In May 2007, a group of East Arnhem Land Indigenous leaders set up Dilthan Yolngunha, a ground-breaking trial community respite and rehabilitation service at Gulkula, outside Nhulunbuy.

At The Healing Place, Yolngu women will treat people through proven traditional healing practices, used in conjunction with prescribed long-term mainstream medicines. The traditional healing uses medicines from the 'bush pharmacy' and cultural practices and traditions.

Yolngu experienced in traditional health practices will work at The Healing Place, assisted by a number of selected female support staff who will be trained as health workers in the use of traditional bush medicines.

Dilthan Yolngunha has been set up on a trial basis and is being co-ordinated by the Yothu Yindi Foundation. From this trial we hope to develop a workable model and more healing places in other parts of Arnhem Land.

It is going to be a mini-
hospital. The patient will have the treatment. After the treatment, maybe in the evening, we'll put on a musical or someone to sing songs for dancing or make them happy. Not just treat them and leave them there.

Be a foundation sponsor of The Healing Place. Your pledge of $100 will help fund this trial.

If you donate $100 or more before 30 April 2009, to support the work of the Healers in improving the health and wellbeing of Yolngu, we will acknowledge our appreciation of your support by sending you a small ‘thank you’ of a ‘Dilthan Yolngunha’ poster.

Evaluation report

An evaluation of Dilthan Yolngunha has been prepared by Greg Wearne and Samantha Muller (Wearne Advisors and associates). Download (41p 1mb PDF)

Sir Gustav Nossal:

What a wonderful idea that the Yothu Yindi Foundation should fund a trial community respite and rehabilitation service! Such a place of healing could make a major contribution to the health of the citizens of East Arnhem Land. I have long believed that community control of health programs is one of the prerequisites for success. Here is something that has welled up from the community and that has every chance of working. The Yolngu health workers staffing the respite and rehabilitation service deserve our thanks and praise, and most particularly adequate financial support.

Sir William Dean:

The extent of ill health among indigenous Australians is not only a heart breaking measure of indigenous disadvantage, the approximate 20 year gap in the life expectancy of indigenous and non-indigenous Australians is a national disgrace. Anything which is likely to make a significant contribution towards more effectively addressing these appalling health problems should obviously have the support of all caring Australians. I believe that this place is a healing initiative which has been inspired by my friends, the Yolngu people, has the potential to make such a significant contribution.