Jirribilyi – Borroloola Central is located on Yanyuwa Country and we acknowledge the Traditional Owner community of the NT Gulf region, including Gudanji, Garrawa, Yanyuwa and Marra peoples and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
The name Jirribilyi honours an important Yanyuwa man associated with the Hill Kangaroo (nangurrbuwala) Dreaming. His name is sung in the kujika (songline) as it travels down Battend Creek. The naming of this development was guided by senior Yanyuwa Elders, ensuring the project is grounded in cultural authority, story and place.
Building Opportunity.
Strengthening Community.
Jirribilyi – Borroloola Central is a $27 million mixed-use development led by the McArthur River Mine Community Benefits Trust (CBT), with major funding from the NIAA. Jirribilyi is designed to strengthen economic participation, improve access to essential services and create a vibrant, welcoming hub for the Gulf region.
More than a construction project, Jirribilyi is a long-term investment in community resilience, local enterprise and cultural strength.
A Community-Led Development
Jirribilyi is initiated and governed by the CBT, a majority Indigenous-led board representing the Gudanji, Garrwa, Yanyuwa and Marra language groups, alongside local community, McArthur River Mine and NT government representatives.
The development reflects local priorities and responds to long-standing infrastructure shortages in Borroloola and aims to deliver practical, place-based solutions for a remote community.
What Jirribilyi Will Deliver
Jirribiilyi will bring together retail, commercial, community and accommodation facilities in one integrated precinct.
Retail &
Commercial
- Six retail tenancies, including space for a bakery, café and pharmacy
- Three dedicated tenancies for local business establishment
- Commercial tenancies including Purple House Renal Dialysis
- NT Government Child and Family Centre
- Potential NTG remote services hub
Youth &
Community
- Gulf Youth and Community Services precinct
- Community meeting room and language centre
- Flexible space for visiting service providers
Accommodation
- Onsite accommodation for business operators and essential service providers
Public Space
- High-quality parkland and public areas designed to create a welcoming and accessible community hub
Improving Access to Essential Services
Jirribilyi strengthens frontline service delivery in an underserved remote region.
By co-locating health, youth, family and commercial services, the development will improve accessibility, coordination and continuity, particularly for critical health and family support services.
Supporting Local Enterprise
A key objective of Jirribilyi is to unlock economic opportunity.
The development addresses the shortage of retail and commercial space in Borroloola, creating pathways for:
- Local business ownership
- Entrepreneurship
- Employment and training
- Increased consumer choice
CBT is actively promoting opportunities for community members who aspire to establish shops, businesses or services within Borroloola Central.
Cultural Foundation
Jirribilyi is located on Yanyuwa Country.
The name honours an important Yanyuwa man connected to the Hill Kangaroo (nangurrbuwala) Dreaming. His name is sung in the kujika (songline) as it travels down Battend Creek.
The naming of the development was guided by senior Yanyuwa Elders, ensuring the project is grounded in cultural authority, story and place.
Long-Term Impact
Independent social and economic evaluation indicates substantial long-term benefits across social, economic, cultural and environmental outcomes.
Jirribilyi is designed to deliver measurable impact over decades, strengthening wellbeing, economic participation and regional resilience across the Gulf communities.
Project
Timeline
- Design complete
- Construction commencing April 2026
- Construction completion expected June 2027
Milestone updates will be shared as the project progresses.
Partnerships
Jirribilyi is delivered in partnership with key organisations including:
Stay Connected
For enquiries or to register interest in retail or commercial tenancies, please contact:
CBT
Jim Gleeson: 0422 794 072
Email: [email protected]
