Dhimurru staff
Timmy Djawa II Burarrwanga, Managing Director
Timmy Djawa II Burarrwanga has recently taken on the role as Dhimurru's managing director.
He is also the Founder of Lirriwi Tourism and is a traditional owner of Bawaka homeland. He is a cultural leader and teacher.
Timmy sits on several boards and sat on the Australian Government’s Expert Panel on constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians.
He has worked with a lot of corporate companies like Telstra, Commonwealth Bank, Qantas and others to develop their reconciliation action plans. It is key that any business in Arnhem Land should have a reconciliation action plan to help with the language of business and also to understand the corporate world.
He is also the Founder of Lirriwi Tourism and is a traditional owner of Bawaka homeland. He is a cultural leader and teacher.
Timmy sits on several boards and sat on the Australian Government’s Expert Panel on constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians.
He has worked with a lot of corporate companies like Telstra, Commonwealth Bank, Qantas and others to develop their reconciliation action plans. It is key that any business in Arnhem Land should have a reconciliation action plan to help with the language of business and also to understand the corporate world.
Christine Burke, Executive Officer
Employee since 2018
Christine commenced work with Dhimurru as Executive Officer in February 2018. Christine has a range of skills developed as a result of many years working in various positions overseas and in Australia. She has worked primarily in regional and remote areas.
Before joining Dhimurru, Christine worked as an Australian Volunteer in Timor Leste as an Organisational Mentor for about two and a half years. Prior to leaving Australia she was the Park Manager at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Central Australia for five years. As Park Manager of a jointly managed park, she worked closely with the Board to implement strategic directions as determined by the Board and over saw day to day operations of the Park.
Christine studied Australian Aboriginal Archaeology at University of New England achieving a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree, before moving into other roles in Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Africa and Fiji.
Christine has worked in both state and federal government, including in the Queensland Government where she was the Regional Manager, Cultural Heritage in the Environmental Protection Agency before moving across to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, as District Manager of Longreach District.
Whilst employed by the Australian Government Christine worked with Australia’s aid agency formerly known as AusAid before moving across to the Caring for our Country program in the Community Capacity Building Team working with the regionally based Facilitator Network.
Before joining Dhimurru, Christine worked as an Australian Volunteer in Timor Leste as an Organisational Mentor for about two and a half years. Prior to leaving Australia she was the Park Manager at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Central Australia for five years. As Park Manager of a jointly managed park, she worked closely with the Board to implement strategic directions as determined by the Board and over saw day to day operations of the Park.
Christine studied Australian Aboriginal Archaeology at University of New England achieving a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree, before moving into other roles in Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Africa and Fiji.
Christine has worked in both state and federal government, including in the Queensland Government where she was the Regional Manager, Cultural Heritage in the Environmental Protection Agency before moving across to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, as District Manager of Longreach District.
Whilst employed by the Australian Government Christine worked with Australia’s aid agency formerly known as AusAid before moving across to the Caring for our Country program in the Community Capacity Building Team working with the regionally based Facilitator Network.
Rrawun Maymuru, Senior Cultural Advisor
Employee since 2018
Rrawun Maymuru is a proud Mangalili man with his homeland at Djarrakpi. He joined Dhimurru as a ranger in 2018 and took on the role of Senior Cultural Advisor in early 2019, following in the footsteps of Djalinda Yunupiŋu.
In the early 1990s Rrawun did work experience with Dhimurru, while a student at Yirrkala School. Impressed by the vision Dhimurru had for the future he knew that one day he would return to work there.
Always interested in his culture and the land, Rrawun has been greatly influenced by his grandfather, Roy Marika. Inspired by his grandfather, Rrawun has become a teacher, cultural advisor and leader of his clan. He has a great love and knowledge for the land on which he walks and understands the importance of sharing this with the next generation.
Rrawun brings a wealth of cultural knowledge and experience to his new position and is committed to sustaining both-ways learning—and both-ways working—in Dhimurru. He recently participated in his first Learning on Country (LoC) galtha rom. He enjoyed the opportunity to pass on his cultural knowledge to the students of Yirrkala school. Rrawun is looking forward to working with the Learning on Country program.
Rrawun previously worked for Laynhapuy Homelands as a training officer and with MEP as a coordinator. With his cultural knowledge and love of the land he has been employed with Lirrwi Tourism and is also a tour operator and cultural advisor with Bawaka Cultural Experiences, a family venture.
A talented musician, Rrawun is lead singer and songwriter with world-renowned band East Journey. This talent has given him the opportunity to travel to many communities, towns and cities around Australia and overseas including to Vanuatu in the South Pacific and Los Angeles—a very different lifestyle when compared to living in Yirrkala.
