Meet your Council

    The Council plays a crucial role as a representative and responsible decision-maker, working in the best interests of its community. It actively exercises and carries out the powers and functions assigned to it by the Local Government Act (NT), ensuring effective local governance.


    East Arnhem Regional Council is governed by a democratically elected 14 Member Council representing the 6 Wards of East Arnhem Regional Council.


    The Role of your Elected Members is to:


    • Represent the interests of all residents and rate-payers in the council area.
    • Provide leadership and guidance.
    • Facilitate communication between the council's constituency and its members.
    • Actively participate in council deliberations and community activities.
    • Ensure, to the best of their ability, that the council acts honestly, efficiently, and appropriately while fulfilling its legal obligations.


    A Breach of Code of Conduct Complaint Form is available if a complaint needs to be raised against any elected members.

    President

    Mr Lapulung Dhamarrandji

    In December 2021, Mr Lapulung Dhamarrandji was unanimously selected as the President of the East Arnhem Regional Council by his fellow Councillors following the retirement of Mr. Banambi Wunungmurra from the role. 


    President Dhamarrandji hails from the community of Milingimbi and stands as a well-known and respected personality in East Arnhem Land. His contributions span across various domains, as he serves as a Board Member for the ALPA (Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal) Corporation, holds the position of Chair for both the Board of Manapan Furniture and the Milingimbi School Council. 


    President Dhamarrandji is also widely recognized as a prominent musician, having been a part of the Wirrinyga Band for over four decades. Beyond his musical accomplishments, he is highly regarded as a distinguished artist and as a cultural ceremony leader, preserving and honouring the traditions of his community.

    Contact

    President Lapulung Dhamarrandji


    Phone: 08 8986 8914

    Email: Lapulung.Dhamarrandji@eastarnhem.nt.gov.au

    Post: PO Box 1060, Nhulunbuy NT 0881

    Anindilyakwa Ward

    The Anindilyakwa Ward encompasses the communities of Milyakburra, Umbakumba, and Angurugu. It includes the picturesque Groote Eylandt and Bickerton Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria.


    The surrounding areas and the township of Alyangula are designated as Registered Mining or Special Purpose Leases. Local Government Services in Alyangula are provided by GEMCO (Groote Eylandt Mining Company).


    From the Anindilyakwa Ward, two Elected Members are chosen to represent the Council. While the Ward extends to homelands and outstations, East Arnhem Regional Council provides services exclusively in Milyakburra, Umbakumba, and Angurugu.

    Councillors


    In September 2021, Councillor Constantine Mamarika and in July 2022, Councillor Lionel Jaragba were elected to Council.

    Birr Rawarrang Ward

    The Birr Rawarrang Ward is home to the community of Ramingining and spans across the western border of East and West Arnhem. It follows the course of the scenic Goyder River through the heart of the region.


    Established after the 2011 Local Government Electoral Boundaries Review, the Birr Rawarrang Ward is represented by two Elected Members. It's worth noting that while the Ward includes homelands and outstations, East Arnhem Regional Council provides services exclusively in the Territory Growth Town of Ramingining.

    Councillors


    In September 2021, Councillor Jason Mirritjawuy was re-elected for his second term.

    In March 2024, Councillor David Warraya was elected to Council.

    Gumurr Gattjirrk Ward

    The Gumurr Gattjirrk Ward includes the community of Milingimbi and covers a wide area. It stretches from the northern tip of Cape Stewart to the southern point of Milingimbi Island, including the Crocodile Islands and the southern half of Howard Island.


    From the Gumurr Gattjirrk Ward, two Elected Members are chosen to represent the Council. It's important to note that while the Ward extends to homelands and outstations, East Arnhem Regional Council provides services exclusively in the Territory Growth Town of Milingimbi.

    Councillors


    In September 2021, Councillor Lapulung Dhamarrandji was elected to Council. In December 2021, following Councillor Banambi Wunungmurra’s retirement from the role of President, Councillor Lapulung Dhamarrandji was unanimously selected as the President by his fellow Councillors. Councillor Ganygulpa Dhurrkay was elected to Council in April 2024 following her service as a Local Authority Member.

    Gumurr Marthakal Ward

    The Gumurr Marthakal Ward includes the community of Galiwin'ku and extends across Elcho Island, the Wessel Islands, the English Companys Islands, and up to the northernmost point of Point Napier.


    To ensure effective representation, three Elected Members are chosen from the Gumurr Marthakal Ward to serve on the Council. While the Ward covers homelands and outstations, East Arnhem Regional Council provides services exclusively in the Territory Growth Town of Galiwin'ku.

    Councillors


    In September 2021, Councillor Kaye Thurlow was re-elected to her fourth term in council, with Councillor Evelyna Dhamarrandji elected to Council for her second term.

    In March 2024, Councillor Stephen Dhamarrandji was elected to Council.

    Gumurr Miwatj Ward

    The Gumurr Miwatj Ward includes the communities of Gunyangara (Ski Beach) and Yirrkala. It stretches from Melville Bay in the east to parts of Arnhem Bay and the Gulf of Carpentaria.


    The surrounding areas and townships of Nhulunbuy fall under Registered Mining or Special Purpose Leases, and Local Government services in Nhulunbuy are provided by Nhulunbuy Corporation Ltd.


    From the Gumurr Miwatj Ward, three Elected Members are selected to represent the Council. While the Ward extends to homelands and outstations, the East Arnhem Regional Council delivers services exclusively in Gunyangara and Yirrkala.

    Councillors


    In September 2021, Councillor Banambi Wunungmurra was elected to Council. At the first new council meeting,  Councillor Banambi Wunungmurra was selected by the elected Councillors to serve as the President for this term of Council. In December 2021, Councillor Banambi Wunungmurra stepped down from his role of President.


    In June 2022, Councillor         Marrpalawuy Marika was elected to Council.


    Councillor Priscilla Yunupingu was appointed to Council in April 2024 following her time as a Local Authority Member.

    Gumurr Miyarrka Ward

    The Gumurr Miyarrka Ward includes the community of Gapuwiyak and covers the largest land area among all the East Arnhem Regional Council Wards.


    Two Elected Members are chosen from the Gumurr Miyarrka Ward to represent the Council. While the Ward extends to homelands and outstations, the East Arnhem Regional Council provides services exclusively in the Territory Growth Town of Gapuwiyak.

    Councillors


    Councillor Bandi Bandi Wunungmurra was re-elected to the Council in February 2022, and Councillor Bobby Wunungmurra followed suit in July 2022.

    Register of annual returns of interest

    In accordance with section 117 of the Local Government Act 2019, the Elected Members are obligated to disclose their interests through the register  of  annual  returns  of  interest. This document is provided by the  Council to make public the interests of Members that may present conflicts of interest or potential perceived conflicts with their public duties.

    Share by: