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ABC News
ABC News
National

Aboriginal peacemakers meet to discuss conflict resolution in remote NT communities

Danny Garrawurra says many remote communities face similar social problems. (ABC News: Samantha Dick)

Fifty "peacemakers" from remote communities across the Northern Territory have met in Katherine to discuss ways to resolve disputes without using violence.

The program, run by the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA), brought community leaders together last week from Yuendumu, Galiwin'ku, Wurrumiyanga, Lajamanu, Groote Eylandt and Yirrkala. 

Representatives from Ngukurr and Wadeye were unable to attend.

Peacemaker Danny Garrawurra, from the remote community of Galiwin'ku, said he worked with service providers to resolve disputes while maintaining his Yolngu cultural obligations. 

"We are facing those problems within family to family, and it really is a struggle for us," he said. 

"How can we work together, as humans?"

The remote leaders shared their knowledge and expanded their networks. (ABC News: Samantha Dick)

Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare showed the rates of hospitalisations of Indigenous Territorians due to assault were the highest in Australia, particularly in disadvantaged remote areas. 

Last week, a young man from Wadeye was sentenced to prison for his involvement in a violent riot that left a man dead. 

NAAJA's principal legal officer Nick Espie said local mediators required more support and resourcing to prevent family and domestic disputes from escalating. 

"There are a lot of people here that have worked very hard in this role that often takes a personal toll," he said. 

"They've done this unnoticed, and often without funding and without being paid."

Nick Espie says the critical work of peacemakers is undervalued. (ABC News: Samantha Dick)

Despite having limited resources, local peacemakers are already driving real change. 

One success story is unfolding in Groote Eylandt, where a local program has been underway since 2018. 

NT Police data shows the number of offences committed by young people on Groote Eylandt between 2018 and 2019 dropped from 346 to just 17 the following year. 

Roderick Mamarika (right) says he asks residents to sit down and talk with him about their problems. (ABC News: Samantha Dick)

Groote Eylandt peacemaker Roderick Mamarika said his work counselling troubled residents was like untying a fishing knot.

"Sometimes the lines are tangled, and there's a knot there and you need to untie it and make it straight," he said.

"This is what we do, we untie problems from the people in our community."

NAAJA community legal education coordinator Jeannie Peckham said she was hopeful the mediation program would lead to long-lasting outcomes.

"I think the work that the peacemakers are doing has already proven that they can reduce the rate of reoffending in communities," she said. 

"We just need to get it up and running a lot more."

Jeannie Peckham says NAAJA's mediation program has been years in the making. (ABC News: Samantha Dick)

Mr Garrawarra said he was optimistic after the gathering with remote community leaders. 

"We're the same — we're human," he said. 

"We need to work together, and walk together in this unique place, side by side."

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