Gattjirrk Festival

November 6, 2024

The Gattjirrk Festival, founded by East Arnhem Regional Council's President Lapulung Dhamarrandji, recently celebrated its 42nd anniversary.

Words: Lapulung Dhamarrandji


The popular well-known festival, Garrjirrk, first started in 1982 and has been running ever since. I was the core founder of this amazing festival. We used to call it Music Sound’s and Lighting Competition. 


This year’s Gattjirrk Festival was held from the 2nd - 5th of October and celebrated its 42nd anniversary. The theme of the festival was ‘healthy people, strong culture and active lifestyle'. It was one of the unique experiences to celebrate our entire lives as ONE MOB, ONE VOICE, ONE LAND. 


The entire community of Milingimbi, all Yolngu participated with the Gattjirrk Festival on this special occasion, celebrating their success and participation towards the Gattjirrk Festival. It brought wonderful memories from the past’s history, when it all began. 


We want to give a special thanks to the Yolngu and Balanda police officers and to all the supporters, sponsors and organisers who assisted in bringing this event together. We are all looking forward to the next Gattjirrk Festival in 2025. 


July 22, 2025
East Arnhem Regional Council was pleased to welcome the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms. Sam Mostyn AC in Yirrkala.
July 10, 2025
Our Municipal Team in Galiwin'ku are doing great djäma...
July 7, 2025
In July, East Arnhem Regional Council will be running Community Consultations sessions in Gapuwiyak, Milingimbi, Galiwin'ku, Ramingining, Gunyangara and Yirrkala.
July 3, 2025
The 2025 Local Government Elections will take place in August, inviting voters from across the Territory to participate. Twelve Councillors will be selected to represent the five wards across East Arnhem: Birr Rawarrang Ward (Ramingining), Gumurr Gattjirrk Ward (Milingimbi), Gumurr Marthakal Ward (Galiwin’ku), Gumurr Miwatj Ward (Gunyangara & Yirrkala) and Gumurr Miyarrka Ward (Gapuwiyak). For information on nomination, voting and key dates in the 2025 Local Government Election click here .
A group of 10 people.
June 30, 2025
During our recent Ordinary Council meeting we celebrated two of our longest serving Councillors who have been with Council since its inception in 2008.
June 26, 2025
East Arnhem Regional Council adopted the Budget for the 2025-2026 financial year and the Regional Plan for 2025-2026 at its Ordinary Council Meeting held on Thursday, 26 June 2025. You can obtain copies of the 2025-2026 Regional Plan and Budget: by downloading from www.eastarnhem.nt.gov.au view in hard copy at any of Council’s Service Delivery Centres and the Regional Office by telephoning (08) 8986 8986 or emailing info@eastarnhem.nt.gov.au
A group of people outdoors
June 16, 2025
In May the East Arnhem Regional Council team at Ramingining assisted Savage Films to screen 'Journey Home, David Gulpilil' in community.
June 4, 2025
In May, East Arnhem Regional Council participated in the VET Careers Expo in Darwin. It was a valuable opportunity to engage with students and jobseekers about career and training opportunities within the local government sector. Thanks to LGANT for having us at their stall this afternoon. Photo: East Arnhem Regional Council at VET Careers Expo, Marrara Indoor Stadium, Darwin, 2025.
May 22, 2025
Public Consultation | Draft Regional Plan 2025-2026