Our Board & Team

A Djapu woman from Garrthalala North East Arnhem Land Miwatj Region, Yananymul Mununggurr has served on many boards, committees and councils as her advice on community development projects has been vital to the betterment of North East Arnhem Land. While her advice sweeps across health, housing, wellbeing, cultural maintenance and employment, she is particularly outspoken for improved education in this region.

A highly respected Djapu elder who has consistently advocated for the rights of Yolŋu people to live on their traditional homelands and stay connected to country. Barayuwa Mununggurr fought against the Northern Territory and Federal Government plans to de-fund remote homelands. In 2022, he was awarded Nhulunbuy Senior Citizen of the Year by the Northern Territory Government.

A senior leader of the Maḏarrpa clan, Dr and AM Djambawa Marawili holds ceremonial responsibilities in his community of Bäniyala and is an artist whose work is deeply rooted in Yolŋu tradition. He has served on numerous boards and councils, including the Association of Northern Kimberley and Arnhem Aboriginal Artists, the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre, the Australia Council’s ATSIA Board, and the Northern Land Council. In 2003, he was awarded a two-year Fellowship from the Australia Council, and in 2014, he was appointed to the Prime Minister’s Indigenous Advisory Council.

A senior elder from the community of Gan Gan, Naypirri Billy Gumana is a respected member of the Gumana family of the Dhalwangy clan, belonging to the Yirritja moiety. He holds senior ceremonial responsibilities and has served as Chair of the regional Indigenous schools council, Yambirrpa. A founding figure in the homelands movement, Naypirri has been an elected Board member of Laynhapuy Homelands since 2022.

A respected community leader and elder in the community of Donydji, Joanne plays many roles in her homeland including being a teacher at the local school, accomplished and talented artist and weaver, and soon to start her own business. Joanne was featured in the film Homeland Story (2019), highlighting the life in remote North East Arnhem Land and has been a Board member of Laynhapuy Homelands since 2022.

A community member of Nindjiya, Liam is a member of the Djapu clan of the Dhuwa moiety. He is currently studying at the University of South Australia and is also an artist with work exhibited at The Buku-Larrnggay Art Centre in Yirrkala. He recently became a Youth Ambassador for the Northern Territory and has been the youngest Board member of Laynhapuy Homelands since joining in 2022.

Araluen Maymuru was born in Nhulunbuy and raised across several homelands before settling in Barraratjpi and Djarrakpi. Her career spans community development, the arts, family support, and aged care, culminating in her current role as a Yirralka Ranger. With over a decade of experience supporting families and advocating for homelands, Araluen brings a strong voice and fresh perspective to the board. She is passionate about leadership, cultural balance, and empowering women. In her spare time, she enjoys hunting, fishing, gardening, and being on country.

Graham grew up in the Northern Territory including his early years living in remote communities. He has extensive experience as a board director, particularly in the not-for-profit and public sectors, and as a senior executive in the NT Public Service. He has tertiary qualification sin Science, Social Administration and Business, as well as being a graduation member of the Australian Institute of Company Directions (AICD).

Ray is an Environmental Professional with 30 years’ experience in Northern Australia. Ray is a strong supporter of the homelands movement, with a strong focus on developing employment/income generating activities that support people to live and thrive on homelands where they are instrumental in and essential for the maintenance of health Country and culture. Ray is also Independent Director of Injalak Arts at Gunbalanya and the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT.