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. 

This was raised by Council President Lapulung Dhamarrandji, Deputy President Stephen Dhamarrandji, Councillor Marrpalawuy Marika and Councillor Ganygulpa Dhurrkay on the 9 July 2026.


The Local Authority Members were strongly united in formally supporting:


“…the call by Council to tackle domestic violence, predominantly against women - as well as violence against and neglect of children, which is not our culture, by:

 

Family, community members and all people calling out and reporting domestic violence and violence against and neglect of children when they see it.

 

Working in close collaboration with and support of the NT Police and the Lia Finocchiaro led Northern Territory Government.

 

Engaging with and supporting other Aboriginal controlled organisations, particularly the Yalu Aboriginal Corporation in building a properly coordinated, resourced and effective strategy to support community members to recognise, challenge and prevent further abuse.”


“People, family and community members need to call out violence when they see it. People need to be responsible for their actions.”

Councillor Ganygulpa Dhurrkay

 


ENDS



For more information, please contact:

East Arnhem Regional Council CEO Dale Keehne

dale.keehne@eastarnhem.nt.gov.au

0458 039 348

Download Media Release

Moving Forward Together showcases the positive impacts that our Regional Council strives to achieve across East Arnhem Land.

A women receiving an award on stage. Both people are looking at the camera smiling.
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
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.
7 September 2026
No more chasing pen and paper, we've gone digital
12 August 2026
Congratulations to Patchouli, Regional Manager – Aged Care Services, on receiving the Aged Care Employee Day Award earlier this month.
10 August 2026
No fires at the landfill
4 August 2026
With great sorrow, East Arnhem Regional Council marks the passing of Mr B Marika AM.
10 July 2026
In East Arnhem, the local government’s youth work doesn’t begin with a program. It begins with relationships.
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.
8 July 2026
We're excited to announce winners from the 5 th Annual Eastern Cup Basketball Championships.