Demed Aboriginal Corporation

Demed Aboriginal Corporation (Demed) was named after the country immediately east of Gunbalanya, known by the same name. Our office is located in Gunbalanya (also known as Oenpelli) in the Northern Territory. The Demed name carries special meaning for our people; it is the name of a homeland and a dreamtime place. Families went to Demed Hill to hide from the rainbow serpent that brought flooding to West Arnhem Land. Families hid on the hill for a long time, creating songs and dreaming, while the hill protected them. Today, we wear the Demed logo with pride; it depicts the role of Demed through its imagery, with wide reaching arms protecting our people. We are responsible for providing support services to a group of outstations which have been established by Indigenous Australians, primarily the Bininj people who speak the Kunwinjku (pronounced Gunwinggu) language. Our services include housing maintenance, essential services and land management. The number of outstations serviced by Demed has varied over the years, with up to 40 being in operation at one time. The location of each outstation is within the family country of the residents or their close kin. Some outstations have been established to allow elders to watch over important nearby traditional sites.