Groote Eylandt (Dutch for “Great Eylandt”) was discovered and named by Dutch explorers in 1624. Local Aborigines became known as the Groote Eylandt Aborigines or Groote Eylandters. Their unique common language is Anindilyakwa, shared by no other aboriginal people in the world.

Makassans travelling from Indonesia were the first known foreign people to visit Groote Eylandt, and visited regularly until 1908. They would arrive in December on the northwest monsoon and return in April/May on the southeast trade winds. They fished for trepang (a sea slug that abounds in the tropical waters around the East Arnhem Land coastline and Gulf of Carpentaria). Makassan influence did not fundamentally change local Aboriginal society, as the visits were seasonal and transitory. The Groote Eylandters coped with the changes and incorporated desired aspects of the culture into their own.

The Anglican Church Missionary Society (CMS) began operation of a Mission at Emerald River on Groote Eylandt in 1921.  When the RAAF took over the use of the Mission's airstrip in 1943, they relocated to nearby Angurugu.  By the 1950s, almost all the Groote Eylandt clans living on the west of the island had settled at Angurugu, significantly altering the traditionally nomadic culture. Schooling and health programs were introduced to the community. The CMS was responsible for Angurugu’s administration until 1979 when it handed over management of the community to the Angurugu Community Government Council.

In 1938, QANTAS established a flying-boat refuelling base in the northeast of the Eylandt, which catered for regular commercial flights.  Umbakumba was established as a settlement nearby, and many of the east coast Aborigines soon began living there.  The CMS managed Umbakumba from 1958 to 1966.  The refuelling base was taken over by the RAAF during the war and is no longer in operation.  The Umbakumba Council now manages the community.

In 1962, BHP realised the economic significance of the manganese ore deposits on Groote Eylandt, and launched an extensive, four-year exploration program.  In 1964, the Groote Eylandt Mining Company was formed.  The CMS was central to negotiations between GEMCO, the Commonwealth Government and the Groote Eylandt Aborigines, resulting in special mining leases being granted.  GEMCO began mining operations and its new relationship with the traditional owners of Groote Eylandt. GEMCO hired local Aboriginal people where possible, providing training and paying full industry rates. 

Groote Eylandt was converted to Aboriginal freehold title land following the passing of the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act of 1976. 

Learn more about GEMCO’s history.