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.