Timmy 'Djawa' Burarrwanga facts for kids
Timmy Murmurrga Burarrwanga, also known by his traditional name Djawa Djuwait, is an Aboriginal Australian. He belongs to the Gumatj clan, which is one of many Aboriginal groups in Australia. Timmy is a leader in his community. He runs businesses and helps guide his people culturally. He is currently the chairman of the Yirrkala Dhanbul Aboriginal Corporation. This group works to develop the community and is connected to the Bunuwal group of companies. He used to be a director of the Lanyhapuy Homelands Association. Timmy is very active in helping Aboriginal communities, especially with the outstation movement. This movement helps people live on their traditional lands. He also supported the One Laptop Per Child Australia group, which aimed to give laptops to children.
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Sharing Culture Through Tourism
Timmy Burarrwanga has spent a lot of time making sure that tourism involving Aboriginal culture is real and respectful. This work led to him creating Lirrwi Tourism in 2010. This company helps people experience Aboriginal culture in an authentic way.
Bawaka: A Family Cultural Experience
Timmy and his family run a special tourism business called Bawaka. It's located on their family's traditional land in north-eastern Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory of Australia. They travel between Yirrkala and Bawaka to welcome small groups of visitors. These visitors come from all over Australia and the world. They come to learn about the family's culture and history. Timmy believes that tourism can be a good way for Aboriginal people to earn a living while sharing their culture. Many well-known Australians have visited Bawaka to take part in cultural programs. For example, the famous chef Tony Bilson spent time there.
Garma Festival: Celebrating Yolŋu Culture
Timmy Burarrwanga has played a big part in organizing cultural programs at the yearly Garma Festival of Traditional Cultures. This festival happens at the Gulkula site, also in north-eastern Arnhem Land. At one festival, Timmy gave an important speech. He talked about how he built his own company. He also stressed how important it is to hire and train Yolŋu people (his people) in their own communities. He believes this gives them respect and responsibility for their rights and their future. This idea led to the launch of the Yolngu Cultural Tourism Masterplan in 2012. This was the first plan of its kind in Australia, focusing on cultural tourism led by Indigenous people.
Recognizing Indigenous Australians in the Constitution
In December 2010, the Australian Government asked Timmy Burarrwanga to join a special "Expert Panel." This panel included other important people. Their job was to discuss how to recognize Indigenous Australians in the country's constitution. The panel held many public meetings and discussions across Australia throughout 2011. They then reported their findings to the Australian Government by December 2011.
Images for kids
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Timmy pointing out fish in Port Bradshaw
