Today's landmark signing of a Partnership Commitment by the Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments and the Yothu Yindi Foundation is a momentous step towards the Yolngu people's long held vision for a world class tertiary institution in northeast Arnhem Land.
The Garma Institute Partnership Commitment confirms up to $20 million from the Aboriginals Benefit Account (ABA) towards construction of a Yolngu-owned and run tertiary and vocational education facility to provide on-Country learning for Yolngu people from early childhood education to university.
The Partnership was fittingly signed at the 2024 Garma Festival - a year on from the announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of $6.4 million for Stage 1 of the project, which involved consultation and development of a proposal.
This latest investment of $20 million will fund Stage 2 of the project, with the Northern Territory Government investing a further $1.05m (exc GST) and providing in-kind supports, enabling a partnership of infrastructure planning and co-investment.
The Garma Institute Partnership Commitment supports Closing the Gap Priority Reform 1: Formal partnerships and shared decision making, and commits all three parties to working collaboratively towards the successful establishment of the Garma Institute.
The Yothu Yindi Foundation already offers a Yolngu-centred curriculum for school students through the bilingual Dhupuma Barker School at Gunyangara, driving strong school attendance rates and improved education outcomes.
This latest investment will see those students given a pathway to continue their higher education at the Garma Institute.
The Institute is to be community and homelands-led using an adult education model created in consultation with Traditional Owners (Waŋu Wataŋu) and clan (bäpurru) leaders and other strong community leaders.
The Institute will draw from Yolngu culture and Rom (law), and operate as a regional accredited education, training and employment hub that combines a strength-based approach derived from both Yolŋu and Balanda learning and knowledge.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
"True to its name, the Garma Institute Partnership is a great example of the impact we can make working in genuine partnership and alongside communities.
"Today, I am proud to announce that - through a new partnership agreement with the Northern Territory Government and the Yothu Yindi foundation - we will be investing $20 million from the Aboriginal Benefits Account to build The Garma Institute.
"A new tertiary and vocational education centre, owned and run by the Yolngu people.
"And a new pathway to higher education, right here on country."
Quotes attributable to Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy:
"Connection to culture through on-country learning ensures the best outcomes possible for Yolngu students - keeping young people engaged in school creates a pathway to further education and the endless possibilities for reaching their full potential."
"I commend the Yothu Yindi Foundation for their dedication to this ground-breaking initiative and their vision for future generations of Yolngu students who can access world-class education on-Country, learning Yolŋu and Balanda knowledge close to home.
"Communities across Arnhem Land and other areas of the Northern Territory have always understood the power of strong partnerships to deliver better outcomes."
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Eva Lawler:
"My team and I are focussed on providing opportunity for every Territorian no matter where they live.
"The Governments $1 million will go towards assisting the establishments of the Garma Institute, providing more opportunities along the Gove Peninsula."
Quotes attributable to Yothu Yindi Foundation CEO Denise Bowden:
"This Partnership Commitment recognises that the Garma Institute will be a game-changer for the region, a state-of-the-art education facility that will preserve and protect Yolngu knowledge, languages, and traditions, capturing and showcasing 60,000 years of unique cultural DNA.
"Offering a suite of tertiary, VET, and bridging courses tailored to the needs of the local community, it will advance education outcomes and create employment opportunities at a critical time for the region.
"It will allow Yolngu to complete the studies of their choice, without having to leave their community and culture behind.
"The Garma Institute has been the vision of Yolngu elders and community leaders for more than two decades, and we're delighted that the Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments are helping to make it a reality."
