A memorable ceremony was held in the Northeast Arnhem Land community of Nhulunbuy this week to celebrate the opening of Charles Darwin University's newest campus.

The opening of the Nhulunbuy campus marks the return of a permanent Charles Darwin University (CDU) tertiary education facility in the region.

In naming the facility 'Mathaman | CDU Nhulunbuy Campus' (Mathaman), Rirratingu Traditional Owners blessed the campus, giving it offical title and meaning.

The building was officially opened in partnership with the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation (RAC) Board who represent Rirratjingu people whose land Mathaman is on.

RAC chair and Rirratjingu Traditional Owner, Wanyubi Marika, said the name is important in two ways.

"It comes from the local Djuguwan ceremony of the water python, the tongue of the snake makes lightning. We call it Mathaman. Mathaman means to speak with lightning," they said.

"It was also the name of a local elder and educational leader who is no longer with us, but I know this building, and what it means for us in the community would be important to them.

"The significance of this name for the Campus for CDU is that the Djuguwan ceremony is part of Yolngu University and this building is balanda (Western) University. It's connecting the two universities – Yolngu ga balanda."

CDU Associate Vice-Chancellor East Arnhem Region Alice Doyle said opening Mathaman Campus is important as the region transitions.

"This campus will mean we can support the training, education and research that is required for the region as it shifts to new industry and growth," Mrs Doyle said.

"CDU can provide learning pathways into new opportunities such as trades, technology, business skills within the region through training, as well as research.

"We are working with the local community to ensure that CDU can support the region as it undergoes this substantial change."

Prior to he opening of Mathaman education facilities in the community were limited, with students being taught in community spaces and rented rooms from Nhulunbuy businesses.

CDU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Scott Bowman, said Mathaman's opening was an important milestone for the Territory's University.

"This ceremony solidifies the University's permanence in the renowned East Arnhem region and its position as the University of Northern Australia," Professor Bowman said.

"For too long there has been a lot of barriers to education and training in the region, the Mathaman Campus removes these barriers, and we are excited to see the region thrive with new skills and experience to support the local community."

The opening of Mathaman comes after CDU re-established its presence in the East Arnhem region in 2022.

CDU said since it re-engaged in the region, TAFE training student numbers have doubled.