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$6.4 million to kick start Garma Institute

04 August 2023
Joint Media Release

The Albanese Government is pleased to announce $6.4 million towards the Yolngu people’s long held vision for a world class tertiary institution in northeast Arnhem Land.

As the 24th annual Garma Festival kicks off, the investment from the Aboriginals Benefit Account (ABA) to support the Yothu Yindi Foundation with Stage One for the design and development of the Garma Institute - a new tertiary and vocational education facility.

The Garma Institute represents decades of work by the Yothu Yindi Foundation and Yolngu community leaders on a whole-life education project to provide on-Country learning for Yolngu people from early childhood education to university.

The Yothu Yindi Foundation already offers a Yolngu-centred curriculum for school students through the Dhupuma Barker School at Gunyangara. The independent bilingual school has driven strong school attendance rates and improved education outcomes.

This $6.4 million investment will see those students given a pathway to continue their higher education at the Garma Institute.

Consultations with community and stakeholders about the curriculum offered in the new facility will begin at this year’s Garma Festival.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“This is a vision for the future – ensuring the next generation of students can live and learn on-country.

“This has been a long aspiration of the Yolngu people. This partnership shows how governments can work alongside communities, meeting their needs and helping them realise their full potential.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney:

“This investment is a step towards realising the dream of the Yothu Yindi Foundation for a world-class education hub for Yolngu people in northeast Arnhem Land.

“The Garma Institute will give Yolngu people the opportunity to continue their education journey, without having to move away from their family and community.

“I commend the Yothu Yindi Foundation and Yolngu community leaders for their dedication and determination to pursue their vision for the Garma Institute.”

Quote attributable to Yothu Yindi Foundation Chairman, Djawa Yunupingu:

“Education remains the number one priority for the Yothu Yindi Foundation and the Dilak Elders.

“The vision of creating a world-class home for education is something that our community leaders have been working towards for more than 20 years. That dream is now becoming a reality.”

Quotes attributable to CEO of the Yothu Yindi Foundation, Denise Bowden:

“This is ground-breaking and exciting work.

“The Garma Institute is about getting the best education outcomes possible for Yolngu students.

“This funding will enable the Yothu Yindi Foundation to invest in the extensive consultation and planning required to ensure the long-term success of the Garma Institute.”