Words: Dale Keehne I am pleased to be able to announce the outcome of the latest discussions on Tuesday 5 November to develop our Enterprise Bargaining Agreement between United Workers Union officials and other employee representatives, our Enterprise Bargaining Advisor and myself as CEO. These discussions were scheduled to take place many weeks ago as the next key step to progress discussions. I would like to thank Fair Work Commissioner Riordan who facilitated these very constructive and positive discussions to help us all reach agreement. There are a range of improvements to our workers’ salaries and conditions that I have already recently introduced to ensure our workers’ can begin to benefit from them. These improvements include a 4 per cent increase to salaries and Locality, as well the Outdoor, Apply First Aid, Sleepover and Meal Allowances, increasing the starting wages for all our Level 1 employees, the provision of Apply First Aid Allowances to our Community Night Patrol and Sobering Up Shelter workers, the increase in paid parental leave from 8 to 10 weeks, and an additional $7,000 payment to Level 8 Council Services Managers for extra hours worked. Council had also committed to a 3 per cent pay increase in 2025 and another 3 per cent increase in 2026. These improved conditions will also be included in the new proposed Enterprise Bargaining Agreement if it is approved by workers in the next few weeks. Additional changes that we have made to the proposed Agreement are: the addition of a fourth year to the agreement with a further 3 per cent pay increase from 1 July 2027 and a corresponding increase in the Locality, Outdoor, Apply First Aid, Sleepover and Meal Allowances; back pay for the 2024 4 per cent pay increase from 1 July to 19 September, more flexibility in approving the Bi-lingual Allowance; recognition that Individual Flexibility Arrangements could include changes in daily hours of work and days on which work is undertaken where agreed by an employee and the Council; and, outside the agreement, the increase of the proposed Air Conditioning Subsidy when staff are on leave and their Council provided housing is vacant from $25 to $50 a week. I look forward to putting the proposed Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, with the support of the United Workers Union and other employee representatives, to all workers to consider and vote on, so we can gain formal endorsement of the wide range of improvements to our workers’ salaries and conditions. I take this opportunity to thank the United Workers Union and employee representatives for their hard work and their representation during the agreement discussions and negotiations. As an ex-trade union official for many years, it gives me great satisfaction as CEO for us to unite to support our highly valued workers. Dale Keehne CEO

The Gattjirrk Festival, founded by East Arnhem Regional Council's President Lapulung Dhamarrandji , recently celebrated its 42nd anniversary.

3,176.64 tonnes of scrap metal have been recycled as part of our ongoing Scrap Metal Recovery Project.

The election of the Groote Archipelago Regional Council (GARC) has been postponed from 26 October 2024 to 15 March 2025. The new Minister for Local Government has decided to postpone the election in light of concerns of community members that there were no electoral wards for the election of the 7 GARC Councillors. East Arnhem Regional Council understands and has raised this concern itself in previous months. On behalf of EARC I would like to assure all the people of the Groote Archipelago that we will continue to deliver all current and planned projects, initiatives and services to each of the three Groote communities. EARC will continue to meet with the three Local Authorities, to continue to listen and be guided by the voices of the people in the three communities of Milyakburra, Umbakumba and Angurugu and their related homelands. I would like to thank all our EARC workers in the three Groote Archipelago communities who continue to deliver the wide range of quality services to the Groote communities, with the support of our Regional based managers and staff in Nhulunbuy and Darwin. This is happening based on agreement to a request by the GARC Constituting Member for EARC to continue to deliver services to the GARC area from when it was officially declared on 1 September 2024 until the election of a new Groote Council. EARC will then continue to deliver services under an Agreement for Services from the election of a Groote Council now scheduled to be declared in April 2025, for all Local Government and Support Services and other Community Services through existing contracts with EARC. As the Agreement for Services is due to start 5 months later from April 2025, the nominated end date of 30 June 2025 (or a later agreed date), may well have to be considerably later. EARC will also continue to discuss closely with the new NT Government what funding is actually needed to ensure the maintenance of service delivery levels across the whole East Arnhem region, at whatever point in the future the Groote Archipelago Regional Council is due to actually deliver services itself. EARC can confirm that when employees are finally due to move from working for EARC to GARC, that the standard of their current salary and conditions will not be reduced, in line with National Employment Standards to protect workers through transfer of business. Dale Keehne Chief Executive Officer East Arnhem Regional Council

Congratulations to Councillor Evelyna Dhamarrandji who won an award for the 2024 Annual NT Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Collaborative Program.

