Dhimurru is an Aboriginal organisation established by Yolŋu landowners to lead the care and management of our own Country.
Preserving Our Land, Honouring Our Legacy
Strengthening Yolŋu culture through unity and conversation
Dhimurru is an Aboriginal organisation established by Yolŋu landowners to lead the care and management of our own Country. Based in Nhulunbuy, we are grounded in the vision and authority of senior Yolŋu leaders who created Dhimurru to ensure our land and sea Country is respected, protected, and guided by Yolŋu law.
We hold custodianship of over 550,000 hectares in northeast Arnhem Land, and we manage these areas through the direction of Yolŋu Traditional Owners. Our responsibilities include overseeing visitor access, safeguarding sacred sites, managing recreation areas, and responding to emerging threats in ways that are aligned with our own laws and values.
Dhimurru was formally incorporated in 1992, following a collective decision by Yolŋu leaders to create a structure that could interact with balanda systems while keeping Yolŋu control and decision-making at the center. Today, we continue to grow that vision, on our terms.
Advocacy
We want for our children the same opportunities and choices other Australians expect for their children. We want them to succeed in mainstream Australia, achieving educational success, prospering in the economy and living long, safe and healthy lives. We want them to retain their distinct cultures, languages and identities as peoples and to be recognised as Indigenous Australians.
Looking after County ... the right way
Our work
Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Area (IPA)
The Dhimurru IPA is designated to protect the natural and cultural values of the land while allowing Yolŋu people to maintain their traditional practices and connections to the land.
From the Ground Up
Dhimurru Rangers’ way of caring for Country. ‘From the Ground Up’ is not just a way of working it is who we are.
Sea Country
Yolŋu people have always protected the sea as part of our law and responsibility. Today, we are facing new threats marine debris washing up from all over the world.
Learning on Country (LOC)
DHIMURRU GOAL
Preserving heritage, protecting tomorrow
A fundamental objective of Dhimurru is to protect the vision of our Elders: to sustain the land and sea management so that future generations can enjoy these resources as we do today. Established by traditional Yolŋu landowners, we focus on integrating western scientific practices with traditional management to maintain the environment and cultural integrity of Yolŋu lands.
We also support individual landowners and local organisations in developing resource management strategies beyond designated recreation areas, gaining recognition as an Indigenous natural and cultural resource management agency.
Become a Friend of Dhimurru
The Friends of Dhimurru initiative invites respectful allies, businesses, organisations, and individuals to walk alongside Yolŋu Traditional Owners and Rangers in protecting, caring for, and celebrating the Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Area.
As a Friend, you commit to upholding Yolŋu cultural authority, supporting ranger-led initiatives, and contributing to the future of self-determined land and sea management.