In the early 1990s Rrawun did work experience with Dhimurru, while a student at Yirrkala School. Impressed by the vision Dhimurru had for the future he knew that one day he would return to work there.
Always interested in his culture and the land, Rrawun has been greatly influenced by his grandfather, Roy Marika. Inspired by his grandfather, Rrawun has become a teacher, cultural advisor and leader of his clan. He has a great love and knowledge for the land on which he walks and understands the importance of sharing this with the next generation.
Rrawun brings a wealth of cultural knowledge and experience to his new position and is committed to sustaining both-ways learning—and both-ways working—in Dhimurru. He recently participated in his first Learning on Country (LoC) galtha rom. He enjoyed the opportunity to pass on his cultural knowledge to the students of Yirrkala school. Rrawun is looking forward to working with the Learning on Country program.
Rrawun previously worked for Laynhapuy Homelands as a training officer and with MEP as a coordinator. With his cultural knowledge and love of the land he has been employed with Lirrwi Tourism and is also a tour operator and cultural advisor with Bawaka Cultural Experiences, a family venture.
A talented musician, Rrawun is lead singer and songwriter with world-renowned band East Journey. This talent has given him the opportunity to travel to many communities, towns and cities around Australia and overseas including to Vanuatu in the South Pacific and Los Angeles—a very different lifestyle when compared to living in Yirrkala.
Paul Augustin, Project Facilitator
Employee since 2009
Ten years ago before coming to Dhimurru, Paul was with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service for three years, the most recent time of which he was stationed in the Bunya Mountains. He has a Bachelor of Applied Science degree specialised in Protected Area Management, but had never applied that to Indigenous Protected Areas, until beginning his employment with Dhimurru.
Paul has many roles within Dhimurru, but his main role is to mentor and support the Dhimurru rangers, to achieve their aspirations in natural and cultural resource management. He also implements projects that reduce visitor impacts on the Dhimurru designated recreation areas, access track management, fleet management, crocodile management and Workplace Health and Safety to name a few.
Paul has been culturally adopted into the Rirratjingu Clan and his skin name is Wamut.
‘’After all this time living and working in East Arnhem Land I am still amazed at how strong and resilient Yolngu people are. I am very grateful and privileged to be a part of supporting rangers and Traditional Owners to protect their land and sea, as laid down by past elders in the form of the Dhimurru vision statement. My Yolngu family teach me valuable cultural life lessons every day, that I share with my ngapaki family and friends all the time when out on country.”
Paul has many roles within Dhimurru, but his main role is to mentor and support the Dhimurru rangers, to achieve their aspirations in natural and cultural resource management. He also implements projects that reduce visitor impacts on the Dhimurru designated recreation areas, access track management, fleet management, crocodile management and Workplace Health and Safety to name a few.
Paul has been culturally adopted into the Rirratjingu Clan and his skin name is Wamut.
‘’After all this time living and working in East Arnhem Land I am still amazed at how strong and resilient Yolngu people are. I am very grateful and privileged to be a part of supporting rangers and Traditional Owners to protect their land and sea, as laid down by past elders in the form of the Dhimurru vision statement. My Yolngu family teach me valuable cultural life lessons every day, that I share with my ngapaki family and friends all the time when out on country.”
Daniel Mclaren, Learning on Country Coordinator
Employee since 2022
Dan started as the Learning on Country Coordinator for Dhimurru and Yirrkala School at the beginning of 2022. Dan has a Bachelor of Primary Education and is currently studying a Diploma of Conservation and Eco System Management.
Prior to moving to Yirrkala Dan lived in Gunbalanya Community for 9 years where he started out work as a Homelands Teacher before developing the Learning on Country Program at Gunbalanya School in 2018 with Senior Elders Alfred and Leah Nayinggul.
Dan has loved the move from the Stone Country of West Arnhem to the Saltwater Country in East Arnhem. His role as Learning on Country Coordinator entails working alongside rangers and elders to plan and run cultural learning camps for students called Galtha Rom, VET ranger training for students and in-class and on country learning activities that link cultural knowledge and land management with the school curriculum.
Prior to moving to Yirrkala Dan lived in Gunbalanya Community for 9 years where he started out work as a Homelands Teacher before developing the Learning on Country Program at Gunbalanya School in 2018 with Senior Elders Alfred and Leah Nayinggul.