We're excited to announce highlights and winners from the 3rd Annual Eastern Cup Basketball Championships.

In September, Natashia (Gamanydjan) Curtin visited Ramingining Library for the launch of her children's book 'Just Like You'.

Our Animal Management Program team performed a community-wide biosecurity census in Ramingining and Galiwin'ku to target animal health concerns and keep an eye out for any potential biosecurity threats.

Earlier this month the East Arnhem Regional Council (EARC) team got involved with ' Conquer the Corrugations ' and ' R U OK? ' to raise awareness on Mental Health. The EARC Animal Management Team participated in the annual charity walk ' East Arnhem Conquer the Corrugations '. This 30km walk is aimed at raising awareness and reducing the stigma around mental health disorders. Over 200 people participated in the walk along the Central Arnhem Road. Multiple ' R U OK? ' events were celebrated in the EARC Offices. 'R U OK?' encourages meaningful conversations with friends, family members, colleagues, partners, or teammates to support them through life's ups and downs every day. A big thanks to our wonderful team who helped organise. For more information on the mental health crisis in the Veterinary industry visit: www.sophieslegacy.com For more information on the charity walk, 'Conquer the Corrugations', visit: www.conquerthecorrugations.com.au For more information on 'R U OK?' visit: www.ruok.org.au In the picture (L to R) Vet Nurse Sarah, Vet Nurse Jess, Dr Susannah and Dr Kathleen

Thanks to the Ramingining community for hosting the 2024 AFL X Regional Championship Under 15 Girls. The event was a big success with fantastic AFL action from Milingimbi, Yirrkala, Gapuwiyak, Galiwin’ku and Ramingining players. Congratulations to the eventual winners, the combined Gapuwiyak and Yirrkala girls team, beating the combined Milingimbi and Ramingining girls team 81 to 50. Well done to all the players involved. A very big thank you to Matt from AFL Northern Territory for co-hosting the event and umpiring throughout the day, Tehanee from Yirrkala Stars for scoring the event and supporting the Yirrkala girls, and Michala Garawirrtja for supporting the Gapuwiyak girls. Also, thanks to ALPA for catering our healthy meals throughout the weekend. Lastly, thanks to our amazing Youth Sport and Recreation (YSR) staff for your leadership and hard work leading up to the event and throughout the day.

The new Gapuwiyak Youth Centre and Library was established by East Arnhem Regional Council’s Youth Sport and Recreation (YSR) program and The Wapurarr’ Place, a unique youth mental health service within YSR. The Centre was funded by the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Programme (AACAP), and is the first of its kind in Gapuwiyak, aiming to be a place of learning and exploration for young people and the broader Community. Strong literacy supports good psychosocial wellbeing, while low literacy is associated with an increased risk of poor psychosocial outcomes. Young people attending Wapurarr’ Place library activities are supported by staff who guide and encourage them to challenge themselves, through developing persistence, frustration/distress tolerance, and self-efficacy – skills associated with positive psychosocial outcomes. Through the Wapurarr’ Place and YSR, children love learning about the world, the positive support from our staff, the satisfaction of challenging themselves and having their own efforts encouraged and acknowledged. In just a year, staff are already seeing the positive impact Gapuwiyak Youth Centre and Library is having on literacy and English language scores, and enthusiasm towards literacy in the Community. East Arnhem Regional Council is excited to see how this program continues to develop in the coming year.

East Arnhem Regional Council is pleased to announce our new 'Youth Chillout Space' in Milingimbi is open. The newly renovated space inside the Youth, Sport and Recreation Hall at Milingimbi has a great selection of books, games, 3 computer stations, a large TV and lots of comfortable furnishings. The new space has been open for several weeks now, with young people enjoying a range of low energy activities delivered by the East Arnhem Regional Council Youth Sport and Recreation team. We also welcome parents and caregivers to attend the space with their children. Thanks to WTD Constructions who completed the renovation works and to our Youth Sport and Recreation Coordinator Osiah Dhawaymirr and former Youth Support Coordinator Daniel Hughes for getting the program set up and running.

