Maningrida signs the Territory’s 15th Local Decision Making Agreement

A remote community – known as the place where the Dreaming changed shape – has struck a historic 10-year agreement with the NT government.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler and other politicians travelled to Maningrida to sign a historic 10-year Local Decision Making Agreement, giving the Kunibidji people and neighbouring clan groups greater say.

Arnhem Land traditional owners sat down with the Territory’s leaders with a firm message for their people’s future: “We have to work together to better our community”.

Maningrida – known as the place where the Dreaming changed shape – has struck an agreement with the NT government, empowering the community on issues like education, law and justice, community support, and economic development.

Dhukurrdji Development Corporation interim chief executive Lewis Knibbs said the signing of the Local Decision Making agreement marked a “historic milestone for the Maningrida community”.

“This … is a testament to the strength and vision of our leaders, who have tirelessly worked to ensure that our community can shape its future,” Mr Knibbs said.

Maningrida signed a historic 10-year Local Decision Making Agreement in May, giving the Kunibidji people and neighbouring clang groups greater say on issues like education, law and justice, community support, and economic development.

“(It) represents a collaborative effort to tailor our service delivery to the unique needs of our community.

“Together, we are paving the way for a brighter, more empowered future for Maningrida.”

The Maningrida LDM set out ten strategic priority areas, including establishment of the Murnun Men’s Shed and Women’s Cultural Hub with Mala’la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation; and the Nja-marleya Cultural Leaders and Justice Group.

The agreement also sets out a plan to strengthen cultural knowledge within the education system with the newly-established Homeland School Company.

Following community advocacy Maningrida was selected as one of two national sites by the National Disability Insurance Agency for a $7.6m pilot program will explore how to improve the delivery of disabilities services to remote communities.

Local member Manuel Brown said the signing was the culmination of years of discussion with the Kunibidji people and neighbouring clan groups.

“This is a culturally-diverse region so there were a number of factors and views to consider, however people are satisfied with the final Agreement and are looking forward to the rollout of the priorities identified by the community,” Mr Brown said.

Local Decision Making Minister Selena Uibo said Maningrida was the 15th community to sign an agreement, since the scheme was launched in 2020.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler signing the 10-year Local Decision Making Agreement in Maningrida.

Ms Uibo said it was a proud day for all involved, playing respect to the inspiring work of several key community members who passed during the process.

“Their guidance and wisdom have been integral to this Agreement which sets the stage for an empowered future for the Kunibidji people,” she said.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler said this was an opportunity for the Maningrida community to lead the way in place-based projects for future development and investment.

“(It) is a clear pathway forward for the Kunibidji people to be the creators of their own destiny,” Ms Lawler said.

Originally published as Maningrida signs the Territory’s 15th Local Decision Making Agreement