New President Elected by Council

MEDIA RELEASE

Nhulunbuy, NT – Mr. Banambi Wunungmurra has stepped down from his role as the President of the East Arnhem Regional Council after his unanimous selection to office by his fellow Councillors in September 2021. Following his retirement from the role, he is succeeded by Mr. Lapulung Dhamarrandji as President.

In his handover speech Mr. Wunungmurra stated, “I thank all Council staff for working tirelessly to serve the people of East Arnhem Land and I feel privileged to have worked alongside such people.”

In his address to Councillors and staff, President Dhamarrandji said, “I look forward to sustaining the passion we all have to work as Yolngu and Balanda together for the advancement of our land. It doesn’t matter if we are Yolngu or Balanda; we are Australians and we are all one.”

President Dhamarrandji hails from the community of Milingimbi and is a well-known and respected figure in East Arnhem Land. He is also a Board Member for the ALPA (Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal) Corporation, the Chair of the Board for Manapan Furniture and Chair of the School Council and School Committee in Milingimbi. He is a famous musician with the Wirrinyga Band for over 42 years, esteemed artist and a cultural ceremony leader.

Council looks forward to President Dhamarrandji’s leadership of our Aboriginal Community Controlled Local Government Council.

ENDS