In 2002 Yolngu Radio was established as a way of getting health, legal, economic, governance and other information to a large number of Yolngu at once. Yolngu radio also broadcast traditional song cycles, stories and contemporary music to support cultural sustainability.
Prior to 1972, the Indigenous people of Arnhem Land, Yolngu, were under the supervision of the Methodist Overseas Mission (MOM).
MOM established the Arnhem Land Civic and Economic Development Council Inc (CEDAR) for Yolngu economic development, foreseeing the possibility that government funding structures would change under the Whitlam government. In 1977 the Uniting Church in Australia was established bringing together the operations of a number of agencies and churches including MOM.
In 1974 CEDAR was renamed Aboriginal Advisory and Development Services (AADS) to emphasise the development role it was playing in communities. AADS was seen as a community development organisation helping Yolngu and Binin to operate their own communities and develop their traditional estates.
In 1983 AADS became Incorporated but changed its name to Aboriginal Resource and Development Services (ARDS) in 1985.
The Aboriginal people, Churches and above agencies assisted in the establishment of numerous organisations to support the ongoing development for Yolngu. These include:
Yirrkala Business Enterprises P/L (YBE)
Arnhem Land Progress Association (ALPA)
Council for Aboriginal Alcohol Program Services Inc (CAAPS)
Nungalinya College Schools within Arnhem Land (Shepherdson College)
Community Councils Homeland resource centres
Art and craft organisations
Health organisations
Murwangi corporation
Kormilda College