Beswick
(Wugularr)
Thank you for choosing to visit us at Beswick Community. You might have also heard it called Wugularr.
The Traditional Owners of this country are the Jawoyn people, although Beswick is made up of a multitude of different language groups and clans. Our community is home to around 600 people and they are all happy to welcome you here, though we ask you to please be mindful of the local culture and customs.
Visiting an Aboriginal community is a unique experience and we hope you will relax into the local atmosphere and take the time to enjoy the Beswick lifestyle. This information below will help you prepare for your trip and to assist in making your visit as interesting and enjoyable as possible.
Before Arriving…
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Sacred Sites
There are many sacred sites surrounding the the community of Beswick. Some have certain restrictions or are not open to visit by the general public, so it’s important to check with the staff from Djilpin about areas open for exploration before leaving the town centre.
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Important Ceremonies
Important ceremonies or the death of a local person may impact on, and even shut down, the whole community.
Djilpin Arts is not responsible for changes to schedules caused by unforeseen community events, and we ask you to please be sensitive and understanding if such a situation arises.
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Climate
Daytime temperatures are warm all year round, ranging form 25ºC to 35ºC. From April to September the nights and early mornings can be chilly so please bring appropriate clothing. Please be sure to bring a sun hat and we recommend dressing for comfort and the climate in light, loose-fitting, modest clothing that covers the shoulders and thighs. It is best to avoid tight, skimpy, short or revealing clothes.
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Phone & Internet
Telstra is the only service provider with full mobile coverage at Beswick.
If you need access to your phone/internet we suggest you purchase a prepaid Telstra SIM card before arriving in town.
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Photography
While many people are happy to be photographed, please be courteous and ask permission before photographing people or places within or surrounding the Beswick community.
Djilpin Arts is committed to child protection in the region, please do not post any photos featuring local children to your social media channels under any circumstances. -
Petrol
It is prohibited to bring unleaded petrol into Beswick. The only acceptable fuels are diesel, premium, low aromatic fuel (Opal) and LPG. You can purchase fuel from the local store.
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Alcohol
It is prohibited to bring alcohol into Beswick. The community social club and beer garden is situated behind the old store and is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 4:30pm-7:30pm. Visitors are welcome and all patrons can purchase a limited number of mid-strength beers only.
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The General Store
The community store is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-4pm, and on Saturday from 8:30am-12:30pm. It is closed on Sunday. The store is well stocked with fresh produce and a variety of products, and it serves a limited selection of hot take away food.
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Health Clinic
The Sunrise Health Clinic is located near the community store and the Shire offices.
It is open Monday to Friday from 8am–4pm. For after hours medical attention please phone 8975-4527.
RECENT HISTORY OF BESWICK/WUGULARR
Originally named Wugularr and home of the Jawoyn (Bagala Clan), explorers passed through in the late 1800’s and pastoralists in the 1870’s.
The current day name of Beswick, derives from the former Beswick Station, which was most likely named after an English settler.
Employment opportunities attracted people from all over the region to settle in Beswick when a tin mine was established at Maranboy, (40kms west of Beswick.) When the mine closed in 1945, the government bought Beswick Station shortly after in 1947 and set up a WWII Native Training Centre.
In 1991, the Jawoyn were given Native Title to their lands, and the people who had been living here continued to do so even though many of them descended from families all across Arnhem Land.
The names Beswick and Wugularr are interchangeable. Wugularr has no special or particular meaning; it’s simply the name of this area.
