Yalmay Yunupiŋu

Gentle, generous and deeply respected, Professor Yalmay Yunupiŋu has touched countless lives across north-east Arnhem Land through her lifelong dedication to education, language and community. Known affectionately as the mother of Yirrkala School, Professor Yunupiŋu has spent more than four decades nurturing bilingual education and preserving Yolŋu language and culture.

Her teaching journey began in the Yirrkala community library, where she translated beloved Dr Seuss books into Yolŋu Matha to help children learn in both English and their first language. She later qualified as a teacher and, alongside her late husband, the renowned musician Dr M. Yunupiŋu of Yothu Yindi, pioneered a bilingual teaching model that remains a foundation of education in Yirrkala today.

Throughout her remarkable career, Professor Yunupiŋu has been celebrated as a “bilingual warrior” — a passionate advocate for language, identity and cultural strength. She was twice recognised as a Teacher of Excellence by the Northern Territory Department of Education and is a lifetime member of the Teacher’s Union. In 2005, she was named an Honorary University Fellow at Charles Darwin University, a testament to her lasting impact as an educator and mentor.

Even after retiring from Yirrkala Bilingual School in March 2023, Professor Yunupiŋu continues to give back tirelessly. She serves as Chair of the Yirrkala School Council and sits on the boards of both the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation and the Djalkiri Foundation, guiding the next generation of leaders to remain strong in their Yolŋu identity.

Her influence extends beyond Arnhem Land through her long-standing partnership with the University of Melbourne, where she holds an appointment as a Professor in the Indigenous Studies Unit. Working closely with faculties including Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, and Education, as well as the Indigenous Knowledge Institute, she continues to bridge traditional knowledge and academic learning — embodying the Yolŋu concept of Djambatj Dhukarr, the “wise path.”

A respected elder, traditional healer and community leader, Professor Yunupiŋu remains in constant demand for her wisdom, generosity and guidance. Her lifelong service was recognised nationally when she was named Senior Australian of the Year in 2024.

Reflecting on her journey, she says:

“I just want to teach the world, the nation, about our language. It’s very important. It talks about identity, who you are, where you come from. We want to keep our language strong and alive.”

Professor Yunupiŋu’s life exemplifies the spirit of dedication, cultural pride and service — qualities that continue to inspire the CDU community and all who have the privilege to learn from her.