Milingimbi

Milingimbi Island, also Yurruwi, is the largest island of the Crocodile Islands group off the coast of Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia.

Milingimbi Island, also Yurruwi, is the largest island of the Crocodile Islands group off the coast of Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia.

Aboriginal people have occupied this area for more than 40,000 years. It was an important ritual centre for the great ceremonies conducted by aboriginal peoples of this area. A settlement was established on the island in 1923 by the Methodist Overseas Mission. The mission attracted Aboriginal people from eastern clan groups to the island. These included Gupapuy?u- and Djambarrpuy?u-, as well as Wangurri- and Warramirri-speaking people. The traditional owners of Milingimbi and the surrounding seas and islands are Yan-nhangu-speaking Yolngu people.The island was bombed by the Japanese during World War II and most of its population moved to nearby Elcho Island. After the war, the Island continued to be used as a Royal Australian Air Force base, before the missionaries returned in 1951. The Mission continued to administer the island until 1974 when administration was transferred to Milingimbi Community Incorporated. In 2008 Milingimbi became part of the East Arnhem Regional Council, which took over local government.