Channel Island is a suburb in the
Middle Arm region of
Darwin in the
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory (abbreviated as NT; known formally as the Northern Territory of Australia and informally as the Territory) is an states and territories of Australia, Australian internal territory in the central and central-northern regi ...
of
Australia
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising mainland Australia, the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and list of islands of Australia, numerous smaller isl ...
. It is located in the
local government area
A local government area (LGA) is an administrative division of a country that a local government is responsible for. The size of an LGA varies by country but it is generally a subdivision of a federated state, state, province, division (politica ...
of
Litchfield.
Channel Island Power Station and the Darwin Aquaculture Centre are located on the island.
History
There was a
leprosarium
A leper colony, also known by #Names, many other names, is an isolated community for the quarantining and treatment of lepers, people suffering from leprosy.
''Mycobacterium leprae, M. leprae'', the bacterium responsible for leprosy, is believ ...
on Channel Island in the early 20th century. It was at a time when many Aboriginal people who were thought to have
leprosy
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease (HD), is a Chronic condition, long-term infection by the bacteria ''Mycobacterium leprae'' or ''Mycobacterium lepromatosis''. Infection can lead to damage of the Peripheral nervous system, nerves, respir ...
or other infectious diseases were sent to
lock hospitals and leprosariums. They were often treated poorly, and they were cut off from their families.
Channel Island was the first
quarantine
A quarantine is a restriction on the movement of people, animals, and goods which is intended to prevent the spread of disease or pests. It is often used in connection to disease and illness, preventing the movement of those who may have bee ...
venue in
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory (abbreviated as NT; known formally as the Northern Territory of Australia and informally as the Territory) is an states and territories of Australia, Australian internal territory in the central and central-northern regi ...
. The facilities and a hospital for quarantine purposes were established at Channel Island in 1914.
References
Suburbs of Darwin, Northern Territory
Leper colonies
{{NorthernTerritory-geo-stub