Milingimbi Island facts for kids
Milingimbi Island, also known as Yurruwi, is the biggest island in the Crocodile Islands group. It's located off the coast of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, Australia. This island has a rich history and is home to many Aboriginal people.
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Where is Milingimbi Island?
Milingimbi Island is about 440 kilometers (273 miles) east of Darwin. It's also around 200 kilometers (124 miles) west of Nhulunbuy.
A Look at Milingimbi's Past
Ancient History and Traditional Owners
Aboriginal people have lived in the Milingimbi area for over 40,000 years. It was a very important place for special ceremonies and gatherings. In 1923, the Methodist Overseas Mission started a mission on the island. This mission brought together Aboriginal people from different clan groups. These included people who spoke Gupapuyŋu, Djambarrpuyŋu, Wangurri, and Warramirri languages. The Yan-nhangu-speaking Yolngu people are the traditional owners of Milingimbi and the waters and islands around it.
Milingimbi During World War II
During World War II, Japanese forces bombed the island. Because of this, most of the people living there moved to nearby Elcho Island for safety. After the war, Milingimbi was used as a base for the Royal Australian Air Force. The missionaries returned in 1951. They managed the island until 1974. After that, the local Milingimbi Community Incorporated took over. In 2008, Milingimbi became part of the East Arnhem Regional Council, which now handles local government.
Languages Spoken on the Island
For most Aboriginal people in Milingimbi, English is their second, third, or even fourth language. A successful program that taught in two languages (bilingual education) started in 1974 but was later stopped. However, bilingual education still happens in some of the smaller communities, called outstations, nearby. Traditional owners run these programs. They want to keep their languages, culture, and nature strong in the Crocodile Islands. The Yan-nhangu traditional owners have even started a volunteer group called the Crocodile Islands Rangers. This group helps local people find ways to live sustainably, using their own languages.
What You Can Find on Milingimbi
Milingimbi Island has its own airport, called Milingimbi Airport, with the code YMGB. There's also a Bureau of Meteorology weather station there. The island has an ALPA (Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation) store, a post office, and an art gallery. The East Arnhem Regional Council also provides a community library for everyone to use.
Famous People from Milingimbi
Many talented people have come from Milingimbi Island:
- Binyinyuwuy Djarrankuykuy was a leading Aboriginal artist. His artworks are displayed in major museums around the world.
- Tom Djäwa was an artist, community leader, and elder. His recordings were included on the Voyager Golden Record, along with Mudpo and Waliparu.
- The artist David Malangi went to school in Milingimbi when he was a child.
- Some say that Djalu Gurruwiwi, a well-known didgeridoo maker and player, was born on Milingimbi.
- Laurie Baymarrwangga was named the Northern Territory senior Australian of the Year in 2012. She was a senior manager (djungaya) for Milingimbi Island. She won an award in 2011 for her projects, like creating a Yan-nhaŋu Dictionary (from 1994 to 2012). She also worked with the Crocodile Islands Rangers.
- Danzal Baker, known as 'Baker Boy', is a very popular music artist from Milingimbi.
