MEDIA RELEASE
Nhulunbuy, NT — January 2026
Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation has reaffirmed the ongoing delivery of Industry Meets Country, a Dhimurru-led initiative launched in 2025 that sets a new benchmark for how industry engages respectfully and responsibly with Aboriginal land and sea.
Building on its initial establishment with early industry participants, Dhimurru is now working with Rio Tinto through a new 4-year partnership which will allow the ranger group to continue building its capacity and resilience as an organisation prior to the closure of mining operations.
As the long-standing Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) manager for the Nhulunbuy region, Dhimurru is leading Industry Meets Country to bring industry onto Country to learn directly from Yolŋu cultural authority, Traditional Owners and Dhimurru Rangers about the responsibilities that come with operating on Aboriginal land and sea.
Industry Meets Country positions Dhimurru as the gateway between industry and Country, ensuring engagement occurs on the right terms – guided by cultural authority, Yolŋu governance and on-ground ranger expertise – from the outset.
Dhimurru Executive Officer Stephina Salee said the initiative represents a shift away from transactional engagement toward informed, accountable and capability-building partnerships.
“Industry Meets Country is about industry coming to Country properly – under Yolŋu authority and Dhimurru leadership. It ensures engagement supports Yolŋu Rangers, strengthens governance and builds long-term capability, rather than being limited to compliance or one-off interactions.”
The initiative provides a structured platform for industry leaders and operational teams to deepen their understanding of cultural authority, decision-making on Country and the role of Indigenous land and sea management, while directly investing in Yolŋu Ranger leadership pathways, skills development and Learning on Country.
“This multi-year strategic partnership reflects Rio Tinto’s commitment to supporting the ranger group to build their capacity and resilience as an organisation as we transition to the end of mining at Gove”, Shannon Price, General Manager Gove, Rio Tinto, said.
“We are proud of our long-standing relationship with Dhimurru and our work to create opportunities and build capability together.
This agreement will support Dhimurru and its ranger workforce to increase Yolŋu leadership, upskill rangers and increase their own source income.”
Industry Meets Country will continue to expand through 2026, providing structured opportunities for industry to engage with Dhimurru in ways that strengthen Yolŋu governance, cultural integrity, environmental stewardship and long-term outcomes for the region.
