The West Arnhem Shire is one of eight new shire areas located in the Northern Territory of Australia. The Shire covers an area of 49,698.26 km² and has a population of 6,591 (2008). The West Arnhem Shire Council acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Owners of West Arnhem.
The Council provides essential services to the West Arnhem Shire and covers four wards. The communities of Minjilang & Warruwi are located in Barrah Ward, Maningrida community in Maningrida Ward, Gunbalanya community in Gunbalanya Ward and Jabiru situated in Kakadu Ward which also includes the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park.
West Arnhem is a popular tourist destination with a stunning array of outback landscapes, colourful rock escarpments & wide expanse of glorious wetlands. The sensational flora, fauna and wildlife provides a visual celebration for the visitor and residents of this beautiful top end area of Australia.
The Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory have left a great legacy of their culture in the form of art that can be found in caves and rock overhangs where it is protected from the elements. One of the richest areas of rock art are located within Kakadu National Park, the traditional lands of the Gagudju people, in the West Arnhem Shire.
Apart from the traditional local government services, the Council also funds, manages & maintains a wide range of community programs and projects. These programs focus on a regional approach so all community members can enjoy the benefits.
These programs include:
- training and employment
- indigenous art & galleries
- family safety, safe houses, counselling
- night patrol, drug & alcohol education
- sport and recreation
- child care & youth centres
- maintenance and recording of languages
- local radio broadcasting
This is an exciting time for the region and the Council is firmly committed to achieving significant and lasting change to improve the quality of life for all Shire residents.
Ralph F Blyth Mark Griffioen
President Chief Executive Officer