Paul Hockings

West Arnhem Regional Council

West Arnhem Regional Council covers an area of almost 50,000km2 of stunning natural landscape in the western part of Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. More than two thirds of the region's population of just over 6,000 identify as Aboriginal Australians, who reside in a collection of towns, communities and outstations. Council provides a range of local government services to five towns and communities across four wards. The Aboriginal communities of Minjilang and Warruwi are located in Barrah Ward, Maningrida community in Maningrida Ward, and Gunbalanya community in Gunbalanya Ward. The town of Jabiru, which was established to service the nearby Ranger uranium mine, is situated in Kakadu Ward which also includes the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park. Residents of the four wards elect two members for Barrah Ward, four members for Maningrida Ward and three members each for both Kakadu Ward and Gunbalanya Ward. These twelve Councillors sit as the West Arnhem Regional Council on a monthly basis at the headquarters in Jabiru. There are many popular tourist destinations within the region's boundaries, including stunning outback landscapes, colourful rock escarpments, glorious wetlands and picture-perfect beaches. The cultural legacy of the Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory is evident in the various forms of rock art to be found in caves and rock overhangs. One of the richest areas of rock art is located within Kakadu National Park, the traditional lands of the Gagudju people, in the West Arnhem Region. The sensational mix of flora, fauna and wildlife, alongside the rich and diverse culture on display, provides a spectacular visual experience for the visitor and residents to this part of Australia.