Dhimurru is an incorporated Aboriginal organisation established by Yolngu land-owners in Northeast Arnhem Land, Australia. The office is located in Nhulunbuy.

Yolngu (Aboriginal people of Northeast Arnhem Land) are the traditional owners of lands consisting of approximately 101,000ha. The Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act of 1976 recognises Yolngu as the owners of this land under Australian law. Dhimurru has jurisdiction over approximately 8,500km2 of this land.

Since time immemorial Yolngu have managed the natural and cultural resources and have achieved a balance that ensured long term, sustainable resource use for the economic and social well-being of the landowners.

The permanent presence of a large non-Yolngu population in recent times required a new response. On April 8, 1992, after extensive consultations Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation was formally incorporated under the Aboriginal Councils and Associations Act 1976 on September 8, 1992.

 

 

The Aim of Dhimurru

Our aim is to address the natural and cultural management priorities with particular emphasis on designated recreation areas in accordance with the directions of our traditional owners.

The township of Nhulunbuy and the associated bauxite mining operation, run by Rio Tinto Alcan are located on leases surrounded by land held under inalienable freehold title by the recognised traditional owners. We have designated certain areas of land outside the lease areas as recreation areas available to residents of Nhulunbuy and visitors to the township. A focus of Dhimurru's activities is the development and implementation of culturally and environmentally appropriate resource management strategies for these areas.

Dhimurru seeks to provide residents and visitors with an enjoyable recreation experience and and at the same time an avenue for enhancing their awareness of Yolngu cultural values. Among its functions, Dhimurru issues Recreation Permits for access to these areas, monitors compliance with access conditions, and develops culturally appropriate resource management plans. All functions undertaken by Dhimurru are in accord with the expressed wishes and directions of our relevant traditional land-owners.