About Us
How we work
Our Purpose
Nhaku Ŋalimurr ga djäma
We strive to achieve:
Yolŋu languages, including all clan languages, are strong and passed on from each generation to the next.
Yolŋu rom is strong, passed to the next generation, and is respected by Balanda systems.
Celebrate and share stories of Yolŋu strength and identity
Yolŋu control of all aspects of Yolŋu life, through equal and genuine access to information, resources and decision-making.
For nearly 50 years our Yolŋu and Balanda staff have worked together, building relationships of trust and two-way learning. We take the relationships, knowledge and skills we have built to span the gap that often exists between Yolŋu communities and mainstream services and knowledge.
Start with the Yolŋu way first
Yolŋu dhukarr ŋurruŋu
In all of our work, we utilise a unique approach that has been developed and honed over the many decades we have been working with and living in Yolŋu communities. Our approach is founded upon genuine and in-depth learning between Yolŋu and Balanda worldviews and incorporates a contemporary understanding of culturally competent practice. By combining this skilled cross-cultural practice with adept language work, we are able to effectively facilitate meaningful communication across cultures.
Chairperson & co-CEO
Gawura Wanambi
Gawura has been walking in two worlds all of his life. The Yolŋu world and the Balanda world.
As Chair he shares his skill, determination and patience to help all at ARDS find and understand a place where both worlds can work together.
Under his guidance and all Yolŋu staff we strive to find a place to build on all our strengths and wisdom to ensure Yolŋu lead on Yolŋu land.
"The dream of the old people was the empowerment of Yolŋu, and this is what we are still about."
Our leaders
Rrambaŋi yolŋuw ga balandaw ganydjarrgu ga romgu
ARDS Board and Executives from left to right, back to front.
Board Chair & Co-CEO Gawura Waṉambi, Director Charlie Ramandjarr, Director Garambaka George Gurruwiwi, Corporate Services Djägamirr David Alexander, Uniting Church representative Janet Staines, Company Secretary Popi Papazoglou, Director Jennifer Wunungmurra, CEO Julia Wormer, Vice Chair Ḏipililŋa Marika Bukuḻatjpi, Director Warmbirrirr Ganambarr.
Absent: Directors: Rita Gondarra, Stephen Dhamarrandji, Golung Munyaryun
What makes ARDS what we are
ARDS-ku buyu'
ARDS-ku buyu’ means the methodology we use, our way of working.
To understand our buyu’ we must understand our history. ARDS’ roots are in the transition from the Methodist Overseas Mission era to the federal government’s self-management policy, in the 1970s.
In preparation for the change, ŋaḻapaḻmirri mala (group of elders) set up village councils in Yurrwi, Galiwin’ku and Yirrkala representing all bäpurru (clans).
The councils evolved into an incorporated organisation to manage the transition to local control, oversee economic development and increase Yolŋu participation.
That organisation was originally called Arnhem Land Civic and Economic Development Council Incorporated (CEDAR). While its name changed a few times, ARDS grew out of that original organisation.
Donate
Support Yolŋu-Led Change
Your donation helps preserve language, strengthen culture, and empower Yolŋu communities through education, radio, and community development.
What makes ARDS different?
Rather than being a sector-specific organisation, we are specialists in responding to a breadth of community questions and concerns.
We are not a health service, although we have work extensively in the area of health literacy.
We are not a legal service, although we have been helping Aboriginal people to gain a deeper understanding of the Australian legal system for many years.
We are not an educational institution but we have delivered many hours of community based education across a wide range of topics.
Our work is based on the belief that to work effectively with any group of people, you must first understand their language and their culture.
The core values which inform all our work are:
empowerment for Indigenous people
The right of Indigenous people to equal participation in Australian life
Respect and genuine partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples