Rapid response restores power in Pirlangimpi
When a fire at the Pirlangimpi Power Station left the community without power, Power and Water crews restored supply within days, with generators keeping the clinic, store and water services running.
Four DHLGCD staff deployed to Pirlangimpi to provide tenancy and housing engagement support. The team included a member from the Indigenous Essential Services team and worked closely with:
- NT Police (leading the response as local controller)
- Power and Water Corporation staff
- local contractors and key stakeholders.
The department’s presence on the ground meant residents received direct support, up-to-date information, and reassurance during a difficult time. Staff were able to check in with households, answer tenancy questions, and make sure vulnerable residents were looked after.
The response demonstrated the value of rapid deployment and close collaboration with partner agencies to ensure the wellbeing of remote residents during unexpected service disruptions.
Community engagement
While in the community, DHLGCD staff:
- walked through the community to check in with residents
- met with Police and Power and Water to coordinate support
- dropped into the clinic to confirm there were no issues affecting elderly residents, children, or infants.
Water supply and sewerage services were confirmed as operational throughout the response.
Housing in Pirlangimpi
DHLGCD manages 112 dwellings in Pirlangimpi, and the quick deployment of staff highlighted the importance of being visible and available to tenants in times of disruption. The department’s presence helped maintain confidence in the recovery effort and ensured tenants knew they weren’t facing the outage alone.
