Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA) Regional Study Hub

My name is Christine Dhurrkay (Banadijan is my Yolngu Name). Everyone refers to me as Nyick Nyick. I come from the Wangurri Clan in Dhalinbuy, East Arnhem which is my father’s side. My mother’s clan is Galpu in Naypinya, East Armhem. My moiety is Yirritja and my clan flag is green. I work for ALPA Higher Education – Nhulunby as a Yolngu Education Mentor. I chose to work here and do this djama because of my Grandmother who was a famous interpreter and spent many years teaching in universities and she is my role model.

As a proud Wangurri women, I like most of my people recognise that education is powerful for the next generation. Learning 2 worlds is something I have done for my entire life. 

I love working with the Higher Education Hub as it gives me the opportunity to give back to my community in assisting and helping my people to learn new ways to improve their minds and employment prospects. I work for ALPA because ALPA has a strong history in Arnhem Land and I am proud to work for an organisation that helps and assists Yolngu people strive for success.

My djama role is to provide bilingual support, cultural advice, Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) Support and to assist the Higher Education Programs Co-ordinator in community both on country and in the classroom.

My job has really been a blessing. It has created financial and education benefits where I can progress in 2 worlds and to be the education voice for my people. My job has changed my life in a way that it has given me a safe and secure place to go to every day. 

Nhama yalala

Nyick Nyick (Christine Dhurrkay)

Read more about Regional University Study Hubs here.

Photo caption: Christine Dhurrkay, ALPA Hub