Two-way, bilingual learning for Yolngu children to remain on country and yet walk in two worlds in peace and fulfilment has been the yearning of elders since the closure of the first Dhupuma.
At Easter 2021, Dhupuma Barker in Gunyangara, North East Arnhem Land, opened its classrooms in the presence of Dr G Yunupingu and Yolngu heroes from the Gumatj clan.
The two temporary classrooms, no more than sheds really, have been supplemented by additional spaces to accommodate the rapid growth in student numbers and attendance in the remote region of Nhulunbuy and Arnhem Land.
On 10 December 2025, more than 200 members of the Gunyangara and Nhulunbuy community gathered for the soft opening of the soon to be completed new Dhupuma Barker school located overlooking the Community Oval and Melville Bay.
Yolngu ceremonial leaders lead a procession of families and supporters from the old school site to its new home, which has four new classrooms (including a Families as First Teachers room), a Community Hall for adult learning and gathering, a brilliant covered court, amenities spaces, a bunngal ground and space for additional rooms to support anticipate further growth.
In his remarks at the opening, Yolngu leader Djawa Yunupingu, referred to the far-sighted vision of his two brothers and of his father, who gave the name and designed the original logo for the first Dhupuma College, founded in 1972 and closed in 1980.
Two-way, bilingual learning for Yolngu children to remain on country and yet walk in two worlds in peace and fulfilment has been the yearning of elders since the closure of the first Dhupuma.
Phillip Heath, Head of Barker College, celebrated the names of original families at Dhupuma and referred to the restoration of hope by reading the joyous celebration of Psalm 150.
It was a privilege for the Head, Chair of Barker Council, Council members and senior leadership of Barker. to watch the djamarrkuli perform in their new school, celebrating the realisation of a promise made by the Head of Barker to Dr Yunupingu in 2021 and the restoration of a dream that began in 1972 for two-way education for Yolngu children with community at the centre of the school’s experience.