The development of a “world-class” tertiary institute in remote Northern Territory will receive a financial boost of $6.4 million from the federal government.
This funding of the proposed Garma Institute reflects an effort to provide both tertiary and vocational education to the remote communities of northeast Arnhem Land.
The “Indigenous-led” initiative is thanks to the collaboration between Yolngu community leaders and the Yothu Yindi Foundation – organisers of the region’s 24th annual Garma Festival held last week.
The Yothu Yindi Foundation has been working to design and develop the Garma Institute to provide on-country learning for Yolngu people from early childhood education to university.
The initiative will help empower Yolngu students with essential knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and practical job-related training.
In an official statement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the creation of the Garma Institute was a long-time aspiration of the Yolngu people.
“This partnership shows how governments can work alongside communities, meeting their needs and helping them realise their full potential,” he said.
“This is a vision for the future – ensuring the next generation of students can live and learn on-country.”
The federal funding – drawing from the Aboriginals Benefit Account (ABA) – will fund the initial stages of design and development for the facility, bolstering the efforts of the Yothu Yindi Foundation.
Linda Burney, the Minister for Indigenous Australians, highlighted the Institute’s role in offering students the opportunity to receive education within their community.
“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,” she said in a statement.
“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.”
In regions of remote Northern Territory, a number of Indigenous students are forced to choose between leaving their communities in pursuit of a secondary education or forgoing learning entirely.
According to data by the Northern Territory Department of Education, only 61 per cent of enrolled K-12 Aboriginal students attend school, which is more than 25 per cent less than non-Aboriginal students (87 per cent).
The Yothu Yindi Foundation already offers a Yolngu-centred curriculum for students at the Dhupuma Barker School at Gunyangara. The independent bilingual school has driven strong school attendance rates and successfully improved education outcomes.
During the Garma Festival, community members consulted stakeholders to gather input and insights into the upcoming Institute.
Djawa Yunupiŋu, Chairman of the Yothu Yindi Foundation, said this federal promise is “groundbreaking and exciting work” for the region.
“The Garma Institute is about getting the best education outcomes possible for Yolngu students,” he said in a statement.
“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.”
