Historical information
Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM, was born in Milingimbi, eastern Arnhemland in 1945. He was educated at Milingimbi Mission School and pursued his theological education as a youth leader and Sunday School teacher through the Methodist Church, before attending college in Brisbane. In 1969 he trained as a Minister in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands under the Uniting Church, before returning to Arnhemland to minister his own people at the Galiwin’ku parish, firstly as a lay pastor (1971-1972) and then as a Minister from 1976-1982.
In 1983-84, Rev Djiniyini worked as a Lecturer in Theology at Nungalinya College, Darwin. He was honoured with a Diploma of Theology (Honorary) from there in 1984, and in 1991 received a Cultural Doctorate in Literature (Honorary) from the World University, Roundtable, Arizona USA. Rev Djiniyini was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 1995.
As well as being the Chairman of ALPA since 1993, Rev Djiniyini is currently the Director of Duduy’ngu Pty Ltd, which provides consultancy and cross-cultural services. He is also Director of Yirrkala Business Enterprises.
Over the years, Rev Djiniyini has served on many committees and councils including:
Member of the Steering Committee of the Australian Indigenous Cultural Network (1998-2001), CEO of Aboriginal Resource and Development Services Inc (1998-2001), CEO of the Northern Regional Council of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (1998-2001), Director of Reconciliation Australia Limited (2000-2001), Member of Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation (1998-2000), Chairman of Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (1995-2000 & 1990-1993), Member of Central Committee of the World Council of Churches (1991-1994), Moderator of Northern Synod, Uniting Church in Australia (1985-1987), Secretary of newly formed Aboriginal Presbytery, Northern Synod, Uniting Church in Australia (1985), and Vice-President of Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress Uniting Church in Australia (1983-1987).
Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM has also been extensively published, and his works include:
• Information Papers (co authored), Aboriginal Resource and Development Services:
• Confusion Between Cultures (1998)
• M
• The Madayin – A Complete System of Law (1998)
• Yolŋu Law and Euthanasia (1996)
• Its Not a Curse But a Proclamation (1995)
• Galka Dj
‘One Law For All – A Process Towards Statehood’, A Report for the Office of Aboriginal Development Northern Territory Government, 1995.
‘Where have All The Skilled People of Arnhem Land Gone – Economic Literacy’, Report Update for the Office of Aboriginal Development, June 1995.
‘Cross Cultural Awareness Education for Aboriginal People’, A consultancy for the Office of Aboriginal Development, 1994.
‘Let My People Go’, Series of Reflections of Aboriginal Theology, Bethel Presbytery 1986.
‘Working Together as Christians’, Nungalinya College T.E.E. Extension Study Book, with Rev. Don Carrington.
‘Overcoming the Captivities of the Western Church Context’, 8th Assembly Christian Conference of Asia, A Cultured Pearl: Australian Readings in Cross Cultural Theology and Mission.
Physical description
Head & Shoulders of Djiniyini Gondarra facing right of picture.
Inscriptions & markings
"Rev. Djiniyini Gondarra 1986. Moderator Northern Synod and Vice President of Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Conference."
