Clear messaging about coronavirus is the top priority for frontline workers and service providers in the Northern Territory.
Among them is Darwin-based Yolngu Radio which has been working tirelessly to translate information on COVID-19 to be broadcast to Indigenous communities across the Top End.
The station services six major North East Arnhem Land communities, 15 remote homelands, and the Darwin and Palmerston region.
Radio presenter Sylvia Nulpinditj said there is a glutton of information about the pandemic and it is important to provide communities with a clear message.
"At the moment a lot of people are in panic mode, they are afraid of people from outside visiting their communities," she told SBS News.
Sylvia Nulpinditj has been tirelessly working to translate information provided by the Northern Territory Government to keep communities informed Source: Aneeta Bhole
"They're watching the whole world and it's giving them panic, so I think it's important to take care of how we are dealing with these stories - it needs to be told right and truthfully."
Ms Nulpinditj said the station has been providing the latest information about COVID-19 from the Northern Territory Government, as well information on social distancing, proper handwashing techniques and restrictions on gatherings and travel.
"This is not just a small concern, it's global," she said.
"Because it's an unknown virus, information needs to get out so communities can put in place precautions to try and slow the virus down."
The Northern Territory Government is also in at least 17 different Aboriginal languages.
Ms Nulpinditj outside the radio station. Source: Aneeta Bhole
But not everyone has access to TV, radio or digital services.
In Darwin, the homeless population or 'long grass' community is predominantly made up of Indigenous people who have travelled to the city for medical, personal or financial reasons.
They often sleep rough because of a shortage of culturally appropriate housing.
Fran Avon, NT CEO for St Vincent de Paul Society, said many people come to the local soup kitchen for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as to do their laundry and to have a shower.
The homeless community typically get their information from soup kitchens. Source: Aneeta Bhole
She said getting the message about COVID-19 to these vulnerable communities has been a collaboration among service providers.
"We've been working very closely with [community and health organisations] Larrakia Nation and Danila Dilba, and providing information in-language," Ms Avon said.
"We'll also ask anyone who can speak another language and English to translate for those who might not have as good an understanding of English, or it just feels safer coming to them in their own language."
Operational changes have also helped illustrate the important measures being taken to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Members of Darwin's long grass community. Source: Aneeta Bhole
Ms Avon said the courtyard where they operate the soup kitchen would normally have hundreds of people scrambling to get a seat and a feed, but new measures will ensure practical steps are being taken to stop the spread of the virus.
"So, this morning there was eggs and toast, but they were delivered in plastic containers with plastic bags," she said.
"Each of the companions were very aware of not standing close to one another unless they were part of the same family.
Volunteers helping give out food to the homeless in Darwin. Source: Aneeta Bhole
"I was chatting with a few people and they were very conscious of not shaking hands and ensuring that they maintained their distance too.
"I think the message is definitely getting through to the community. The community talk and so they are always aware of when there's a great meal happening in a place or if there's something they need to avoid."
Australians must stay at least 1.5 metres away from other people. Indoors, there must be a density of no more than one person per four square metres of floor space.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at
