Arabic version: مجلس إيست أرنهيم يدعو إلى التحرك بعد وفاة في غاليوينكو

According to ABC News, East Arnhem Regional Council has brought together local authority members from across the region to urge families and communities to speak out against domestic violence after the death of a 17-year-old girl in Galiwin’ku.

The girl, who cannot be named for cultural reasons, was found dead in a home on Elcho Island, 500 kilometres east of Darwin, on July 6. Police allege she died from blunt force injuries. Jordan Garrawurra, 34, has been charged with murder, with police alleging he and the girl were in a domestic relationship at the time of her death.

The girl was in her final year of school. Council Deputy President Stephen Dhamarrandji said Galiwin’ku, particularly the school, had been mourning. He said the school held a smoking ceremony and that the family was silently grieving while showing love.

Family member and council member Ganygulpa Dhurrkay remembered the teenager as “more than a statistic, more than a number”. She said she was devastated by the loss and described the girl as “sweet, gentle”. Ms Dhurrkay said residents could not keep waiting for others to solve the problem, calling for action and for domestic violence not to be put “under the carpet”.

Council President Lapulung Dhamarrandji, one of three councillors urging action, said communities needed to protect young people and promote respect. He said family and community members had a role in finding solutions and creating a pathway forward.