Garma Festival

If you wish to take photographs or make any other form of recording you must sign the 'General Authority to Make a Record of the Festival'. This will be available at Reception or can be downloaded here (pdf)

It is inappropriate to take any photographs of Yolngu without first seeking the permission of a senior elder.

Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol and drugs are not permitted at the site of the Garma Festival. Alcohol is also banned at Yirrkala and Gunyangara. Substantial fines are imposed on people caught taking alcohol or drugs into these communities. Since the town at Nhulunbuy was established in the 1970s alcohol abuse has had a devastating effect on many families. Please do not contribute to the problem.

Permits

The Yolngu are the traditional owners of north east Arnhem land. They are also recognised as owners of this land under Australian law through the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT) 1976. Permits are required to enter Aboriginal land. The Garma Festival invitationonly permits you to attend the Festival, and all Permit Conditions apply. Copies of the permit conditions can be downloaded here (pdf) or are available from the Reception at the Festival. Your invitation to the Festival and the receipt of payment (if applicable) are evidence of attending the Festival and of your permit. Please keep these documents with you at all times when travelling through Arnhem Land.

Gulkula and surrounding areas is an Indigenous Protected Area (IPA), managed by Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation. Declared in March 2001 as the first IPA in the Northern Territory, the Dhimurru IPA is a part of the Australian National Reserve System of protected areas.

Behaviour

At the Garma Festival, you are invited to observe and work within Yolngu protocols.

Remember you are in Yolngu land and entering the Yolngu time-zone.
Yolngu perceptions, priorities and preoccupations are different from those of mainstream Australia.
Be patient, and try to leave behind your expectations of how things are learnt, and how events should run.
Traditionally Yolngu learn by observation, by looking and listening. Asking too many questions is inappropriate. So, when you have questions, choose them carefully and thoughtfully.
Respect Yolngu people’s personal space.
Avoid strolling around and visiting Yolngu campsites unless specifically invited and accompanied by Yolngu.
Visitors should avoid leaving the Gulkula site on their own, and should only walk along specifically marked Festival trails. This is about showing respect for land and is also a safety issue.
Treat the old people with the greatest respect: they hold the knowledge and the power.
Please be conscious that dress standards may often vary from what is considered acceptable at your home. By dressing conservatively you will avoid the possibility of causing offence