In October, East Arnhem Land Youth Model (EALYM), locally known as Guŋga’yunga Djamarrkuḻiny, took to Meanjin (Brisbane) to attend The SNAICC National Conference 2025.

Hosted by The National Voice for Our Children (SNAICC), is the national peak body committed to improving outcomes and advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.  All 8 Local Coordinators from EALYM’s four communities of Milingimbi, Ramingining, Galiwin’ku and Gapuwiyak travelled from East Arnhem Land to participate in what was Australia’s largest Indigenous conference and a significant gathering of experts, leaders, researchers, educators and frontline workers all committed to improving the lives of Indigenous children and families across Australia.  

The conference provided an opportunity for Local Coordinators to represent EALYM and their communities as the leaders, experts and frontline workers that they are. Across the variety of seminars, panels and presentations, the excellence and integrity of Aboriginal-led practice shone. It was consistently evidenced that community-led and governed programs directly lead to improved outcomes and strengthen self-determined futures. Listening and connecting to these facts was affirming and reminded us of EALYM’s impact. Not just another youth program, but a truly community-led movement toward nurturing young people and their futures through Yolŋu knowledge, ways of learning, leadership and care. Local Coordinators left the conference with refreshed energy in their ongoing dedication to protect and advocate for their djamarrkuḻi.

Feedback from Local Coordinators following the conference reinforced the importance of being surrounded and connected with like-minded workers and advocates. As an early intervention and preventative program, EALYM challenges the regressive systems and policies that harm young people. Listening to similar experiences and aspirations throughout the conference offered solidarity; “It felt healing being heard” a Local Coordinator reflected.

The Children’s Commissioners panel was another highlight for the team where conversation focussed on the necessity of centring children’s rights in policy, programs and services.

As East Arnhem Land Youth Model continues to strengthen, build and look towards the future, so too does the concerted effort to ensure self-determined aspirations and Yolŋu measurements of success is what drives this program. The learnings and inspiration from these three-days will be carried forward by Local Coordinators and shared with their communities to assist in program development and capability. The SNAICC 25’ conference provided an insightful opportunity along EALYM’s journey towards supporting bright futures for djamarrkuḻi, led by communities on their own terms.

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