Milingimbi

Milingimbi Island is part of the Crocodile Island Group in the Arafura Sea. It is approximately half a kilometre off the north coast of Central Arnhem Land, approximately 440 kilometres east of Darwin and 200 kilometres west of Nhulunbuy.

Population

The population of Milingimbi and its surrounds in 2011 was approximately 1081, of which 1018 were Indigenous (94%).

Language

Milingimbi people are the Yolngu (‘Aboriginal person’), a group of intermarrying clans who live in Milingimbi, Yirrkala and Galiwin’ku and speak a dialect of one of a number of closely related languages.

Clan Groups

Milingimbi is organised into five camps of people who have moved from ancestral estates into the town area. The island has four ancestral estates. Traditional governance of Milingimbi is complicated, as the island is inhabited by over 21 clan groups.

History

Aboriginal people have occupied this area for more than 40,000 years. Milingimbi was established in 1923 by the Methodist Overseas Mission. It was bombed during World War II, forcing most of the island’s residents to move to Elcho Island and the mainland. Milingimbi then became an air force base. The missionaries returned in 1951, re-established the town and opened a school. They respected traditional culture, so Aboriginal customary religion and Christianity easily co-exist in the community.

Local Authority

Each community has its own local authority to facilitate communication and consultation between local government and the East Arnhem region. Click here to find out more about the Milingimbi Local Authority.

Explore the communities

  • If you are interested in learning more about the East Arnhem communities, we encourage you to explore the BushTel website. This website provides information about the remote communities of the Northern Territory, including their people and cultural historical influences. You can also access our interactive map of East Arnhem to view the exact locations of our nine communities and its corresponding services.

  • According to the laws of the Commonwealth and Northern Territory, obtaining a written permit is necessary for entry onto Aboriginal land. If you are considering a visit to the East Arnhem communities, you can apply for a permit here. (Note that this permit is necessary for the 6 mainland communities, excluding those situated on Groote Eylandt). 
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