Exploring Maningrida

Maningrida is one of the largest Aboriginal towns in the Northern Territory with a population of around 3000, and is situated approximately 500km east of Darwin in Arnhem Land, at the mouth of the Liverpool River.It also services about 30 outstations or homelands in the region.

The name Maningrida is believed to be an Anglicised version of the Kunibídji name Manayingkarírra, which comes from the phrase Mane djang karirra, meaning "the place where the Dreaming changed shape."

Maningrida is a multi-language area similar to Gunbalanya with 12 or more language groups. There are 3 main language dialects that are spoken, they are: Djebenna, Burrada & Kunwinku and the main totem is Djormi which is little children dreaming.

In Maningrida there are quite a few organisations including West Arnhem Shire, Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation (BAC), Maningrida College, Centrelink office, Maningrida Progress Association (MPA), Dhukulldji Aboriginal Corporation (Traditional Owners), Malaba Health Service, GYS (Youth Centre), Djelk Rangers, Police Station and Community Night Patrol.

MPA runs a shop, hotel, fuel and Hasty Tasty take away food outlet and organise barge food delivery for the community. BAC runs the homelands service delivery also overseas land and sea management through Djelk Rangers. GYS youth centre provide children’s activities and other programs. Maningrida has ARPNet research team members based in town.