Yolŋu man Nathan Djerrkura charts new course for his homelands

Phoebe Blogg
Phoebe Blogg Published March 13, 2026 at 4.30am (AWST)

With the support of Charles Darwin University TAFE training, Yolŋu man Nathan Djerrkura is following his dream to operate an eco-tourism venture.

Mr Djerrkura grew up at Buymarr Homeland, a small beach community near Nhulunbuy, in Northeast Arnhem Land where he is creating new economic opportunities for his family and community.

He recently completed a MAR20324 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal).

The accreditation, alongside funding support from National Indigenous Australian's Agency to purchase a fishing vessel, will see the family business, Buymarr Getaways, launch the first Yolŋu owned and operated fishing charter in the region.

Mr Djerrkura said the process of launching a remote tourism business has seen its challenges but is well worth the effort.

"I can see my family's vision coming together," he said.

"When my father, Gatjil Djerrkura OAM established Buymarr in 1985, he had a dream to develop opportunities to allow family members to live and work on their country.

"By building our capability through training and development, and ventures such as Buymarr Getaways, I'm excited to share Yolŋu culture with visitors to East Arnhem Land while supporting my family's aspirations to create opportunities to live and work on Country full time."

With the new vessel and certification, Mr Djerrkura and his family will launch Buymarr Getaways Fishing Charters this year, operating tours at Buymarr homeland.

He said having the opportunity to study locally through CDU is exactly what the region needs.

Yolŋu man Nathan Djerrkura. (Image: Instagram @theyolnguhost)

"The CDU staff here know the community and ensure they are offering courses that are in demand and meet the needs of our community," Mr Djerrkura said.

"We live regionally and remotely, studying here helps cut travel costs and supports skills development and training needs of the region.

"I am looking forward to supporting other people in our community and my family by ensuring they also get the training they need to help run their business' and support our communities by upskilling their knowledge and experience."

CDU associate vice-chancellor East Arnhem Region Alice Doyle said this highlights the importance of the university being embedded in the region.

"CDU can support existing business and new business like Buymarr Getaways to become established by offering the necessary training," Ms Doyle said.

"CDU is passionate about providing meaningful education, training and research in response to the region requests."

A second cohort of Maritime students begin training in Nhulunbuy this month.

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National Indigenous Times

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