ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The Australian Government acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

Indigenous.gov.au Connecting With First Nations Australians
Back to Stories

Lirrwi Tourism’s plan to provide unforgettable experiences for you and create jobs for Yolngu people

05 May 2015
Jobs, Land and Economy
Aboriginal man Timmy Burarrwanga in foreground with others in background outdoors, standing on sandy soil.

If you’re looking for a life changing experience on your next holiday, northeast Arnhem Land could be your dream destination. And by visiting there, you’ll be helping to create jobs and a better future for local Yolngu people.

If you’re looking for a life changing experience on your next holiday, northeast Arnhem Land could be your dream destination. And by visiting there, you’ll be helping to create jobs and a better future for local Yolngu people.

Lirrwi Tourism Aboriginal Corporation (LTAC) is run by an all Yolngu board and provides authentic Yolgnu experiences by employing locals to share their knowledge of country and traditional activities with visitors. This includes welcome ceremonies, instruction about country, kinship systems and language, fishing, weaving, women’s ceremonies, campfire storytelling and Bunggul (dancing).

According to Lirrwi Chairman and Yolngu man Djawa “Timmy” Burarrwanga, this form of tourism fits well with Yolngu culture.

“We speak our languages and we want to teach our Australian friends our culture which is all about sharing, learning, understanding and respecting,” Timmy said.

Timmy believes that tourism can help Yolngu families build a stronger, healthier future for themselves and help young people to remain connected to their country and culture. And the evidence supports this, as tourist numbers in North East Arnhem Land have increased dramatically over the past four years, creating work for over one hundred people in homelands and areas such as driving commercial vehicles, tour guiding, office administration, promotion, construction and food services.

Former CEO of Tourism Australia John Morse helped LTAC develop a 20 year Master Plan for Lirrwi Tourism.

“The Lirrwi business model is based on the concept of Yothu Yindi (mother and child),” John said.

“This means in the early stages Lirrwi looks after all the tour aspects, including marketing, accommodation, transport and so forth and the homeland is responsible for the experience. As the homeland becomes more experienced, they become more independent, but always maintain a strong connection to the mother, Lirrwi,” he said.

Watch our video here, or see it on YouTube.

Find out more

Getting adults into work and making sure everyone has the opportunity to own your own home, run your own business, and provide for yourself and your families will mean a strong future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The 20 Year Master Plan was launched in 2014 with support from the Australian Government. In addition, Lirrwi has fourteen government and corporate partners who assist with grants for capital equipment, mentoring, other projects and business development.