Vision and mission
Vision
DEAL shares an optimistic long-term vision for East Arnhem:
- A resilient East Arnhem economy
- Nhulunbuy as a sustainable regional centre
- Yolŋu are leaders and partners in economic life
Mission
Our mission is to drive economic development in East Arnhem to promote the resilience of the region and opportunity for its people.
- We lead collaboration across the region, as trusted partners to businesses, governments and traditional owners.
- We unlock creative opportunities for development, guided by evidence.
- We are a front door for investment in East Arnhem and independent advocates for the region.
Overview
Developing East Arnhem Limited (DEAL) is an independent not-for-profit company with an experienced Board of Directors.
DEAL was established in November 2014, in response to Rio Tinto’s decision to curtail production at the Gove alumina refinery.
DEAL received seed funding of $2 million from each of its Members: the Northern Territory Government and Rio Tinto. Rio Tinto also transferred 250 properties in Nhulunbuy, for DEAL to provide housing for eligible businesses and organisations and generate income to invest in the region.
Our areas
East Arnhem has a spectacular landscape, with rugged coastlines, remote islands and some of the world’s most biodiverse habitats, covering a total land area of 33,446km2 and with an estimated population of 13,565, almost 80% of whom are Yolŋu.
The town of Nhulunbuy, on the Gove Peninsula, is the largest centre in the region. A vibrant community with a high standard of services, Nhulunbuy operates as a service and business hub for the region.
The region has six other main communities, and a network of homelands. The six other main communities in the region are Milingimbi in the Crocodile Islands, Galiwin’ku on Elcho Island, Ramingining on the edge of the Arafura Swamp, Gapuwiyak on the shores of Lake Evella, and Yirrkala and Gunyaŋara on the Gove Peninsula.
