Missed but Never Forgotten

July 18, 2022

A memorial service was held on Friday, 15th July for former East Arnhem Regional Council Councillor and community leader, Mr. D Marika at the Yirrkala Church.


Mr. D Marika who passed away earlier this year, was fondly remembered by family, friends and those he endlessly laboured with to strengthen the East Arnhem communities and homelands.


No matter the relationship to Mr. D Marika, he was often mentioned as a ‘strong leader’, ‘honest’ and ‘loving’; a man who possessed an ‘infectious’ laugh and a ‘cheeky’ grin by speakers who were invited to share by Mr. D Marika’s widow, Marrpalawuy Marika.


Marrpalawuy Marika spoke with strength and passion of her commitment as a newly elected Councillor.


EARC President Lapulung Dhamarrandji said, “He encouraged me to stand for President of the Council. This man of integrity stood for the Sovereign rights of his people. We need to understand this chapter, regardless of our colour and stand in solidarity and walk alongside to enhance breakthroughs. I stand the same way to take my people to the next level and continue the legacy of my brother.”


EARC Chief Executive Officer Dale Keehne mentioned in his tribute, how Mr. D Marika was walking further down the Road to Recognition for Land Rights of his father, to the Road to Recognition of Aboriginal Controlled Regional Government – to a Yolngu Sovereign Government. “In all his work, with Rirratjingu, Miwatj, the Community School, Church, Council and Local Authority – he showed and lived by his firm conviction, that we must all be in this together, ‘Yolngu ga Yolngu, Yolngu ga Balanda’. Mr. Marika showed us a path we can all walk on together; to build a better and beautiful life for all Australians, Yolngu and Balanda,” he added.


Mr. D Marika’s funeral service is planned for 19th July 2022 at the Gangan homeland where he will be laid to rest.


He will be missed, but never forgotten.


July 7, 2025
In July, East Arnhem Regional Council will be running Community Consultations sessions in Gapuwiyak, Milingimbi, Galiwin'ku, Ramingining, Gunyangara and Yirrkala.
July 3, 2025
The 2025 Local Government Elections will take place in August, inviting voters from across the Territory to participate. Twelve Councillors will be selected to represent the five wards across East Arnhem: Birr Rawarrang Ward (Ramingining), Gumurr Gattjirrk Ward (Milingimbi), Gumurr Marthakal Ward (Galiwin’ku), Gumurr Miwatj Ward (Gunyangara & Yirrkala) and Gumurr Miyarrka Ward (Gapuwiyak). For information on nomination, voting and key dates in the 2025 Local Government Election click here .
A group of 10 people.
June 30, 2025
During our recent Ordinary Council meeting we celebrated two of our longest serving Councillors who have been with Council since its inception in 2008.
June 26, 2025
East Arnhem Regional Council adopted the Budget for the 2025-2026 financial year and the Regional Plan for 2025-2026 at its Ordinary Council Meeting held on Thursday, 26 June 2025. You can obtain copies of the 2025-2026 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
A group of people outdoors
June 16, 2025
In May the East Arnhem Regional Council team at Ramingining assisted Savage Films to screen 'Journey Home, David Gulpilil' in community.
June 4, 2025
In May, East Arnhem Regional Council participated in the VET Careers Expo in Darwin. It was a valuable opportunity to engage with students and jobseekers about career and training opportunities within the local government sector. Thanks to LGANT for having us at their stall this afternoon. Photo: East Arnhem Regional Council at VET Careers Expo, Marrara Indoor Stadium, Darwin, 2025.
May 22, 2025
Public Consultation | Draft Regional Plan 2025-2026
May 20, 2025
Yirrkala Child Care Centre - Community Meetings following break-ins On Monday (19, May 2025), East Arnhem Regional Council (EARC) gathered with children who have broken into the centre, their families, parents of children who attend the service, senior community members, and local staff at the Yirrkala Child Care Centre - to raise issues and seek practical outcomes about the ongoing break-ins, the most recent of which occurred on the weekend. There was meaningful interaction between everyone at the meeting including the children apologising to affected parents and Centre staff. Following this meeting and the completion of Centre repairs, we plan to reopen the service to the community from Wednesday, 21 May. Thank you to everyone who participated and gave feedback including Witiyana Marika and Gumurr Miwatj Councillor Marrpalawuy Marika. Next Community Meeting We will gather again on Friday, 23 May at 3pm for further discussions with the community, families, djamarrkuli (kids), senior leaders and EARC Youth Services team. We encourage everyone who has concerns to join us. We need families and community members to work together to gain real action to stop the break-ins, make good for harm done and ensure djamarrkuli get back on the right track.  Images: Witiyana Marika, EARC Gumurr Miwatj Councillor Marrpalawuy Marika and EARC CEO Dale Keehne.
April 29, 2025
29 April 2025 Yirrkala Child Care - 2 Week Closure