Dan has loved the move from the Stone Country of West Arnhem to the Saltwater Country in East Arnhem. His role as Learning on Country Coordinator entails working alongside rangers and elders to plan and run cultural learning camps for students called Galtha Rom, VET ranger training for students and in-class and on country learning activities that link cultural knowledge and land management with the school curriculum.
Maureen Neil, Business Services Manager
Employee since 2015
Maureen is Dhimurru’s Business Services Manager and commenced work with Dhimurru in December, 2015. She has long history in East Arnhem, arriving in January 1973. Aside from attending school with some of our Elders of today, she was a business owner in Nhulunbuy for many years. Following this period, she completed her Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and now manages the finances of Dhimurru.
“I have a long-term commitment to East Arnhem Land and feel very privileged to have been able to serve the Yolngu people. This region is rich in culture and beauty. Dhimurru is a wonderful place to work and for that I thank the Yolngu people,”
“I have a long-term commitment to East Arnhem Land and feel very privileged to have been able to serve the Yolngu people. This region is rich in culture and beauty. Dhimurru is a wonderful place to work and for that I thank the Yolngu people,”
Maxine Gumbula, Senior Cultural Advisor
Employee since 2023
Employee since 2023
Maxine was born and raised in Nhulunbuy and joined the Dhimurru team as a Miyalk Ranger in March 2023.
Maxine has been able to complete courses such as her 4WD Training, First Aid
Certification, Weeds and Chainsaw training since she started at Dhimurru. Maxine
has shown great leadership skills and enthusiasm towards her djama, sharing her
skills and knowledge with staff.
This led to her receiving 2023 Dhimurru Miyalk Ranger of the year and promotion
to Miyalk Senior Cultural Advisor in 2024
Before working with Dhimurru Maxine worked at ALPA in Nhulunbuy and before
that the Traditional Credit Union Bank in Galiwinku.
The thing she enjoys most about working at Dhimurru is looking after her country- “looking after the land and sea country is so important to me”
Wangawuy Mununggurritj, Senior Ranger
Employee since 2017
‘My dream djama (work)’—that is Waŋgawuy’s description of her position as Ranger with Dhimurru. Dhimurru is like family to Waŋgawuy. Her grandfather was one of the founders of and her father was a director on the board.
Waŋgawuy started with Dhimurru in 2009 working with Lisa Roeger, Wendy and Daylulu Marika. After four years she took a career change and worked with Anglicare as a disability carer, however it became clear that Dhimurru was where she really belonged and in 2017 she returned, taking on the role of Ranger. She said, ‘it’s where I want to be and I enjoy coming to work every day’.
Waŋgawuy’s passion for the work is evident in her reliability and consistent attendance and in 2018 she was awarded the inaugural Dhimurru Annual Attendance Award. She also won the monthly staff award in both August 2018 and January 2019. These awards recognised Waŋgawuy as a steady, reliable, hard worker who is always willing to take on any challenge asked of her. Waŋgawuy displayed leadership qualities on the ranger exchange to Crocodile Islands and is very supportive of her fellow rangers in their tasks.
She also enjoys the learning and sharing of knowledge offered by the Learning on Country program, especially with children. Her own education is important and in May, Waŋgawuy graduated with a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management at a ceremony held at Yirrkala.
Away from Dhimurru Waŋgawuy is a mother and grandmother who enjoys spending time with her family. She enjoys playing with her grandchildren, visiting her homeland at Garrthalala to camp and hunt with her family.
Waŋgawuy started with Dhimurru in 2009 working with Lisa Roeger, Wendy and Daylulu Marika. After four years she took a career change and worked with Anglicare as a disability carer, however it became clear that Dhimurru was where she really belonged and in 2017 she returned, taking on the role of Ranger. She said, ‘it’s where I want to be and I enjoy coming to work every day’.
Waŋgawuy’s passion for the work is evident in her reliability and consistent attendance and in 2018 she was awarded the inaugural Dhimurru Annual Attendance Award. She also won the monthly staff award in both August 2018 and January 2019. These awards recognised Waŋgawuy as a steady, reliable, hard worker who is always willing to take on any challenge asked of her. Waŋgawuy displayed leadership qualities on the ranger exchange to Crocodile Islands and is very supportive of her fellow rangers in their tasks.
She also enjoys the learning and sharing of knowledge offered by the Learning on Country program, especially with children. Her own education is important and in May, Waŋgawuy graduated with a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management at a ceremony held at Yirrkala.
Away from Dhimurru Waŋgawuy is a mother and grandmother who enjoys spending time with her family. She enjoys playing with her grandchildren, visiting her homeland at Garrthalala to camp and hunt with her family.