Here are a few highlights from our Animal Management team's recent visits to Gapuwiyak and Yathalamarra Homeland. In July, Dr Susannah and Vet Nurses Jess and Sarah visited Gapuwiyak. They were joined by visiting Vet Dr Kathleen and two students from Melbourne University, Taylor and Cailin. Working as a team, they performed 44 surgeries over four days to ensure these animals in Community were healthy. They also administered over 100 parasite treatments to help protect the animals and prevent the spreading of parasites such as scabies and hookworms. More recently in August, Dr Susannah and Vet Nurse Jess worked in collaboration with Dinybulu Regional Services to provide veterinary care to the animals of Yathalamarra Homeland. The people of Yathalamarra gave a warm welcome to the team. With help from the Dinybulu Rangers, Marcus and Scott, the team hand out parasite prevention to every dog in the Community. In addition, our vets were able to offer animal desexing. Image 1 (left to right): Jess, Kailin, Dr Susannah, Taylor, Dr Kathleen, Sarah Image 2: Two kittens from Gapuwiyak Image 3 (left to right): Dinybulu Rangers Marcus and Scott and EARC Vet Nurse Jess giving out parasite prevention to the local dogs Image 4: Dr Susannah at our mobile surgery unit

East Arnhem Regional Council was pleased to take more than 60 students from Nhulunbuy High School to the GARMA Festival 2024. They arrived for the Welcome and Opening of Key Forum and were able to participate in multiple activities throughout the day including the 'Education Expo & Cultural Activities' and 'The Dhupuma College Legacy, Looking Up, Looking Forward' creative forum. Big thanks to Culture College for the fantastic workshops. The GARMA Festival, hosted by the Yothu Yindi Foundation showcases traditional miny’tji (art), manikay (song), bunggul (dance) and story-telling. This was a great opportunity for students to engage, learn and celebrate Yolngu Life and Culture. Thanks to our superstar East Arnhem Regional Council team who assisted today: Judi (Sobering Up Shelter Coordinator), Kara (Regional Manager - Children & Library Services), Kiyarnie (Fleet Administration Officer), Renee (Community Patrol Coordinator) and CEO Dale Keehne.

East Arnhem Regional Council celebrated NAIDOC Week with multiple activities happening throughout the Communities. Here are a few highlights from Gapuwiyak, Milingimbi, Ramingining and Yirrkala. Gapuwiyak marched proudly through the Community and kept the fire burning at the lake with dancing, ground oven and damper cooking. Thanks to Sikeli, from the Youth Sport and Recreation team, who cooked traditional Fijian food for everyone to enjoy. A big shout out to Sammy Marrkula for leading the dancing and sharing his knowledge. ALPA honoured the Community by providing a BBQ in our current ceremony area. The community at Milingimbi came together to celebrate NAIDOC Week with story telling and traditional cooking. Ramingining Aged Care and Disability team and clients, along with other members of the public come together to celebrate NAIDOC Week. At the Yirrkala Childcare we welcomed Mirrkiyawuy Ganambarr to share traditional practices around bush medejin with the children, went on an excursion to Hindle Oval and did lots of NAIDOC inspired crafts. Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.  Thank you to all the staff at East Arnhem Regional Council , ALPA , Bush Miyalk, CDP, Bufallo Warriors, NT Police and Centrelink. NAIDOC Week, Gapuwiyak, Ramingining, Yirrkala, 7 -14 July 2024

East Arnhem Regional Council held a special Citizenship Ceremony yesterday at Groote Eylandt Lodge. This ceremony celebrated and welcomed 6 new Australians. East Arnhem Regional Council has a long-standing tradition of organising these citizenship ceremonies. The ceremonies serve as a milestone for individuals who embrace and positively contribute to the diverse fabric of Australia. Deputy President Jason Mirritjawuy and CEO Dale Keehne welcomed the new citizens: Ana, Samiuela, Tyson, Yvanah, Ezekiel and Anh. Deputy President Jason Mirritjawuy was the presiding officer and presented the new citizens with their Australian Citizenship Certificate. Citizenship Ceremony, Alyangula, 23 July 2024

East Arnhem Regional Council was joined by the Crocodile Island Rangers, CDP and residents to help clean up the litter that had blown across the mud flats at Milingimbi. Big thanks everyone who joined us and to Keep Australia Beautiful NT for the donation of the litter tongs to assist with Community events like this. "It’s wonderful to see the community coming together to Keep Country Beautiful! A big thank you to the East Arnhem Regional Council, the Crocodile Island Rangers, CDP, and all the residents who participated in the Milingimbi Clean Up Day" - Keep Australian Beautiful Council NT, via Facebook Milingimbi Clean Up Day, Milingimbi, 10 July 2024

