Gattjirrk Festival

    6 November 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. 


    5 people standing in a line dancing
    A group of people listening to music
    A group of people dancing and listening to music
    A group of people listening to music
    A women receiving an award on stage. Both people are looking at the camera smiling.

    2026 Spirit of JCU Award

    10 September 2026
    Dr Madeleine Kelso BVSc, East Arnhem Regional Council's Regional Manager - Veterinarian & Animal Control receiving the 2026 Spirit of JCU Award recognising outstanding alumni .
    Regional Wellbeing Camp 2025

    2026 Regional Wellbeing Camp

    9 September 2026
    East Arnhem Regional Council's fourth Regional Wellbeing Camp to be held at Gulkula in 2026 bringing together 36 young people from across the region.
    Two people wearing orange shirts in a car.

    Community Night Patrol Embrace New Technology

    7 September 2026
    No more chasing pen and paper, we've gone digital

    Aged Care Employee Day Award

    12 August 2026
    Congratulations to Patchouli, Regional Manager – Aged Care Services, on receiving the Aged Care Employee Day Award earlier this month.

    No fires at the landfill

    10 August 2026
    No fires at the landfill

    Deepest Condolences

    4 August 2026
    With great sorrow, East Arnhem Regional Council marks the passing of Mr B Marika AM.

    Media Release: Break the Silence to End the Violence

    23 July 2026
    The East Arnhem Regional Council Local Authorities for Milingimbi and Ramingining met formally this week. Local Authority Members considered and discussed the major issue of domestic violence.

    How East Arnhem Regional Council builds futures with relationships

    10 July 2026
    In East Arnhem, the local government’s youth work doesn’t begin with a program. It begins with relationships.

    Media Release: Yaka Bulu Mari’ Miyalk’ku - No More Violence to Women

    9 July 2026
    Council President Lapulung Dhamarrandji, Deputy President Stephen Dhamarrandji, Councillor Marrpalawuy Marika and Councillor Ganygulpa Dhurrkay have met about the tragic loss of a 17-year-old Yolŋu girl in Galiwin’ku as reported by ABC News on 6 July 2026.