Mantamaru, also known as Jameson, is located at the base of the Jameson Range in the Central Ranges region, about 240 kilometres northwest of Warburton.
The community’s English name is derived from these ranges, which were named after an early European explorer. The Ngaanyatjarra and Pitjantjatjara names for the community, Mantamaru and Parnamaru, respectively, both translate to “black ground” (“Manta” or “Parna” meaning ground and “Maru” meaning black), describing the black stones that cover the ground around the Jameson Range. Another name used by Yarnangu is Wirrlkuralnya, after a spring in the Jameson Range. The community is home to Ngaanyatjarra speakers.
Many of the current members of Jameson were educated at Warburton Mission, with a few attending Ernabella Mission in South Australia. Mantamaru’s proximity to Warburton made it easy for people to move between the mission and their traditional lands. During school holidays, the parents of today’s middle-aged residents would take their children out of the mission and travel on foot for months, often in the summer when the waterholes were replenished by rains.
Mantamaru, like Irrunytju, was established near a mining camp, in this case run by Southwestern Mining, a subsidiary of International Nickel. In the early days, residents camped at Wirrkuralynga, a short distance from the current community, due to the poor water quality from the existing bore near the mining camp. Later, homelands funding allowed for the development of essential infrastructure, including a store, generator, new bore, and a vehicle to transport supplies from Warburton. Mantamaru became incorporated in 1976 and joined the Ngaanyatjarra Council in 1981.
Today, much like Irrunytju, mining has returned to the area, with a large sulphide nickel deposit identified 30 kilometres south of the community.
Health
There are two aboriginal health workers employed at the clinic. The Royal Flying Doctor Service provides a fortnightly doctor’s clinic visit from Kalgoorlie to the community and there is one environmental health worker in the community. A quarterly dog immunisation program is carried out by the Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku. This has greatly improved the condition of community dogs.
Community school facilities
The community’s school facilities include a pre-school located within the community’s primary school, which currently has six children enrolled. The primary school itself has 18 students and is staffed by two teachers.
Community recreational facilities
The community’s recreational facilities include a football oval, a basketball court with lights, and a children’s playground. Mantamaru also has a well-equipped band facilities and actively participates in the area’s football competition. Additionally, the community has a community hall, providing a central space for gatherings and events.
Women’s centre
The community has a well patronised women’s centre which provides kitchen and laundry facilities, art facilities, sewing facilities. There is also a community laundry and kitchen in women’s centre.
Community store
The community store is supplied by Perth-based Ngaanyatjarra Agency and Transport Service.
*2021 Census Data (ABS)
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