East Arnhem Regional Council representatives were recently invited to attend the Investiture Ceremony for Councillor Kaye Thurlow’s appointment to the ‘Member of the Order’ (AM), in the General Division of the Order of Australia. The invitation was extended by His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM, Administrator of the Northern Territory, and Ms Ruth Jones with the ceremony being held in Galiwin’ku. The award is in recognition of Cr Kaye Thurlow’s remarkable dedication and service to the communities of East Arnhem Land. These include her years as a teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal at Shepherdson College and her tireless work on numerous committees and boards. Additionally, Kaye is also the longest serving Councillor of East Arnhem Regional Council, including serving as Council President and Deputy President over several years. CEO Dale Keehne was joined at the Investiture by President Lapulung Dhamarrandji, Kaye’s fellow Councillors and Director - Council Services, Signe Balodis. Congratulations Kaye on this award recognising your outstanding contributions. Congratulations Councillor Kaye Thurlow AM. Investiture Ceremony, Galiwin'ku, 11 July 2024

The four-day camp provided participants with a variety of engaging activities delivered at the Garma site.

East Arnhem Regional Council celebrated Midawarr Day Out at the Gove Peninsula Surf Life-Saving Club along with multiple Aged and Disability services throughout East Arnhem. We were pleased to have 29 clients from our Aged Care and NDIS services attended from 5 Communities including Galiwin'ku, Gapuwiyak, Milingimbi, Ramingining and Yirrkala. It was wonderful to see everyone come together for a day of activities, games and dance. The East Arnhem Regional Council team put together a banner inviting attendees to contribute by add their handprint to the banner. Thank you to everyone who attended and a big shout out to our superstar team: Aaron, Ayla, Brenda, Cameron, Isabella, Jef, Justin, Kelda, Kelly, Marie, Marshella, Melanie, Pauline, Sen, Sylvia, Tay and Tracy. Midawarr Day Out 2024, Friday 7 June

East Arnhem Regional Council marks the loss of significant leader Mr T. Wurramarrba.

East Arnhem Regional Council adopted the Budget for the 2024-2025 financial year and the Regional Plan for 2024-2025 at its Ordinary Council Meeting held on Thursday, 27 June 2024. You can obtain copies of the 2024-2025 Regional Plan and Budget: by downloading from www.eastarnhem.nt.gov.au view in hard copy at any of Council’s Service Delivery Centres and the Regional Office by telephoning (08) 8986 8986 or emailing info@eastarnhem.nt.gov.au

Highlights from recent Community Visits and Local Authority Meetings with East Arnhem Regional Council’s CEO Dale Keehne. It was great to engage again with Communities, Local Authority Members and Councillors, as we do regularly. Here are a few key highlights: - Productive discussions with Council staff working in Communities across Aged and Disability Service, Youth Sport and Recreation, Child Care, Post, Community Patrol, Libraries, Environment & Waste Management and Municipal Services - Engaging meetings with Local Authority Members and Councillors to address community needs - Insightful conversations about Councils Youth Strategy A huge thank you to all the Council staff, Local Authority Members, and councillors for their time, insights, and commitment, as always. Working Together, Standing Strong! East Arnhem Regional Council services nine Communities: Angurugu, Galiwin’ku, Gapuwiyak, Gunyangara, Milingimbi, Milyakburra, Ramingining, Umbakumba and Yirrkala.

Community Call: Let's positively shape our youth's future

The results of the Birr Rawarrang Ward and Gumurr Marthakal Ward By Elections that was held on Thursday 29 February 2024 has been finalised. In both Wards, three candidates contested the election for one Councillor vacancy and by securing the majority of votes, David Warraya and Stephen Malwarriwuy Dhamarrandji are duly elected as Birr Rawarrang Ward and Gumurr Marthala Ward Councillors.

As we commemorate International Women's Day on March 8th, 2024, East Arnhem Regional Council (EARC) proudly stands at the forefront of promoting gender equality, diversity, and inclusion within our organisation and the wider community. This year, under the banner of #CountHerIn, we celebrate the invaluable contributions of women in the Council, reaffirming our commitment to fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and succeed, regardless of gender.

