After years of forced displacement due to energy insecurity, Garrwa Elder Shirley Simon has returned to her homelands at Mumuthumburru (West Island) in a major milestone for community-led clean energy solutions.

On the lands and seas of the Yanyuwa people the small community — off the coast of Borroloola in the Northern Territory's Gulf of Carpentaria — is one of 15 permanently occupied homelands surrounding the Borroloola township of 1500 people.

Following the installation of a First Nations-led renewable energy system, West Island residents such as Ms Simon now have stable power, water, and communication, allowing them and their families to live on Country once more.

In 2021 residents were forced to relocate from West Island to Borroloola after their former Bushlight solar system was decommissioned due to unidentified faults by contractors.

Original Power, an Indigenous-led, not-for-profit organisation developing clean energy community partnerships, works with local communities such as Mumathumburru to improve energy security for homelands and keep people connected to Country.

Original Power clean energy communities coordinator, Lauren Mellor, said the Mumuthumburru model was a blueprint for homelands to be supported with stable, renewable power.

"With housing crises across the nation, it makes sense to back self-determined energy solutions that allow people to return home and live sustainably on their lands," Ms Mellor said.

For Ms Simon and her family, returning to Mumuthumburru was about more than just reliable power; it was about reconnecting to Country, family, and the deep cultural ties that sustain her community.

"Solar power will guide me and my family back to our special Saltwater Country," she said.

"I'm looking forward to raising the next generation on their homeland, now with everything we need for a healthy life."

Her grandson, Steven Simon, said it was an amazing feeling being back on Country after so many years.

"It makes me just really happy. The difference is power and water," he said.

The renewable energy system, designed and installed by Ngardara Cooperative, showed self-determined solutions could break down systemic barriers to energy equity and enable families to return home.

Ngardara Cooperative chair, Conrad Rory, said he was proud the organisation could facilitate the return of families to their Country.

"The Mumuthumburru model shows what is possible when communities are empowered to take control of their energy needs," he said.

"This success needs to be replicated across other homelands, so more families can return to Country where they belong."

Ngardara Cooperative and its partners have called on all levels of government to fund the expansion of the Mumuthumburru model, saying it would ensure more displaced families have the opportunity to return home.