS201120.pdf |date=28 March 2012 }}, Northern Territory Government</ref><ref name=JointPlan>{{citation |url=http://www.nretas.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/2106/GNP_JMP_final.pdf |title=Judbarra / Gregory National Park and Gregory's Tree Historical Reserve Joint Management Plan |author=Parks and Wildlife Service of the Northern Territory |publisher=Northern Territory Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport |date=June 2011 |page=36 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327085538/http://www.nretas.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/2106/GNP_JMP_final.pdf |archivedate=27 March 2012 }}</ref><ref name=gregstree/>
===Timber Creek Police Station Museum === The first police station in Timber Creek was established in 1898, comprising a hut and goat paddock. It was upgraded to iron and steel in 1908, and this building is now heritage-listed and serves as a museum with local history and law enforcement exhibits, known as the Timber Creek Police Station Museum.<ref name=visitnt>{{cite web | title=Timber Creek | website=Visit the Northern Territory, Australia | url=https://northernterritory.com/katherine-and-surrounds/destinations/timber-creek | access-date=11 February 2024}}</ref> The main building was restored in the 1980s. The museum precinct includes outbuildings and grave sites. The buildings are maintained by the National Trust of Australia (Northern Territory).<ref>National Trust Northern Territory, [http://www.nationaltrustnt.org.au/properties/timber-creek/ Timber Creek Old Police Station Precinct] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120909001437/http://www.nationaltrustnt.org.au/properties/timber-creek/ |date=9 September 2012 }}</ref>
===Other attractions=== Other attractions in the town include the Bronco Panel Sculpture, the Timber Creek Heritage Trail, Timber Creek Lookout, and memorial plaques dedicated to the "Nackeroos". Fishing for barramundi is a popular pastime, particularly near the Big Horse Creek campsite, around {{cvt|10|km}} west of the town.<ref name=aussietowns/>
==Governance and infrastructure== The Timber Creek office of the Victoria Daly Regional Council serves the nearby outstations and communities of Muruning, Myatt, Gulardi, Gilwi as well as communities further away, such as Bulla, Amanbidji, and Menngen. The office employs 18 staff members, who are responsible for looking after parks and gardens, waste management, and administration; as well as delivering services such as community night patrol, aged care, and sports & recreation.<ref>{{cite web | title=Timber Creek | website=Victoria Daly Regional Council | date=1 November 2023 | url=https://www.victoriadaly.nt.gov.au/timber-creek/ | access-date=11 February 2024}}</ref>
The Ngaliwurru-Wuli Aboriginal Corporation (NWAC) was established around 1986 or 1987 the ''Associations Act'' (NT) to serve as an outstation/ homelands resource centre. In 2019 it transitioned to become an Aboriginal corporation, under the ''Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006''. Its work includes building and infrastructure maintenance, municipal and essential services, as well as civil and construction work to other government departments and the general public. It also operates the local Centrelink agency. A mechanical workshop situated on Wilson Street is owned and operated by the NWAC.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://transremote.com.au/wp-content/uploads/docs/nwac-capability-0319.pdf| author= Ngaliwurru-Wuli Aboriginal Corporation| date=February 2019| title=Ngaliwurru-Wuli Aboriginal Corporation}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title= Ngaliwurru-Wuli Association Mechanical Workshop| website=truelocal.com.au | url=https://www.truelocal.com.au/business/ngaliwurru-wuli-association-mechanical-workshop/timber-creek | access-date=11 February 2024}}</ref>
Timber Creek has an automated power station capable of generating 1MW for the community. The generator was installed in 2005 and owned and operated by the government-owned PowerWater.<ref>Powercorp [http://www.pcorp.com.au/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=125 Automated Power Stations Commission Period 2005-2004] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320230107/http://www.pcorp.com.au/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=125 |date=20 March 2012 }}</ref>{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}
==Facilities== The Timber Creek School, the only school in the town, is a public school providing preschool, primary, and middle school classes. In the 2021 Australian census, there were 31 students enrolled at the school in August 2021.<ref>{{cite web | title=Timber Creek School | website= NT Government Education Directory | url=https://directory.ntschools.net/#/schools/details/timbesch | access-date=11 February 2024}}</ref>
The Timber Creek Health Centre, run by the Katherine West Health Board (KWHB), is staffed Monday–Friday by a health centre coordinator, GP, remote area nurses, and support staff. Various specialist services and KWHB program visit the centre on a regular basis.<ref>{{cite web | title=Timber Creek | website=Katherine West Health Board | url=https://www.kwhb.com.au/find-us/timber-creek/# | access-date=11 February 2024}}</ref>
