MEDIA RELEASE
Nhulunbuy, NT — January, 2026
Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation is continuing to expand Industry Meets Country, a Dhimurru-led initiative launched in 2025 that is creating new pathways for Indigenous workforce development, self-determination and industry engagement on Country.
Building on earlier partnerships with businesses including Stratco, Dhimurru has now partnered with Darkys Mechanical Services to provide Rangers with hands-on mechanical training, equipment maintenance skills and practical trade pathways that strengthen long-term local capability.
The partnership will support Rangers to learn vehicle servicing, machinery maintenance and operational equipment management directly on Country, helping build practical workforce skills while supporting Dhimurru’s land and sea management operations.
As the long-standing Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) manager for the Nhulunbuy region, Dhimurru continues to lead Industry Meets Country as a platform that connects industry with Yolŋu leadership, Ranger knowledge and community-led workforce development.
The initiative positions Dhimurru as a bridge between industry and Country, ensuring partnerships are guided by Yolŋu governance, practical outcomes and long-term investment in local people.
Dhimurru Executive Officer Stephina Salee said the initiative reflects a shift toward partnerships that create lasting opportunities for remote communities.
“Industry Meets Country is a Dhimurru-born initiative guided by our Rangers and Board,” Mrs Salee said.
“Industry meeting Country reflects self-determination. It is about creating real opportunities for our Rangers to learn practical skills, maintain our own vehicles and equipment, and build long-term career pathways within our communities.”
Mrs Salee said the partnership demonstrates how industry can work alongside Indigenous organisations to deliver practical social and economic outcomes that remain in region.
“Too often, remote communities are excluded from industry opportunities or forced to rely on outside services,” she said.
“What we are building through Industry Meets Country is local capability, stronger workforce participation and opportunities that empower our people while supporting the long-term sustainability of our organisation and community.”
Darkys Mechanical Services owner James Dark said the partnership aligned strongly with his own vision of creating meaningful opportunities through practical training and shared industry knowledge.
“I’ve wanted to do something like this for a long time,” Mr Dark said.
“To share the same vision as Dhimurru — creating real career opportunities for local people and building practical skills on Country — made this partnership a no-brainer.”
“This is about more than mechanical work. It’s about investing in people, sharing knowledge, and helping create long-term pathways into trades, employment, and stronger futures for the next generation.”
Industry Meets Country will continue expanding through 2026 as Dhimurru strengthens partnerships focused on Indigenous leadership, workforce development, skills transfer and sustainable economic participation across Arnhem Land.
