The East Arnhem Land Youth Model, or Guŋga’yunga Djamarrkuḻiny program, is a three-way funded venture between ALPA, the Northern Territory Government and National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA). The program is a community (and homelands) led and controlled model operating in four communities in East Arnhem Land: Gapuwiyak, Galiwin’ku, Ramingining and Milingimbi.

Local leadership

Each community has its own local leadership group, created in consultation with the community including Waŋu Wataŋu (Traditional Owners), bäpurru (clan) leaders and other strong community leaders. This group makes decisions about a brokerage fund to engage young people in activities to support them to grow their connection to culture and family.

Community capacity building 

The overall Model is not just a youth program or brokerage fund; it is a community capacity building approach, which aims to restore decision making to clans and communities. 

Each local leadership group meets every four to six weeks to make decisions, including funding decisions regarding a brokerage fund, about activities that can help young people in their community and homelands to grow up strong.

Local leadership groups discuss the outcomes of projects previously approved, new project proposals and new ideas.

Yolŋu- led activities

Youth Model activities are created, run and managed by Yolŋu. Families are able to teach djamarrkuli (young people) culture, knowledge is preserved and djamarrkuli are able to learn about gurrutu (kinship), mulkurr (knowledge) and wanga (country) from their elders.

EALYM recognises that community leaders and members within remote Indigenous communities in East Arnhem Land, should and can determine how government investments are made in their communities. It supports communities to participate in and drive decisions that affect their lives and works to support the overall self-determination of its communities.

East Arnhem Land Youth Model news articles:

New community-led model to help Yolŋu youth in East Arnhem Land - National Indigenous Times
Over $7.7 million for East Arnhem land youth to grow up strong - NT Chamber of Commerce