'Milingimbi Island also Yurruwi is the largest island of the Crocodile Islands group, , off the coast of Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia. It is approximately 500 kilometres (310 mi) east of Darwin and 250 kilometres (160 mi) west of Nhulunbuy. The ex-mission settlement started in 1922 by the Rev James Watson takes its name from the (Yan-nhangu language groupYan-nhaŋu)Walamangu Clan well around which it was sited, called Milingimbi. The island is more than a kilometer from the mainland and has been the focus of Yolngu Indigenous Australians residence and ceremonial activity since its formation at the time of sea level stabilization some 5000 years ago.[1]
The Methodist Overseas Mission attracted kin from eastern clan groups to the island, including [Gupapuyŋu and Djambarrpuyŋu]],and Wangurri and Warramirri, speaking varieties of [Yolngu Matha|] people's tongue. The traditional owners of Milingimbi and the surrounding seas and islands are of the Yan-nhangu speaking Yolngu Matha variety. English is a second, third or fourth language for all Aboriginal residents of Milingimbi. Recently the very successful Bilingual program of the Milingimbi CEC, started in 1974, was stopped. Bilingual education is still continued on some of the surrounding outstations by traditional owners concerned to support the linguistic, cultural and biological diversity of the Crocodile Islands. To this end the Yan-nhangu traditional owners have started the volunteer Crocodile Islands Rangers project to promote sustainable livelihood activities for local people in local languages.
The Island has its own airfield, Milingimbi Airport, with the airport call-sign MGT. Milingimbi is the site of a Bureau of Meteorology weather station.
The noted didgeridoo maker and player Djalu Gurruwiwi was born at Milingimbi.
Northern Territory senior Australian of the Year 2012, Laurie Baymarrwangga, born on Murrungga largest of the outer Crocodile Islands in 1922 is the senior djungaya (manager) of Milingimbi Island and continues to create projects to help its people. Her Milingimbi projects,Yan-nhaŋuDictionary 1994-2012, Crocodile Islands Rangers project CIR, YEK, and CII won the 2011 NT Innovation and Research Awards. Baymarrwangga was photographed by Donald Thomson at Milingimbi and at Murrungga in 1937. [2]<James 2011>