These organisations - the Northern Territory Government, Australian Government (National Indigenous Australians Agency), East Arnhem Regional Council, and the Northern Land Council (NLC) - are sharing this information with both Yolŋu and Balanda communities. The NT Government, Council, and NLC have been working to locate areas containing asbestos on Elcho Island. This effort aims to develop strategies ensuring the safety of both Yolŋu and Balanda residents from the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses, but the risk is significantly lower if you avoid contact with it. Nonetheless, understanding this issue is crucial for safeguarding your family's well-being. To identify asbestos sites in Galiwin’ku, the NT Government, Council, and NLC enlisted the expertise of Agon Environmental, a specialised organisation in asbestos detection and cleanup. Agon Environmental conducted surveys on Elcho Island and documented the locations where asbestos was found. The resulting report from Agon Environmental, funded by the NT Government, Council, and NLC, has been shared with the Australian Government as well. This comprehensive report outlines the locations of asbestos on Elcho Island and provides guidance on creating safety plans for Yolŋu and Balanda families. These reports will be soon accessible on the council website. Asbestos was found on the ground in various places around Elcho Island, believed to originate from old houses constructed with asbestos-containing materials. In the past, before 2009, some workers improperly disposed of asbestos by leaving it on the ground after demolishing old houses, rather than in a secure location. Over time, natural events such as storms and cyclones have dispersed some of this asbestos within the community.

With great sorrow Council marks the passing of Mr Wunungmurra, Chairman of the Arnhem Land Progress Association, and brother to Councillors Bobby Wunungmurra and Bandi Bandi Wunungmurra. President Lapulung Dhamarrandji has stated “This is a shattering moment for losing a man who had such integrity in his heart.” Out of our deep respect Council has closed all operations across the nine communities, and the Nhulunbuy Regional Support and Darwin Support offices. All flags across all nine communities are being flown at half mast from now until the end of next week. Our thoughts are with all the families, kin and all who knew and deeply respected this great man.

East Arnhem Regional Council Birr Rawarrang Ward by-election 1 Position available Candidates in order on ballot paper Gadiki Gawinygawiny David Warraya Gerald Yawulkpuy 

East Arnhem Regional Council Birr Rawarrang Ward by-election - Candidate nominations now open Where do I get a nomination form? • NT Electoral Commission website: www.ntec.nt.gov.au • East Arnhem Regional Council: Ramingining Where do I lodge the nomination form? • East Arnhem Regional Council: Ramingining • Email: nominations.ntec@nt.gov.au Nominations close 12pm on Friday 9 February You must be enrolled in the East Arnhem Regional Council area to nominate as a candidate.

We are thrilled to share the highlights of this special day, marking the official inauguration of the Nhulunbuy Mural. This collective artwork captures the essence of East Arnhem Land and its people. Thanks again to everyone who participated in making this project happen, Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation for their Welcome to Country and Vet in a Van for assisting with documenting through photos and videos.

Historical significance

At this historic and challenging time, let's move forward together.

Thank you to all who attended the official launch of the East Arnhem Regional Mural in Nhulunbuy.

Yesterday, 25th of October, marked a special moment as the East Arnhem Regional Council unveiled the mural in Nhulunbuy! After dedicating two years to this project, we were thrilled to finally celebrate the final result with the community! This mural is a special tribute to the people, culture, and natural beauty that make the region of East Arnhem unique. We take great pride in and extend our heartfelt thanks for this collective effort. More photographs from the inauguration will be published soon.

This week our Veterinarian/Animal Control Manager Dr Madeleine Kelso attended the 'Big Hairy People and Pets Summit & Workshops' on the Gold Coast. The conference was organised by the Australian Institute of Animal Management, G2Z and AMRRIC. The theme of the conference was 'Breaking Down Barriers' with international speakers talking about many topics including community engagement, supporting disadvantaged pet owners keeping themselves and their pets healthy and dog behaviour and aggression. East Arnhem Regional Council are thrilled to announce that our program won the award for best 'Regional and Remote Animal Management Program or Initiative'. This is a nationally recognised award from the Australian Institute of Animal Management and the team is so proud of the work they do to help our families and their animals in the East Arnhem region.

East Arnhem Regional Council recently organised an event to mark the installation of new lighting at the Ramingining Oval, a project that commenced in July and has now been completed.

Joyleen Bara Bara, our dedicated Umbakumba Early Childhood Educator, has been nominated in the "Outstanding Aboriginal Educator" category for the Northern Territory Education and Care Awards. The NT Education and Care Awards recognise the outstanding contributions of early childhood educators who consistently provide quality learning opportunities and show a deep commitment to the well-being of Northern Territory children and their families. Joyleen recently attended the awards ceremony in Darwin and was honoured as a finalist. This achievement reflects her years of service and unwavering dedication to the children, families, and the Umbakumba community.

