Our Board

Maratja Dhamarraṉdji (Burralaṉ)

Maratja was born at Galiwin’ku and attended Shepherson College for his primary schooling. He moved to Darwin where he attended Kormilda College and Darwin High School before commencing a mechanical apprenticeship. During the 1980s he changed career direction getting into Community Development. His interest in Christian ministry and theology led him to studies in this area and also into Bible translation work. Maratja’s interest in languages also led him to work extensively with the Aboriginal Interpreter Service. He has also completed a cross cultural mediation course with Mawul Rom. In 2016 he was awarded the inaugural ATSI Mediator of the Year award. He was also a member of a former Northern Territory Government’s Indigenous Advisory Group. Maratja’s involvement with ARDS started in the late 1990s where he assisted in producing educational material for Yolŋu Radio and continues today with his role of the ARDS chairperson.

Gawura Waṉambi (Gamarraŋ) - Darwin

Gawura was born near Ramaŋgirr outstation. His family moved around the Gapuwiyak area and south as far as Numbulwar. It was here that he first attended school. During his ‘Balanda’ schooling he also attended Shepherdson College, Gapuwiyak School and Dhupuma College. He commenced working at the Gapuwiyak Store and then moved into community work before attending Batchelor College where he study linguistics. It was he that he met his partner from Central Australia. Over the years they have lived in both Central Australia and Arnhem Land. Gawura’s work has involved him in roles such as Community Services, Homeland Resource Centre CDEP administration and a Money Management program. For health reasons he and his family had to move to Darwin around 2004 where has worked with the Aboriginal Interpreter Service and now ARDS.

Peter Jones (Wämut)

Biritjalawuy Goṉḏarra (Wamuttjan) - Darwin

Matthew Dhulumburrk (Baŋaḏi) - Ramingining

Ḏipililŋa Marika Bukuḻatjpi (Buḻanydjan) - Yirrkala

Ḏipililŋa Bukuḻatjpi (Buḻanydjan)

Ḏipililŋa was born and grew up at Galiwin’ku. She attended school at Shepherson College in Galiwin’ku. In the early 1980s she moved to Yirrkala where she has worked for many years at the local Health Centre involved in the Strong Women, Strong Babies, Strong Culture program. Ḏipililŋa has 6 children and 1 grandchild.

Warmbirrirr Ganambarr (Galikali) - Milingimbi

Warmbirrirr was born and grew up at Yurrwi (Milingimbi). She did some work experience at the Yurrwi School and decided to make teaching her life career. After several periods of study at Batchelor College she graduated in 1988. She has now been teaching for over 35 years. Warmbirrirr has also been involved with many community groups and organisations. She started as an ARDS director in March 2017. She has 4 children and 12 grandchildren.

Gurimaŋu Bukuḻatjpi (Baŋaḏitjan) - Darwin