For decades, Gumatj clan elder Djapirri Mununggirritj has been working to try and drive down rates of alcohol abuse in her remote north-east Arnhem Land community. "It was a major threat to our culture, to our empowerment," she said. "So people came together to do something about the alcohol problem in this region." In a bid to continue to combat alcohol-related issues on the Gove Peninsula, a trial of stronger alcohol sale restrictions in the area will this week be made ongoing. The trial began in 2023 and put new limits on the amount of beer, wine and spirits that people in the remote Northern Territory region could buy on a daily basis. NT Police Superintendent Jody Nobbs said since the trial started, there had been a substantial drop in black market alcohol sales and domestic violence rates had stayed steady. "What we have seen in respect to [the restrictions] is the repeat and persistent and pervasive nature of secondary supply in the community has reduced considerably," he said. "[But] we are not resting on our laurels here. Liquor outlets backing ongoing restrictions The stricter restrictions were recommended by the Gove Peninsula Harmony Group, made up of various community stakeholders including clan leaders, police and health officials. In a letter sent to Gove residents last week, seen by the ABC, the group said the trial had proved to have had a "positive impact". "Gove Peninsula data has remained steady when compared to other centres across the territory where crime and alcohol-related harm is increasing," the group said. The restrictions also have the support of local liquor outlets. Gove Country Golf Club acting manager Katelyn Rika said there was hope the restrictions would have a positive long-term impact. "I would like to see a decrease in the violence and the disrespect of different people's environments and workplaces," she said. "I think if there's a decrease in that, then that's going to be a very good thing for the community." At the trial's outset, some in the community had complained about the restrictions, with former publican John Tourish describing it as a "slap in the face for free-thinking people". But Superintendent Nobbs said that sentiment was now far less prevalent. "There were some groups within the community that expressed some displeasure in relation to it, particularly in the early stages of the trial," he said. "[But] I have a tendency to think … it's somewhat normalised and accepted now." Alcohol restrictions no magic bullet None of the authorities or clan group elders suggested the restrictions would be a sole solution to the Gove Peninsula's alcohol issues, which continue to cause tensions. Rirratjingu clan traditional owner Witiyana Marika said alcohol was still a major driver of fighting within his home community of Yirrkala. "It's just all over [the place]," he said. "People from homelands and everyone coming in and shit fighting here, you know." Ms Mununggirritj also said that while the data from the new restrictions was promising, there was still much more work to be done. "And when we do that, it's a ripple effect from us to the rest of the community." She also said the Gove Peninsula Harmony Group's efforts against alcohol abuse could be a model for other towns across the territory. "What we have set would be something of an example for the others to follow," she said.