Ramingining

Ramingining is a mainland community located to the west of the Glyde River about 30 kilometres south east of Milingimbi Island, 580 kilometres east of Darwin, 435 kilometres by road west of Nhulunbuy and 30 kilometres inland. Maningrida is 85 kilometres by road to the West. The main Nhulunbuy- Katherine road is 100 kilometres to the south. Both roads linking Ramingining are dry season, four-wheel drive use only.

Population

The population of the village in the 2016 Australian census was 811. The "SA1" geographical regions defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, including Ramingining and the tiny Wulkabimirri community, recorded a population of 1025.

Language

The main language spoken is Djambarrpuyngu with another two main languages spoken, Dhuwala and Dhay’yi. In total there are 14 languages spoken across thirteen clan groups including English.

Clan Groups

[Writing in progress]

History

Ramingining township is situated on Djadawitjibi-owned land, belonging to the Yolngu people from the Djinang group. The Yolngu revere Garrtjambal, the Red Kangaroo, as their primary creative being, connecting all land-owning groups from the Roper River region to Milingimbi. In the 1880s, the MacCartney family established Florida cattle station but abandoned it in 1893 due to conflicts with Aboriginal people. Later, the Eastern African and Cold Store Company obtained a lease for Arnhem Land, establishing the Arafura cattle station with the help of Captain Joe Bradshaw. Chinese settlers cultivated crops, but the venture failed in five years due to cattle issues and conflicts. Water shortages in Milingimbi led to the conversion of Ngangalala into a community, which gained recognition in the early 1970s under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act of 1976. Ramingining became the main community, while Murwangi Pastoral Association, located south of Ramingining, operates as a cattle station.

Local Authority

Each community has its own local authority to facilitate communication and consultation between local government and the East Arnhem region. Click here to find out more about the Ramingining Local Authority.

Explore the communities

  • If you are interested in learning more about the East Arnhem communities, we encourage you to explore the BushTel website. This website provides information about the remote communities of the Northern Territory, including their people and cultural historical influences. You can also access our interactive map of East Arnhem to view the exact locations of our nine communities and its corresponding services.

  • According to the laws of the Commonwealth and Northern Territory, obtaining a written permit is necessary for entry onto Aboriginal land. If you are considering a visit to the East Arnhem communities, you can apply for a permit here. (Note that this permit is necessary for the 6 mainland communities, excluding those situated on Groote Eylandt). 
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