- Government officially proclaims forty-year-old Djarindjin community
- Community now officially recognised under Aboriginal Communities Act 1979
- Proclamation enables Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation to develop by-laws
The Cook Government has welcomed the proclamation of the Kimberley's Djarindjin community at a special ceremony to celebrate its recognition as a self-governing community.
Forty years after the Djarindjin community was established, this proclamation through the Aboriginal Communities Act 1979 recognises the Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation (the Corporation) as the governing body for the community.
The Djarindjin community, which has a population of around 350 people, is located 170 km north of Broome in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, within the traditional lands of the Bardi and Jawi people.
The Corporation will work with the State Government to establish by-laws to manage access and activities across the community.
The Cook Government is committed to delivering its Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy by building on the capacity of Aboriginal communities to make decisions about their lives and future, from a secure foundation.
As stated by Acting Aboriginal Affairs Minister Reece Whitby:
"This proclamation is of great significance for the people of the Djarindjin community.
"It paves the way to establishing community by-laws that will ensure they can meet their future social, cultural, and economic needs.
"The Cook Government is proud to work with the Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation to support decisions that will benefit their community for future generations."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"This proclamation is a momentous milestone for the Djarindjin community who have been working hard to make this happen.
"This proclamation and recognition by our Government marks the first step towards self-determination for the Djarindjin people.
"I want to acknowledge and congratulate the Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation who have been steadfast in their leadership and commitment to achieving the best outcomes for their community."
As stated by Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation CEO Nathan McIvor:
"This proclamation is cause for much celebration and pride for Djarindjin.
"It has been a long journey to reach our dream of self-determination and self-empowerment and the outcome is a testament to the strength and stability of the Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation to govern our community.
"We are looking forward to working with Government to finalise the by-laws and further strengthen our rights to manage our own community."
