Gattjirrk Festival

    November 6, 2024

    The Gattjirrk Festival, founded by East Arnhem Regional Council's President Lapulung Dhamarrandji, recently celebrated its 42nd anniversary.

    Words: Lapulung Dhamarrandji


    The popular well-known festival, Garrjirrk, first started in 1982 and has been running ever since. I was the core founder of this amazing festival. We used to call it Music Sound’s and Lighting Competition. 


    This year’s Gattjirrk Festival was held from the 2nd - 5th of October and celebrated its 42nd anniversary. The theme of the festival was ‘healthy people, strong culture and active lifestyle'. It was one of the unique experiences to celebrate our entire lives as ONE MOB, ONE VOICE, ONE LAND. 


    The entire community of Milingimbi, all Yolngu participated with the Gattjirrk Festival on this special occasion, celebrating their success and participation towards the Gattjirrk Festival. It brought wonderful memories from the past’s history, when it all began. 


    We want to give a special thanks to the Yolngu and Balanda police officers and to all the supporters, sponsors and organisers who assisted in bringing this event together. We are all looking forward to the next Gattjirrk Festival in 2025. 


    5 people standing in a line dancing
    A group of people listening to music
    A group of people dancing and listening to music
    A group of people listening to music

    Results | 2025 Local Government Elections

    September 8, 2025
    Today the results of the 2025 Local Government Elections have been officially declared by the Northern Territory Electoral Commission .

    Milingimbi Disability Services

    September 2, 2025
    The East Arnhem Regional Council Disability Services team is dedicated to providing culturally safe, high-quality support for all our participants.

    Healthy Homes Community Clean Up Week

    September 1, 2025
    East Arnhem Regional Council (EARC) is proud to participate in the ‘Healthy Homes Community Clean Up Week’ alongside many other organisations committed to improving the health and housing outcomes of residents living in Yirrkala.

    Voting | 2025 Local Government Elections

    August 13, 2025
    The 2025 Local Government Elections will take place in August, inviting voters from across the Territory to participate.

    Welcoming the Governor-General of Australia

    July 22, 2025
    East Arnhem Regional Council was pleased to welcome the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms. Sam Mostyn AC in Yirrkala.

    Galiwin'ku Municipal Team

    July 10, 2025
    Our Municipal Team in Galiwin'ku are doing great djäma...

    Community Consultations

    July 7, 2025
    In July, East Arnhem Regional Council will be running Community Consultations sessions in Gapuwiyak, Milingimbi, Galiwin'ku, Ramingining, Gunyangara and Yirrkala.

    2025 Local Government Elections

    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.

    Celebrating two longest serving Councillors

    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.