MoU to Strengthen on Country Delivery and self-governance in East Arnhem Region

Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation (Laynha) and Charles Darwin University (CDU) have partnered to strengthen training delivery on Laynhapuy Homelands and at the Garrthalala Bush University. 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will allow for the successful CDU First Nations Pathway Programs into health, arts, education, engineering, science, law, business, or accounting be offered at the Bush University, and other identified sites across 30 homelands, for the first time.

The new agreement will also look at the co-creation of a culturally safe micro-credential for Yolngu and balanda models of Leadership and Governance and practical training for employment.  CDU educators will run most of their training, education and research at the Garrthalala Bush University, located on Laynhapuy Homelands.

CDU Associate Vice-Chancellor East Arnhem Region Alice Doyle said this partnership strengthens CDU’s presence in the region and enables the university to build upon the education and training already being offered in the region. 

“This partnership will help increase the access of tertiary education for even more of the population across the region and provides another avenue for the people of the region to have a say in the training that is accessible to them,” Mrs Doyle said. 

Lanyha CEO Glenda Abraham said that Laynha understands the importance of On-Country delivery. Partnering with a local university, who collaborates with local stakeholders on the design principles in addressing local employment gaps will support liveability in Homelands, today and beyond the mine closure. 

Led by Chair, Yananymul Mununggurr, the Laynha board endorsed the formal MOU in February 2025, to support learning on country, at the Garrthalala Bush University and other homelands. 

“Laynha has been working on an adhoc basis with CDU, but this formal partnership with CDU offers more tailored programs for our remote communities, aligning with their goals, and providing new pathways into education and employment.” Ms Mununggurr said.

Since CDU reestablished in the region, training programs have more than doubled and over 1000 students have completed a course.