Media Release: Yaka Bulu Mari’ Miyalk’ku - No More Violence to Women
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.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, clan and community of this young woman.
Our Council representatives are strong and united in making clear this violence does not reflect traditional Yolŋu culture and is completely unacceptable.
“Domestic violence is not our way. In our culture women are sacred. They need to be nurtured.”
President Lapulung Dhamarrandji
“It’s not Yolŋu culture. This issue can’t go any further. We can’t turn a blind eye. There are bäyŋu (no) consequences.”
Councillor Ganygulpa Dhurrkay
Our 100% Aboriginal elected Council and its Local Authorities in each community are committed to work in close collaboration with the NT Police and the Lia Finocchiaro led Northern Territory Government to tackle domestic violence and other crime.
“We value the role of the Police. We support there being more Police Officers, based in community.”
President Lapulung Dhamarrandji
“It is also important to engage with other Aboriginal organisations (including Yalu, Rirratjingu, Gumatj and Laynhapuy) and community members to stop domestic violence across the remote communities of East Arnhem Land.”
Deputy President Stephen Dhamarrandji
“We have created fit for purpose community education on family violence in Yolŋu Matha (language) ranging from understanding all forms of violence, coercive control, lateral violence and sexual violence.”
Yalu Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson Jasmine Yunupingu and CEO, Anahita Tonkin
“We need to get more support for Yalu to train our people on domestic violence.”
Councillor Marrpalawuy Marika
“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
Additional Quotes:
President Lapulung Dhamarrandji
“Women are the bearers of life, they need to be honoured and respected.”
Councillor Ganygulpa Dhurrkay
“People are not getting consequences, and it happens again and again.”
“Families need to love and care for each other.”
Councillor Marrpalawuy Marika
“Domestic violence is a crime.”
“We have Aboriginal Corporations, Rirratjingu, Gumatj, Laynhapuy, Yalu and others who we can work with on this big problem.”
Yalu Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson, Jasmine Yunupingu and CEO, Anahita Tonkin
“We need real action.”
“This type of violence doesn’t belong anywhere in the world. It’s a global problem and we all need to stand up.”
“It’s time men, elders and leaders step up with us against family violence.”
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
East Arnhem Regional Council CEO Dale Keehne
dale.keehne@eastarnhem.nt.gov.au
