Yolngu Cultural Tourism Masterplan

Arnhem Land

The Vision• To provide an exciting new dimension to

tourism in Australia • To establish sustainable economic platform

for Yolngu Aboriginal people for employment , staying connected to country

• To create over 20 years up to 50 new businesses with Yolngu people across Arnhem Land

Indigenous Tourism is emerging and important

• Tourism contributes $96 billion to the economy and employs nearly 1 million Australians

• Indigenous Tourism is growing – over 150 businesses and 44 art centres

The potential is exciting

•International markets UK Germany USA and in the future China•Australians want to connect•90% believe they should experience Aboriginal Culture •94% believe their children should experience Aboriginal culture

Challenges

• Capital capacity and experience • Coordination• Branding • Representation

A new approach is needed

• Continuity • Momentum • Consistent approach • Empowerment • Cooperation between

Indigenous people, government and the private sector.

Arnhem Land has significant potential

• Air Access • Road System • Lirrwi tourism operational hub • Wildlife • Diverse landscape • Rich Culture • Major events • Internationally acclaimed

artists, musicians and performers

The opportunity…to create a vibrant and sustainable tourism industry through a new destination development model.

The Yolngu Tourism Masterplan for Arnhem Land

Current Yolngu involvement in tourism

• Lirrwi Yolngu Tourism Aboriginal Corporation

• Around 12 small emerging businesses in Arnhem land

• Buku Larrnggay Mulka Art centre• Garma Festival • A widely held view by Yolngu is that

tourism is important for the future

Proposed Model – principles

• Led and managed by Yolngu for YolnguLirrwi Tourism is Project Manager

• With support from best qualified people in Australia

• Partnerships with Government and business • Consistency of approach and people • Long term • Respect for Yolngu culture

Project Directors

• Djawa Burrawanga – Chairman Lirrwi Tourism • Matt Grooby – Manager Lirrwi• John Morse AM

Project Funding - PartnershipsGovernment • TQual Indigenous Tourism development grant has been

applied for • Tourism Australia and Tourism NT have agreed to support Private sector • 15 Private sector partnerships being sought for 3 years at

$50,000 P.A• 5 Partners signed • many more under consideration . • Total estimated budget for Years 1-3 $2,250,000

Masterplan Scope

• Initially NE Arnhem Land, expanding in time to link up with Kakadu and Nitmiluk

• Strategic Framework – National Long Term Tourism Strategy , 5 Year Tourism NT Strategy etc

• 2 Levels developed simultaneously • Arnhem land – the destination • Individual Business development

Key programs – Destination development

• Stakeholder engagement • Financial investment • Planning • Research • Logistics • Destination Marketing for Arnhem land

Key Programs – Business Development

• Community engagement • Business review • Business support

“ The Yolngu people of Arnhem land thank you for listening to our story, and we ask that you

consider and support it.We look forward to working with you in true

partnership, walking side by side to a better future for Yolngu people and all Australians”

Djawa Murrmurrnga Burarrwanga