The gathering at the Garma Cultural Knowledge Centre marked the first opportunity for our newly elected Council to meet following the recent 2025 Local Government Elections.

Elected Members completed training for the Northern Territory Government’s ‘Elected Members Foundational Training’ in Nhulunbuy, and held productive meetings with the Northern Land Council’s Regional Manager for East Arnhem Land Craig Bonney, East Arnhem Land Police Senior Ranking Officer Danny Bell, and conducted a pre-agenda review - in preparation for the formal Council Meeting.

During the formal Council Meeting, Elected Members in attendance were officially declared. The Councillors unanimously re-elected Lapulung Dhamarrandji as President, and Stephen Dhamarrandji was elected as Deputy President.

President Lapulung Dhamarrandji enters his second term as President of East Arnhem Regional Council. He hails from the community of Milingimbi of the Gumurr Gattjirrk Ward and is a well-known and respected figure in East Arnhem Land, and beyond. President Dhamarrandji is driven in seeking recognition of Aboriginal Community Controlled Local Governments.

“We need a real heart to heart connection and partnership, and know we are stronger when we are united together – Yolngu to Yolngu and Yolngu to Balanda.”

– President Lapulung Dhamarrandji

We are pleased to announce the following Elected Members who will represent the following cultural areas across the East Arnhem region over the next four years:

Birr Rawarrang

Councillor Jason Mirritjawuy was re-elected for his third term and Councillor David Warraya re-elected for his second term.

Gumurr Gattjirrk

President Lapulung Dhamarrandji was re-elected for his second term and Councillor Ganygulpa Dhurrkay re-elected for her second term.

Gumurr Marthakal

Deputy President Stephen Dhamarrandji was re-elected for his second term, Councillor Evelyna Dhamarrandji re-elected for her third term, and Councillor Cyril Bukulatjpi elected for his first term.

Gumurr Miwatj

Councillor Marrpalawuy Marika was re-elected for her second term, Councillor Priscilla Yunupingu was re-elected for her second term, and Councillor Murphy Yunupingu elected for his first term.

Gumurr Miyarrka

Councillor Bandi Bandi Wunungmurra was re-elected for his fourth term, and Councillor Bobby Wunungmurra was re-elected for his third term.

Congratulations to our Elected Members. Council looks forward to working collaboratively to deliver positive outcome and strengthen the East Arnhem Region.