The Timber Creek Travellers Rest (formerly Timber Creek Hotel and Circle F Caravan Park<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.timbercreekhotel.com.au/index.html| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170817210705/http://www.timbercreekhotel.com.au/index.html| title=Home| website=Timber Creek Hotel and Caravan Park | archive-date=17 August 2017}}</ref>) is a large roadhouse, which includes a general store, petrol outlet, caravan park and holiday cabins, along with a swimming pool for customers.<ref>{{cite web | title=About | website=Timber Creek Travellers Rest | date=26 May 2023 | url=https://www.timbercreektr.com.au/about/ | access-date=11 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Home | website=Timber Creek Travellers Rest | date=26 May 2023 | url=https://www.timbercreektr.com.au/ | access-date=11 February 2024}}</ref>
There is also an Aboriginal-owned enterprise, Wirib Tourism Park, which is owned by the Gunamu Aboriginal Corporation. It has a general store (where bread is baked daily), camping and caravan sites, and holiday cabins.<ref>{{cite web | title=About Us | website=Wirib | date=24 October 2022 | url=https://wirib.com.au/about-us/ | access-date=11 February 2024}}</ref>
Timber Creek is a stop for interstate coach services on the Darwin to Broome route. Buses stop at the roadhouse on the Victoria Highway.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://documents.greyhound.com.au/common/timetables/Darwin-Broome.pdf| publisher= Greyhound Australia| title=Greyhound Service Timetable for: Broome > Darwin|date=26 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://documents.greyhound.com.au/common/timetables/Broome-Darwin.pdf| publisher= Greyhound Australia| title=Greyhound Service Timetable for: Darwin > Broome |date=26 October 2023}}</ref>
There is an airstrip a few kilometres to the west of town, Timber Creek Airport.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}
==Bradshaw Field Training Area== The Bradshaw Field Training Area (BFTA) is a large army training area occupies approximately {{cvt|870,000|ha}}, starting {{cvt|500|m}} north of Timber Creek,<ref>{{cite AHD|102921|Bradshaw Defence Area, Timber Creek, NT, Australia|access-date=12 February 2024}}</ref> on the traditional lands of the Ngaliwurru, Jaminjung, and Nungali people. They were initially worried about talking to uniformed personnel, and thought that the army may drop bombs and disregard their sacred sites. However, the ADF engaged with local people through the Bradshaw Liaison Committee, and over time both sides developed a trusting and respectful partnership. Sites of cultural significance have been mapped by the ADF and their personnel made aware of them. The army personnel have also learned more about the local Aboriginal Australians, in particular their connection to Country.<ref name=obrien2024>{{cite web | last=O'Brien | first=Kristy | title=The unlikely alliance between defence forces and traditional owners transforming Timber Creek | website=ABC News (Australia) | date=6 February 2024 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-06/back-roads-timber-creek-unlikely-friendship-adf-us-marines/103185138 | access-date=12 February 2024}}</ref>
An Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) ensures protection of and ongoing access to the cultural sites for cultural purposes. These were kept private for many years, but since around 2003 the trust and friendships with army personnel evolved to a point that the traditional owners started including soldiers and the US Marines in their cultural activities, and some have become friends. The Marines are part of the Marine Rotational Force based in Darwin.<ref name=obrien2024/>
The Timber Creek economy is improved with the influx of ADF personnel, as they need occasional accommodation in the town, as well as the provision of food and fuel. New local businesses have been set up which provide employment for local people. In addition, as part of the ILUA, funding has been made available for local children to attend boarding schools as well as adults going to university.<ref name=obrien2024/>
In September 2021, residents of Timber Creek were shown around the base during Exercise Koolendong, which gave employment to the 18 staff at the Aboriginal-owned Bradshaw & Timber Creek Contracting & Resource Company. MRF-D commanding officer, Colonel David Banning, expressed his appreciation to the traditional owners for their hospitality and ongoing support of the army.<ref name=nlc2021>{{cite web | title=Bradshaw Traditional Owners welcome troops | website=Northern Land Council | date=24 September 2021 | url=https://www.nlc.org.au/media-publications/bradshaw-traditional-owners-welcome-troops | access-date=12 February 2024}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist|30em}}
==External links== * [http://www.victoriadaly.nt.gov.au/ Victoria Daly Shire Council]
{{Localities and communities of the Victoria Daly Region|state=collapsed}} {{authority control}}
Category:Towns in the Northern Territory Category:Victoria Daly Region Category:Populated places established in 1898 Category:1898 establishments in Australia