The Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation has announced with "deep sorrow" the sudden passing of its chairperson Mr M Wunungmurra last week.
"Mr M Wunungmurra was a respected leader of Gapuwiyak, dedicated to advancing the interests of Aboriginal communities across East Arnhem Land," Corporation said on Tuesday.
"His passion, vision, and unwavering commitment to our people's wellbeing was inspirational."
Mr Wunungmurra achieved significant milestones during his leadership as chairperson since being elected in 2023, after prior serving as deputy chairperson from 2001, empowering ALPA communities and fostering economic development across Arnhem Land.
"His legacy will forever remain in our hearts and minds as we continue the important work he started," the ALPA said.
Mr Wunungmurra is survived by his wife Linda, 10 children and 13 grandchildren.
"Our ALPA board of directors and ALPA team send our deep condolences to his family and the wider community," it said.
Mr Wunungmurra's strong commitment to Arnhem Land communities and the region would continue to guide the ALPA as it strived to honour his memory and build on his legacy.
"We know his leadership, commitment and great humour touched many," the ALPA said.
Mr Wunungmurra was a Yolŋu man and senior leader of the Wunungmurra Clan Nation in Northeast Arnhem Land, with a diverse background rooted in his cultural heritage.
Raised and educated in Numbulwar and Galiwin'ku, he moved to Gapuwiyak in the early 1970s, initially training as a mechanic and working in the power station there before transitioning acting clerk of the council, where he served for five years.
In the mid-1980s, Mr Wunungmurra relocated to Sydney working in the Indigenous arts industry, before returing to Gapuwiyak in 1989, where he taught adult literacy and numeracy at the local school.
He played pivotal roles in various organisations, including as founding chairman of the Traditional Credit Union in1995 and chairperson of the Uniting Church's Northern Synod.
His involvement with the ALPA began in 2000 when he joined as a non-executive Director, and additionally Mr Wunungmurra was chairperson of ALPA's Bukmak Constructions, Rulku Enterprises and Dinybulu Regional Services.
"His dedication lay in ensuring the strength and sustainability of our businesses and creating meaningful employment opportunities for the local community," the ALPA said.
One 1 March, East Arnhem Regional Council president Lapulung Dhamarrandji said: "This is a shattering moment for losing a man who had such integrity in his heart."
"Out of our deep respect Council has closed all operations across the nine communities, and the Nhulunbuy Regional Support and Darwin Support offices," he said.
"All flags across all nine communities are being flown at half mast from now until the end of next week. Our thoughts are with all the families, kin and all who knew and deeply respected this great man."
