Woolworths to Close Nhulunbuy Store Amid Mine Shutdown

0:00I'm Cory with the story, and this is your Pulse of the City, Sydney News Today. Woolworths, a major supermarket chain in Australia, plans to close its store in the remote Northern Territory town of Nulenby by June 30, 2027. The decision ties directly to the nearby Rio Tinto Box site, mine shutting down by 2029, which the store was originally built to, serve over 50 years ago. The Nulenby location stands out as one of Woolworth's most isolated outlets, with all supplies arriving by Ocean Barge. Company leaders say they're consulting with staff, traditional owners, and locals to manage the change and provide certainty amid the mines. Wind down? Local leaders express deep concern over the closure's ripple effects. Independent member Yingya Goyula calls it a betrayal of remote communities, stressing the need for ongoing food security in Northeast Arnhem land, re-Rajingu Aboriginal Corporation Chair, when you be Marika worries the town could fade without this key service.

1:03The store serves in Hulunby, home to 3,267 people at the 2021 census, plus nearby spots like. Yurkala and Glingyangara is the peninsula's only big supermarket, vital for surrounding Aboriginal homelands. Meanwhile, the northern territory government recently appointed an assistant minister for the Nulenby transition to steer the region forward. Officials from Rio Tinto and the government have been approached for more details as talks continue. This episode is brought to you in partnership with our sponsor, Relax Deeper, Reset Faster, and for you can hear, S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com