History

This permit restricted, traditional community comprises of approximately 800 residents. Twelve clan groups are represented (predominantly Djapu, Gumatj, Rirratjingu). Alcohol is restricted in Yirrkala.

The Methodist Church of Australasia established Yirrkala as a Mission in 1935. The community ceased to be a mission when the Yirrkala Dhanbul Community Association was incorporated under the Northern Territory Association Incorporation Act in December 1972. Incorporation number A232.

The Association Council provides Local Government functions for the township of Yirrkala. An ATSIC Community Development Employment Project has resulted in the Yirrkala oval. This oval is a showpiece and is used frequently for Northern Territory sporting carnivals. The BukularrngayMuseum and Art Centre and the Yirrkala Dhanbul Community Store also come under the umbrella of the Association.

The Laynhapuy Homeland Resource Centre operates out of Yirrkala. This organisation is responsible for the large homeland population of 600 dispersed over 21 homeland centres. The largest of these is Baniyala with approximately 110 residents.

The Yirrkala Community Education Centre provides facilities for primary and post primary students and LaynhapuyHomelandsSchool provides education facilities for students living on the Yirrkala Homelands.

The Health Clinic is administered by Territory Health Services and is staffed by Yolngu health workers and a Nursing Sister provided by Territory Health Services.

DEMOGRAPHY

This permit restricted, traditional community of approximately 800 residents includes a non-Aboriginal population. Twelve (12) clan groups are represented (predominantly Djapu, Gumatj and Rirratjingu).

There is also a large homeland population of approximately 600 residents, dispersed over 21 communities with the largest being Baniyala with 110 residents.

COUNCIL ELECTIONS

The Council Clerk is responsible for running the elections, but the Council may ask the Northern Territory Chief Electoral Officer to run the elections for them. Men and women who are eighteen (18) years old or more and their names are on the electoral role who live in the community can vote at an election.

The community must give at least twenty-eight (28) days notice of an election.

The nominations are put in writing so the person nominated for the position (i.e.) (Chairperson / President or Councillors) can write that he or she agrees to the nomination. The council consists of between seven (7) and sixteen (16) Councillors.

Elections are held in Yirrkala. All appropriate Government bodies are to be advised in advance by at least sixty (60) days. The Electoral Commission or Local Government Body will be present and preside over ballot casting and counting ballots. The elections will be held every two (2) years from 13th October 1997 or as directed by Council.

By Elections can be called if a Council member resigns or dies in office. Thirty (30) days? notice must be allowed for nominations to be submitted.

 
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