A small domestic processor located on an Aboriginal remote community, processes locally bred cattle to sell meat mainly to local communities.
Other Names
Current Operation
- Currently in operation.
Location
- Kalkarindji is an Aboriginal community located on the Buntine Highway 350 km south west of Katherine.
Owner
Operation
- Processes locally grown short horn cattle a week1
- Uses a bolt action gun to kill the animal1
- Process the animal by laying in a cradle to dress the carcase.1
- Supplies communities in the Victoria River District with meat.1
- Supplies Kakarindji store, Yarralin, Pigeon Hole and Lajamanu2
History
2008
- July. At this time there are 2 other Aboriginal owned abattoirs operating in communities3
- September. Indigenous Land Corporation have acquired 221 properties across Australia since 19955
- Manage 70,000 head of cattle on various Aboriginal held stations5
- December. Current butcher – Jason Scadden, has been working at the facility for 11 years.1
- On kill days 2 other workers help.1
- After slaughter the animal is laid on a cradle to skin, legs and gut1
- Facility has a ban saw, mincer and sausage maker1
- Meat is wrapped, packed and priced.1
- Goes to the shop in Kalkarindji or other communities.1
2014
- Is unsatisfied demand for local beef in northern Australia local communities, mining and tourism.2
- Involvement in meat processing by Indignous communties could develope local beef processing facilities.2
- Oenpelli abattoir (NT) – more commonly known as Gunbalanya, kills 30 head a week is currently operating.2
- Palumpa (NT), kills 20 head a week is currently operating2
- Mataranka (NT) – partially built but has been abandoned.
- Peppimenarti (NT) proposed.2
2017
- Oenpelli abattoir is closed4
- No reason is given by the operator – Australian Indigenous Agribusiness Company4
- Indigenous Land council newly formed subsidiary that is federally funded4
- ILC lease and run Gunbalanya station and meatworks under a 15 year lease agreement4
- Indigenous Land council newly formed subsidiary that is federally funded4
- No reason is given by the operator – Australian Indigenous Agribusiness Company4
Sources
- ‘Touring a remote abattoir’ ABC rural. 15.12.2008
- Managing Indigenous Pastoral Land. Module 9, Small scale abattoirs. 14/025
- ‘Rare bush abattoir’ ABC Rural 07.07.2008
- ‘Local meat shortage, families without income ahead of christmas….’ ABC Rural 22/12/2017
- ‘Cattlemen muster pride’ The Australian 22.09.2008