Our Communities
Vibrant Communities
West Arnhem Regional Council covers an area of almost 50,000 square kilometres across West Arnhem Land, encompassing five remote communities, including two islands and more than 100 homelands.
The five communities include Jabiru, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Warruwi and Minjilang and are scattered across salt and fresh water, stone country and within the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park.
Our unique jurisdiction comprises five distinct council wards
Approximately, 6,281 people reside in the West Arnhem region and more than 81.1 per cent population identify as Aboriginal Australians or ‘bininj’ people. Our Council acknowledges the attachment and relationship of Aboriginal people to Country and the strong connections to culture and language continues within our communities and beyond.
During the 2021 Northern Territory Local Government Election, residents within each of the five West Arnhem Wards elected Councillors and a total of 12 representatives sit as the Council. Through Elected Members and the four Local Authorities, Council plays a large role in advocacy and representation for the people residing in our communities.
Supported by strong governance and leadership, our organisation has a large operational footprint providing high quality local government, community wellbeing and commercial services and all of which contribute to our vision of strong communities.
Regional overview
| Population | 6,281 |
| Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples | 5,097 or 81.1% |
| Male | 50.9% |
| Female | 49.1% |
| Median age | 28 |
| Families | 1,444 |
| Homelands | Approx 100 |
| Land Area | 49,675 square kms |
Data source: 2021 Census
Language
'Language' in the West Arnhem region is rich and diverse. West Arnhem Regional Council is dedicated to supporting and preserving the Aboriginal languages spoken within our region and there are a number of language groups and online resources available.
Culture
With more than 80% of the region’s population identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Aboriginal culture remains strong in West Arnhem communities and traditional art, language, ceremony, customs, kinship and caring for country are fundamental parts of everyday life. Language and culture are the backbone of all Arnhem Land communities and surrounding homelands; linking justice, education, infrastructure investment, economic and social development, cultural wellbeing, community safety and accessibility for all local people.