our board
Wanyubi Marika
Chairperson
(Elected Chairperson November 2023)
Wanyubi Marika is a senior leader of the Rirratjingu clan.
Wanyubi played an integral role in establishing RAC’s business and investment activities designed to create wealth and promote opportunity for the region. Wanyubi has been recognised as an artist of national significance, working mostly in bark painting, larrakitj and wood carving, and has delivered exhibitions across the nation.
Makungun Brendan Marika
Deputy Chairperson
(Elected in December 2024)
Brendan Marika is a Rirratjingu man from Yirrkala, East Arnhem. He is Deputy Chair of Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation and a council member for the Northern Land Council, representing Blue Mud Bay – Outstations since 2023. Brendan also serves as a Director on the Board of the Aboriginal Investment Group, offering insights into life in remote communities.
Mandaka Marika
Director
Mandaka Marika, a senior member of the Rirratjingu clan and son of the late Dadaynga ‘Roy’ Marika, is actively involved across RAC subsidiary corporations. He completed a Land Management course and worked at Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation for 30 years, rising from ranger in 1993 to Managing Director. Mandaka served as Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation’s Chairperson from July 2023 to November 2023.
Guruminbuy Marika
Director
Guruminbuy Marika, a respected ceremonial leader of the Rirratjingu Clan, holds sacred knowledge passed down to a select few men. He has 10 years of teaching experience on homelands and a Certificate III in Teaching. Before teaching, he worked with YBE and Yirrkala Dhanbul Council in civil works, specialising in earth moving and truck haulage. As an experienced Director, he brings dedication to his governance roles.
Djayminy Marika
Director
Djayminy Marika is an emerging leader of the Rirratjingu people and a Director for the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation. Djayminy has worked with Rio Tinto Gove Operations and divides his time between Yirrkala and Barrkira Homeland. He graduated from the RAC Emerging Leaders Group in 2022, paving the way for the next generation of leaders.
Ishmael Marika
Director
Ishmael completed governance training through RAC’s Emerging Leaders program and was soon elected as a Director. As Creative Director of the Mulka Project at Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre in Yirrkala, he leads a team producing works exhibited across Australia and internationally. A musician, filmmaker, and artist, Ishmael’s installations have been shown in major museums throughout Australia. He has received multiple awards, including the 2016 NATSIA Youth Award.
Yalmay Yunupingu
Director
Yalmay was elected as a Director in 2023 and was named the 2024 Senior Australian of the Year for her 40 years of work at Yirrkala Bilingual School. She played a key role in preserving Yolŋu language and culture through bilingual education. Known as the “mother of the school,” Yalmay’s impact on generations of students has been widely recognized, earning her a “Teacher of Excellence” award in 2005 and an Honorary Fellowship at Charles Darwin University.
Djalinda Ulamari
Director
Djalinda Ulamari was first elected to the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation Board in 1984. With a Diploma of Teaching, she spent most of her career in education, working at the Yirrkala Community Education Centre and Yirrkala Homelands School. Djalinda remains passionate about supporting school-aged children, working as a consultant for Learning on Country, Culture College, and Wellbeing at Yirrkala and Homelands Schools.
