Active Communities & Youth Services

The East Arnhem Regional Council (EARC) Active Communities & Youth Services (ACYS) Program is structured around two interconnected areas of focus – Active Communities and Youth Services. The program is facilitated in Milingimbi, Ramingining, Galiwin’ku, Gapuwiyak, Yirrkala and Gunyangara.


Active Communities focuses on proactive, consistent year-round early intervention activities facilitated after school hours and during school holidays. Additionally, we facilitate multiple annual regional events, engage diverse providers and domain experts in a range of youth engagement disciplines, and we manage community libraries in Milingimbi, Ramingining, Galiwin’ku and Gapuwiyak.


Youth Services focuses on additional support for at risk young people who may be experiencing low to moderate vulnerabilities. We accept referrals and triage young people under three separately funded but complimentary program areas.

The ACYS program focuses on 4 objectives:

Connection to Body

Activity that supports participants to feel physically strong and healthy, aids nutrition and diet, promotes good exercise and physical wellbeing.

Connection to Mind & Emotions

Activity that supports participants to maintain healthy minds, stimulates thinking and learning, strengthens family/kinship participation, aids mental health and healing through social participation

Connection to Family / Kinship & Community

Activity that supports participants sense of belonging, identity, connection to family & community, collaboration with community and stakeholders, self-determination, community engagement, or develops community identity

Connection to Culture, Country & Spirituality

Activity that supports participants connection to heritage, promotes retention of cultural knowledge, supports and promotes cultural practices, connection to country, and caring for country

What we know our communities and young people want:

Predictability - consistency of program delivery, knowing when and what is happening.


Fun and variety - a program that is fun and caters for different age groups and interests.


Youth led - young people having a say in the programs that are delivered.


Sense of achievement - meaningful activities that work towards a goal, such as skill acquisition, project development or team participation.


Family participation - an environment that welcomes the extended family.


Culture and country - integration of experiences that celebrate culture and facilitate on-country activities.


Role models - Relationships with community based mentors and program leaders.


Structured and un-structured activities - a consistent program of structured activities facilitated by an adult, as well as space for young people to ‘hang out’ with a purpose.


Improved infrastructure and facilities - young people have great ideas to improve the spaces they live, work and play.


Community based competition - young people enjoy and want more consistent competitions.

Community Employment


Active Communities & Youth Services (ACYS) is facilitated by local teams who live and work in the communities they serve. The ACYS program prioritises community employment and capacity building.

Youth Infrastructure


In most service locations, ACYS teams manage youth drop-in centres, recreation halls, community libraries, and various community-based sports facilities, including indoor and outdoor courts, as well as community ovals.

Services, Funding and Grants

Active Communities & Youth Services is currently funded under six active agreements, which support various activities and initiatives across our communities:

  • National Indigenous Australian’s Agency (NIAA)

    Structured, safe, meaningful activities and events which enhance community engagement, community wellbeing and safety. 

    • Supports consistent, structured activities and events that promote community engagement and well-being. 
    • Creates employment opportunities and builds capacity in our communities. 
    • Supports delivery of activities after school hours and throughout school holiday periods.
  • NTG – Department of People, Sport & Culture

    Increases participation and builds awareness of the benefits of being active. Addresses barriers to sport, recreation and cultural activities. 

    • Supports accessible participation in regular sport and active recreation opportunities. 
    • Supports providers and domain experts to deliver a range of varied community based engagement opportunities. 
    • Supports delivery of sporting opportunities including regional competitions.
  • NTG – Department of Corrections

    The Youth Diversion Program is an alternative response and formal pathway for eligible young people under sections 39 and 64 of the Youth Justice Act 2005 (NT) (the Act).  


    • Supports case management of young people who are referred under the provisions of the Act.
    • Supports ACYS to facilitate early intervention activities for young people at risk of entering the justice system. 

  • Department of Social Services (Gapuwiyak Based)

    In Gapuwiyak, Children and Families Intensive Support (CaFIS) provides early intervention and prevention support to children and young people aged 0 – 18 years and their families. 


    • Provides trauma-informed support to at-risk children and families in Gapuwiyak. 
    • Supports targeted case management for at-risk children. 
    • Supports implementation of trauma-informed practices within the broader ACYS program.
  • NT Health – NTG

    Enhances capacity of ACYS team to support at risk young people who may be experiencing vulnerabilities related to mental health, volatile substances use (VSU), Alcohol and other drugs (AOD) and or anti-social behaviours. 


    • Connects at-risk young people to community-based support options including targeted ACYS support. 
    • Supports youth experiencing low to moderate vulnerabilities, including VSU (Volatile Substance Use). 
    • Facilitates targeted early intervention activities to address substance-related issues.
  • Library & Archives NT

    Provides free core library services in Galiwin’ku, Milingimbi, Ramingining and Gapuwiyak. 

    • Supports language, culture and heritage. 
    • Supports welcoming community spaces. 
    • Supports literacy and lifelong learning. 
    • Supports online services and digital inclusion. 
    • Supports diversity and inclusion.

Data Collection


The Active Communities & Youth Services team uses a custom-built online data collection tool to report daily service delivery and engagement. This tool helps us collect important information about our program objectives, activities, staffing, and community engagement.

ACYS Data Dashboard

Latest News

Youth playing ALF on an oval
26 March 2026
East Arnhem Regional Council (EARC) is proud to launch the Youth Strategy 2026–2028 for East Arnhem.
29 April 2025
We're pleased to share the music video 'Galiwin'ku is our home'
22 January 2025
East Arnhem Regional Council’s AFLX Under 15 Boys Regional Championship was held on Tuesday 17 December 2024.
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