In late August, Galiwin'ku witnessed a remarkable demonstration of community engagement and environmental responsibility during the Clean-up Galiwin'ku Week. This initiative, proudly hosted by the East Arnhem Regional Council (EARC), underscored the potential of collective action in fostering a sustainable and ecologically conscious community. A key highlight was the reintroduction of the "Cash 4 Containers" program into the community. This program not only encourages sustainable practices but also motivates residents to actively participate in recycling endeavours. Over the span of four days, residents of Galiwin'ku collaborated to achieve a substantial environmental impact. An impressive 48,000 beverage containers were collected and subsequently transported to Darwin for recycling. This accomplishment not only reduces waste but also reflects the dedication of Galiwin'ku residents to the preservation of their natural environment. We extend our appreciation to Shepherdson College, whose students and staff played a significant role in this initiative. On a Friday morning, they conducted a comprehensive clean-up operation, collecting an impressive 3,000 containers in just one hour! Our gratitude also extends to Shepherdson College, the residents of Galiwin'ku, and our valued recycling partners: Envirobank Recycling, Mobile Muster, and Sea Swift. This collaborative effort signifies the ongoing commitment of Galiwin'ku to create a cleaner and more environmentally responsible community.

Clean-Up Galiwin’ku Week will take place from 28th August to 1st September. This special event aims to promote recycling and raise awareness about the environment in our community. Cash 4 Containers – 28 August to 1 September As part of Clean-Up Galiwin’ku Week, the East Arnhem Regional Council will set up convenient Pop-up recycling depots at the Council Office and Council Depot. The focus will be on the Container Deposit Scheme, where residents can bring their used cans and bottles to these depots and receive cash in return. It's a simple way to earn a little extra money while contributing to the environment by ensuring proper recycling of these items. Mobile Muster – 28 August to 1 September Alongside Cash 4 Containers, we will also have the Mobile Muster program. Collection sites for old and unwanted mobile phones will be set up at the Cash 4 Container areas. By recycling your old phones, you can help prevent harmful electronic waste from ending up in landfills and contribute to the recovery of valuable resources. You'll receive $0.50 for each old mobile phone recycled. Cash for Trash/Clean-up Day – 1st September To conclude Clean-Up Galiwin’ku Week, we will have a Cash for Trash/Clean-up Day on the 1st of September. On this day, you can bring your filled trash bags to the designated drop-off point and receive $5 per bag. Participants will also receive raffle tickets for prizes. This incentive is designed to encourage everyone to take an active part in cleaning up their surroundings, ensuring that litter is properly disposed of and not left to harm the environment.

The East Arnhem Regional Council offers a unique and rewarding work experience in some of Australia's most remote and culturally rich communities. If you are considering a job in one of these communities, it's essential to understand the distinctive challenges and enriching aspects that come with working and living in East Arnhem Land. This article aims to provide prospective applicants with insights into the realities of working in these remote areas and the impact they can have on both personal and professional levels.

Councillor Kaye Thurlow has been appointed as a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia, in recognition of her remarkable dedication and service to the Indigenous community of East Arnhem Land. This prestigious honour celebrates her lifelong commitment and significant contributions to the region. Following are the few highlights of her lifetime of work for the people of East Arnhem Land. East Arnhem Regional Council: President, 2018-2021. Deputy President, 2022, 2017-2018 and 2010-2012. Councillor, Gumurr Marthakal Ward, since 2008. Former President, Latitude 12 Committee. Former Executive Committee Member, Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT). Representative Member, LGANT. Former Secretary, Galiwin'ku Community Advisory Board. Former Member, Galiwin'ku Local Reference Group. Member, Galiwin'ku Local Authority, current. Member, Galiwin'ku Housing Reference Group, current. Representative Member, Northern Territory Place Names Committee, current. Shepherdson College (formerly Elcho Island Mission School): Principal, 2006-2007. Assistant Principal, 1997-2001, and 2003-2005. Founder, Senior Yolngu Management Team, 1999. Teacher, 1969-1975. Milingimbi School: Principal, 1994. Assistant Principal, 1992-1997. School Librarian, 1991-1992. Teacher-Linguist, 1985-1988. Education: Teacher, Lajamanu School (Hooker Creek School), 1983-1984. Cultural Preservation: Initiated the update of Galiwin'ku community genealogical records in coordination with Galiwin'ku Community Inc, 2002. Her work has made a lasting impact on the Indigenous community, and this well-deserved recognition is a testament to her unwavering dedication. The public extends heartfelt congratulations to Councillor Kaye Thurlow for this prestigious achievement. 

The Council Plan 2023-2024 was adopted in the Council meeting held on 29 June 2023. This outlines our priorities and strategies for the coming year.

The East Arnhem Regional Council arranged a special Citizenship Ceremony in the community of Galiwin'ku. This ceremony, held on May 30, 2023, aimed to celebrate and welcome new Australians who have chosen Galiwin'ku as their home. The East Arnhem Regional Council has a long-standing tradition of organising such citizenship ceremonies to recognize the importance of Australian citizenship and its values. These ceremonies serve as a significant milestone for individuals who have decided to embrace their new country and contribute to the diverse fabric of Australian society. The purpose of the Citizenship Ceremony is to provide a platform for new citizens to formally pledge their commitment to Australia, affirming their dedication to upholding the country's values, laws, and traditions. It also serves as a symbolic recognition of their newfound status and connection to their adopted home. They are designed to create a memorable and inclusive experience for the new citizens, their families, and the community as a whole. At the conclusion of the ceremony, each new citizen is presented with their Australian citizenship certificate, symbolising their official recognition as Australian citizens and their place within the wider Australian community. The East Arnhem Regional Council's commitment to organising these citizenship ceremonies underscores the values of inclusivity, diversity, and unity that Australia upholds. Through these ceremonies, the council aims to foster a sense of belonging for new Australians, while celebrating the contributions they bring to their adopted community.

Iain Loganathan, Electoral Commissioner, Northern Territory Electoral Commission declared on 8th May 2023, “Marrpalawuy Marika duly elected as Gummur Miwatj ward councillor under regulation 71 of the Local Government (Electoral) Regulations.”

With deep respect we mark the passing of Yunupiŋu, nationally recognised and revered Indigenous Leader. Council operations in our 9 East Arnhem communities, Nhulunbuy and Darwin offices will be closed for two days and all flags will be flown at half mast this week. Our thoughts and hearts are with Yunupiŋu’s family and the Gumatj Clan.

Actioning the requests of the East Arnhem Local Authorities, Council has engaged with mural artists, George Domahidy and Luke Breen to execute the East Arnhem Mural in East Arnhem Regional Council’s Nhulunbuy Support Office. The artists are currently consulting with the nine communities through art and creative mediums to identify themes that are to be featured on the final mural. As part of community consultations in Gapuwiyak, the community now owns the newest mural in the region. A stunning piece of community art, the mural is a true reflection of the how both Yolngu and Balanda have worked together in the past to support and strengthen to the communities. The mural proudly reads, “Working Together, Standing Strong” whilst featuring the windmill that was built by both Yolngu and Balanda during the early-mission days - a theme that was raised by the Gapuwiyak Local Authority for their community. Council continues to support and promote this attitude of collaboration between organisations, stakeholders and different levels of governments for the benefit of the East Arnhem communities. EARC is certain that this mural project will be a source of inspiration that continues to celebrate the strength that comes from unity in diversity.

East Arnhem Regional Council facilitated a forum over breakfast for Their Excellencies Governor-General of Australia David Hurley and Mrs. Hurley to connect and interact with students representing the schools in the Gove peninsula. This meeting builds on the long-standing interest the Governor-General has in the wellbeing of regional and remote Australia; of the many conversations, the biggest were discussions on the region’s education institutions, unique lifestyles and communities. The Governor-General also opened the floor for questions which was very well received by the students. Council would like to thank Nhulunbuy Primary School, Nhulunbuy High School, Nhulunbuy Christian College and Dhupuma Barker School for their participation.

East Arnhem Regional Council President Lapulung Dhammarandji acknowledged the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and conveyed his condolences to His Excellency Governor-General of Australia David Hurley. President Dhammarandji also presented the Governor-General with a cultural spear and woomera extending a sign of hope and peace between the two worlds; Yolngu and Balanda in Australia. “I give you this special Spear of hope and Woomera of peace. They are given in trust and good faith as we are all intertwined; To recognise and further build our bond, through a bridge of commonality and to create a brighter future for all Australians, united in our shared nation,” said President Dhammarandji in his welcome speech.