Miwatj Provincial Regional Council’s proposal to establish a Miwatj Regional Government is about a way forward, based on Yolgnu Mala’s own aspirations. It is about what the Chairman of the Northern Land Council, Mr. Galarrwuy Yunupingu, described as finding “a better way” of doing things.

Achieving Yolngu Mala’s goals requires as a starting point new structural arrangements in the way objectives are set, decisions made, and services provided. The proposal’s overarching goal is to better promote the development of East Arnhem and the well-being of all the people of East Arnhem. It is not a return to traditional ways, or a rejection of new ways, nor is it a radical departure from existing structures; these have provided their own lessons. It is taking what Yolgnu Mala know and understand, and building on that to develop a better way forward