Micah Pascoe, Senior Ranger
Employee since 2021
Micah started his Dhimurru journey as a work experience participant from YBE at the end of 2020. Then sucessfully became apart of the Dhimurru team at the beginning of 2021. When he started, he joined us as a ranger getting employee of the month for April. Micah has great dedication and eadership skills and has worked his way upto our Dirramu(male) Senior Ranger.
Micah has completed is Chemical training, 4WD training, small motors and First Aid amongst many other things. He also had the opportunity to travel to Darwin for a Learning on Country meeting as a proxy for out Seinor Cultural Advisor particitpating in the Annual Steering Committee across all sites. He thoroughly enjoyed this experience and oppotunity to be part a part of the leadership group.
Micah enjoys doing weekly maintence runs to the coastal and inland Dhimurru Recreation areas & keeping them tidy, helping maintain the vehicles and patrolling. Outside of djama he enjoys hunting and camping.
Micah has completed is Chemical training, 4WD training, small motors and First Aid amongst many other things. He also had the opportunity to travel to Darwin for a Learning on Country meeting as a proxy for out Seinor Cultural Advisor particitpating in the Annual Steering Committee across all sites. He thoroughly enjoyed this experience and oppotunity to be part a part of the leadership group.
Micah enjoys doing weekly maintence runs to the coastal and inland Dhimurru Recreation areas & keeping them tidy, helping maintain the vehicles and patrolling. Outside of djama he enjoys hunting and camping.
Sarah Constable, Business Support Officer
Employee since 2022
Sarah is a Ngemba woman from North West NSW. Growing up on the red soil around Brewarrina and Bourke, learning from her grandmother, father and uncles and aunties about local bush foods and bush medicines and the stories of her home.
Sarah studied Enrolled Nursing and nursed for 16 years in both aged care and district nursing which she loved but always loved being on country more.
She is a artist and is studying a Herbology course by Distance Education.
Sarah has loved the move up to East Arnhem land, and enjoys getting out on this beautiful country that she now calls her home.
"I love working at Dhimurru, it's like my dream job. Knowing the djama the Rangers do for their county is such a good thing. I'm lucky to be apart of such an important organisation that does such good things for the land and its people."
Sarah studied Enrolled Nursing and nursed for 16 years in both aged care and district nursing which she loved but always loved being on country more.
She is a artist and is studying a Herbology course by Distance Education.
Sarah has loved the move up to East Arnhem land, and enjoys getting out on this beautiful country that she now calls her home.
"I love working at Dhimurru, it's like my dream job. Knowing the djama the Rangers do for their county is such a good thing. I'm lucky to be apart of such an important organisation that does such good things for the land and its people."
Roshana Kwatiwada, Business Support Officer
Employee since 2022
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Roshana is originally from Nepal, moved to Australia 4 years ago and has been living in Nhulunbuy since December 2020 with her husband. Roshana completed her master’s in professional accounting from Charles Sturt University in Sydney and bachelor in business studies from Tribhuvan University in Nepal.
Roshana joined Dhimurru in June 2022, in the role of Business Services Officer to support the Business Services Manager. Roshana enjoys her job at Dhimurru as her job allows her to use her accounting and financing knowledge and put it into practice the right way. She considers herself lucky to be working with the team of Dhimurru who have years of experience and guides her to be good in her role. She feels joining Dhimurru is the best decision she made and it has been a great learning journey. “I found the people here in Nhulunbuy very welcoming, and felt like the friendliest people live here. The staff and board members at Dhimurru have been very supportive to me and I learn something new every day. I feel very proud to be part of Dhimurru, an organization guided by the vision of elder Yolngu people. I feel lucky and priviledged to be living and working in the beautiful part of this country with beautiful Yolngu people.” |
Boaz Wanambi, Ranger
Employee since 2021
Boaz started work experience with Dhimurru towards the end of 2020 and secured a full-time ranger position at the beginning of 2021.
Boaz enjoys patrolling with the rangers and working on country, he also has a great work ethic and got awarded employee of the month for FEB.
Since being employed with Dhimurru he has gained his small motors training, Chemical Training and First Aid Certificate.
Outside of djama Boaz enjoys spear fishing and hunting particularly at Wanuwuy (Cape Arnhem).
Boaz enjoys patrolling with the rangers and working on country, he also has a great work ethic and got awarded employee of the month for FEB.
Since being employed with Dhimurru he has gained his small motors training, Chemical Training and First Aid Certificate.
Outside of djama Boaz enjoys spear fishing and hunting particularly at Wanuwuy (Cape Arnhem).
