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.

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.
7 July 2026
On behalf of East Arnhem Regional Council, we extend our deepest condolences to the family members, friends and community members of the late Evelyn D Bukulatjpi.
6 July 2026
East Arnhem Regional Council proudly celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
30 June 2026
Thank you to the Hon. Lia Finocchiaro MLA , Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, and Oly Carlson MLA, Assistant Minister for Nhulunbuy Transition, for meeting with East Arnhem Regional Council 's President Lapulung Dhamarrandji, Deputy President Stephen Dhamarrandji, Councillor Marrpalawuy Marika, Councillor Lirrpiya Mununggurr and CEO Dale Keehne to discuss a range of important issues impacting East Arnhem Land.
26 June 2026
East Arnhem Regional Council adopted the Budget for the 2026-2027 financial year and the Regional Plan for 2026-2027 at its Ordinary Council Meeting held on Thursday, 25 June 2026.
22 May 2026
A By-election is being held to fill a casual vacancy in the East Arnhem Regional Council Gumurr Miwatj Ward (1 vacancy).
20 May 2026
East Arnhem Regional Council is asking everyone to help keep our communities safe and healthy.