Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this article may contain images of deceased persons.
Nestled in the bushland of remote Northern Territory is the sacred Gumatj Bunggul ground in Gulkula. Every year in August, people flock from across the country to attend Garma – a 4-day celebration of Yolngu life and culture in northeast Arnhem Land. This year, seven lucky people represented PM&C at the country’s largest Indigenous gathering.
What started as a barbecue in 1999 has evolved into a 4-day forum showcasing miny’tji (art), manikay (song), bunggul (dance) and story-telling. The vision on which Garma was founded - a space where Yolngu people and the broader community could come together to discuss, debate and create new pathways - remains central today.
This year’s theme was Djambatj - brilliance, skill, excellence - which according to Genevieve Quilty, First Assistant Secretary in Social Policy, "framed the event perfectly… in the stunning Yolngu setting. It was special to see… participants from all walks of life immersing themselves in the Yolngu knowledge systems and customs."
There was a range of activities held across the 4 days, including formal speeches by Yolngu Elders, the Prime Minister, the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney MP and the Yothu Yindi Foundation organisers.
Infrastructure adviser, Daniel Hellig-Smith, was captivated by an Indigenous leader’s question "if we have to be constantly adapting to you, why don’t you sometimes try adapting to us?" Daniel shared his personal reflections:
"My favourite time at Garma was… at Dhäwumi Wäŋa, the house of stories, an intricately made string-bark eucalyptus structure housing a fire… where intimate discussions were held."
Gemma Smyth, PM&C’s Reconciliation Champion, said ”It was a privilege to be invited by the Yolngu people to walk on their land… to support the department’s reconciliation commitments. It was a truly magical experience.”
Photo credit: Yothu Yindi Foundation
