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Galiwin'ku

Galiwin'ku is a Yolŋu community of approximately 2500 people located on Elcho Island, 150 kilometres west of Nhulunbuy and is approximately a one hour flight.

The Galiwin'ku community was established in 1942 as a refuge from possible bombing of the Milingimbi Royal Australian Air Force Base during World War II. A mission was established in the Galiwin'ku community in 1947.

Galiwin'ku is the main community on Elcho Island, located at the southern end of the Wessel Island group and is home to Elcho Island Arts.

A permit is required from the Northern Land Council to visit this community.  

Elcho Island Arts

Elcho Island Arts is a Yolŋu-owned art centre located in Galiwin’ku, Elcho Island off the north-east coast of East Arnhem Land. Community-operated since 1992, the art centre exists primarily to support Yolŋu artists to share their culture and derive income from their art making.   The community’s artists are renowned for their originality in design and knowledge of traditional bush materials, continuing a tradition of many thousands of years. Their artworks, weavings, fibre ...

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Galiwin'ku Visiting Contractors Accommodation

Galiwin’ku Visiting Contractors Accommodation offers single rooms with the option of private ensuite, shared ensuite or shared communal bathrooms. The accommodation is approximately a five minute drive to most services and offices in Galiwin’ku and offers a large onsite parking area. The accommodation provides a fully equipped air conditioned communal kitchen and dining area, as well as two lounge areas with digital television. A communal laundry with washing machines, dryer and ironing facilit...

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Marthakal Air

Marthakal Air is located at Elcho Island Airport on Galiwin’ku and has been serving the Yolŋu people and East Arnhem communities since 1995, offering single engine and twin engine aircraft charters. Marthakal Air is a subsidiary of Marthakal Homelands Resource Centre Aboriginal Corporation and prides itself on supporting the local community.  

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Marthakal Motel

Marthakal Motel is the premier serviced accommodation on Elcho Island for people visiting Galiwin’ku. All the rooms are air-conditioned, have free-to-air television and tea and coffee making facilities. The accommodation package includes a complimentary continental breakfast, with an additional option to purchase lunch and dinner.

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