Baniyala facts for kids

Bäniyala is a small community in Australia. It is home to about 150 Yolŋu people. This place is also called a homeland. It is located on Blue Mud Bay in the Northern Territory. This area is part of East Arnhem Land, near the Gulf of Carpentaria. Bäniyala is about 210 kilometers from Nhulunbuy.

History of Bäniyala

Re-establishing the Homeland

The Bäniyala community was set up again in the 1970s. This was done by the traditional owners of the land. In 1975, the Bäniyala Garrangali Aboriginal Corporation (BGAC) was formed. It first aimed to sell food. Later, it grew to help create more jobs and chances for people. This helps the local people live and work on their traditional lands.

Winning Sea Rights

The people of Bäniyala played a big part in the Blue Mud Bay case. This important court case happened in July 2008. Australia's highest court, the High Court of Australia, made a decision. It said that Aboriginal people have special rights over the sea. This was the first time such rights were given for coastal areas. These areas are called intertidal zones, where the land meets the sea.

Community Facilities

The Bäniyala Garrangali Aboriginal Corporation runs a campground. They also offer cabin places to stay. If you want to visit Bäniyala, you need a special permit. This helps protect the community and its land.

Local Industries and Economy

Exploring New Opportunities

In 2019, the people of Bäniyala worked with CSIRO. This is Australia's national science agency. They looked into new ways to boost the local economy. Ideas included aquaculture, which is like farming seafood. They thought about growing sea cucumbers. Other ideas were mining, forestry, and eco-tourism. They also considered guided fishing trips.

Fishing Rights Agreement

In July 2019, an agreement was made about fishing rights. The Northern Land Council and the NT Government signed it. However, they did not talk to the traditional owners first. A community leader, Djambawa Marawili, spoke up. A meeting was then held with the Northern Land Council. On the 11th anniversary of the Blue Mud Bay decision, a new agreement was signed. This allowed fishing access for 18 months.

Future Fishing Plans

In July 2020, a new plan was signed. It is called the "Blue Mud Bay Action Plan." This plan aims to make sure Indigenous people have fishing rights. It is part of a bigger agreement from 2019. The goal is to create economic chances for Aboriginal people. This includes starting an Aboriginal-owned fishing business.

Dealing with Challenges

The COVID-19 pandemic in Australia affected Bäniyala. Tourism income dropped, and food supplies were short. This caused health risks for the community. To help with these problems, a five-year plan was created. This plan helps the Bäniyala Garrangali Aboriginal Corporation overcome challenges.

Notable People

• Djambawa Marawili AM: He is a famous artist and a community leader. He is also part of the Prime Minister's Indigenous Advisory Council.
• Garrangali Band: This is a music group from the community.

Bäniyala in Film

Baniyala: The Yirrkala Film Project is a documentary film. It was released in 1996. The film was made by Ian Dunlop. It shows the daily life of the Madarrpa people in Bäniyala in 1974.