CDU opens permanent campus to deliver tertiary education in East Arnhem Region

In a special ceremony this week in Nhulunbuy Northeast Arnhem Land Charles Darwin University (CDU) received the official title and meaning of the newest regional campus Mathaman | CDU Nhulunbuy Campus.  

The opening of the campus marks the return of a permanent CDU Campus for tertiary education in the region. 

The building was officially opened in partnership with the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation (RAC) Board who represent the Rirratjingu people whose land on which the Mathaman CDU Nhulunbuy Campus is on and was blessed by Rirratingu Traditional Owners.  

RAC Chairman and Rirratjingu Traditional Owner Wanyubi Marika said the name is important in two ways.

“It comes from the local Djuguwan ceremony of the water python, the tongue of the snake makes lightning. We call it Mathaman. Mathaman means to speak with lightning.” Wanyubi said.  

“It was also the name of a local elder and educational leader who is no longer with us, but I know this building, and what it means for us in the community would be important to them.”  

“The significance of this name for the Campus for CDU is that the Djuguwan ceremony is part of Yolngu University and this building is balanda (Western) University. It’s connecting the two universities – Yolngu ga balanda,” Wanyubi said.  

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman AO, who attended the ceremony, said it was an important milestone for the Territory’s University.   

“This ceremony solidifies the University’s permanence in the renowned East Arnhem region and its position as the University of Northern Australia,” Professor Bowman said.  

“For too long there has been a lot of barriers to education and training in the region, the Mathaman Campus removes these barriers, and we are excited to see the region thrive with new skills and experience to support the local community.” 

With this new building CDU can increase its training delivery including trades training. The facility provides classrooms for teaching, a trades workshop, online access for students through on-site technology, as well as a home base for staff and visiting researchers and academics.   

Prior to the opening of Mathaman student were taught in community spaces and rented rooms from Nhulunbuy businesses.

CDU Associate Vice-Chancellor East Arnhem Region Alice Doyle said opening Mathaman Campus is important as the region transitions.  CDU can help support all manners of training for new economic development and industries within the region. 

“This campus will mean we can support the training, education and research that is required for the region as it shifts to new industry and growth,” Mrs Doyle said.  

“CDU can provide learning pathways into new opportunities such as trades, technology, business skills within the region through training, as well as research. 

“We are working with the local community to ensure that CDU can support the region as it undergoes this substantial change.” 

In 2022, CDU re-established its presence in the East Arnhem region to continue the university’s journey on being the country’s most connected university. 

Since CDUs presence TAFE training student numbers have doubled.