Shanita Garrawurra, Ranger
Employee since 2021
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Hello, my name is Shanita Garrawurra. My Yolŋu name is Djiwuruku.
"I am new to Dhimurru as a Miyalk Ranger. I am grateful for this opportunity to be able to care for county. Outside of djama I enjoy spending time with my family. I mostly enjoy going hunting for maypal and my two favourite places to go is Daliwuy & Wanuwuy. I look forward to doing patrolling on the weekends with rangers. While i am employed with Dhimurru I would like to learn more about weed management and maybe get some chemical training so that I can help manage the weeds within our IPA". |
Rakrakpuy Marika, Ranger
Employee since 2024
Hello my name is Rakrakpuy Marika. I am a Rirratjiŋu person. I was born and raised in Yirrkala. I used to work for Dhimurru 6 years ago for 6 years. I then worked at Rio Tinto for 1 year, and now I am back working for Dhimurru. While I was working for Rio, I missed Dhimurru so much.
Working for Dhimurru is my life. It is great to be back working for Dhimurru because my grandfather worked to establish Dhimurru back in 1992. He was the first Cultural Advisor for Dhimurru. He used to tell me: ‘Stand firm and strong for the land, and the strength of your solidarity will sustain you in your cause. Our Country, our lands and seas, will exist forever.’ I am the third generation and fifth family member working here.
I love being a ranger and working with my colleagues and my family here at Dhimurru.
Kim Wunungmurra, Ranger
Employee Since 2023
Hello, my name is Kim Wunungmurra.
My homelands are Gurrumuru and my clan is Dhalwangu.
Before I started at Dhimurru I worked with WTD for 2 years.
I have many connections to Dhimurru with many family members also having worked here in the past and present time.
The best thing about working at Dhimurru is that I am always learning new things. I really enjoy doing the marine debris cleanup and being able to focus on looking after the country, which is important to me. In the six months that I have been at Dhimurru I have completed my forklift license, began my Coxswains and weeds training, received Ranger of the Month for December, and attended Darwin for the TNRM Conference.
I want to stay at Dhimurru for as long as I can and keep learning.
When I’m not at djama, I like making spears and spending time with family.
James Djerra Gondarra, Ranger
Employee Since 2023
Hello Bukmak! ( everyone)
My name is James Djerra Gondarra. I'm a new Ranger that started with Dhimurru on my sons birthday the 15th of Febuary.
I love working with the Dhimurru Ranger crew and learning something new from the Rangers everyday.
Growing up I helped with my Dad's tourism business- Bawaka Cultural Experience, teaching all the tourists and telling them story about the land and sea, how we connect songlines and teaching them some yolngu matha.
Before working with Dhimurru I worked at the Yirrkala school working with the kids, teaching them and getting to understand them which I really enjoyed.
When I'm not doing djama, I love cooking, playing guitar and having sing-alongs with my big brother Dima from King Stingray
My name is James Djerra Gondarra. I'm a new Ranger that started with Dhimurru on my sons birthday the 15th of Febuary.
I love working with the Dhimurru Ranger crew and learning something new from the Rangers everyday.
Growing up I helped with my Dad's tourism business- Bawaka Cultural Experience, teaching all the tourists and telling them story about the land and sea, how we connect songlines and teaching them some yolngu matha.
Before working with Dhimurru I worked at the Yirrkala school working with the kids, teaching them and getting to understand them which I really enjoyed.
When I'm not doing djama, I love cooking, playing guitar and having sing-alongs with my big brother Dima from King Stingray
Mawalan Marika, Romgu Djakami
Mawalan hopes that his work with the Yolngu Rom team will encourage the younger generation to grow and strive for a better future. A Future where they can see the natural landscapes of our country as he had seen it as a young boy. Maintaining and restoring Dhimurru recreation areas has become a passion for Mawalan and he just wants to do a “manymak djama”.
Mawalan has worked as a Ranger for many years with Dhimirru and Gumurr Marthakal who are based in Galiwin’ku. He has also been a member of the Board of Directors for Dhimurru Aboriginal Organisation.
Full of knowledge and experience, Mawalan brings so much to the Yolngu Rom team and is a mentor for many of the Rangers here at Dhimurru.
Mawalan has worked as a Ranger for many years with Dhimirru and Gumurr Marthakal who are based in Galiwin’ku. He has also been a member of the Board of Directors for Dhimurru Aboriginal Organisation.
Full of knowledge and experience, Mawalan brings so much to the Yolngu Rom team and is a mentor for many of the Rangers here at Dhimurru.
