The 2021-22 reporting period saw the welcome return to community based Consultative Forum Meetings (CFM). This followed an 18 month period during which COVID-19 travel restrictions and other measures prevented travel to, and large gatherings in community. The Office was able to pivot as required during this period, holding smaller, socially distanced CFMs with members in Darwin or talking to all CFM members individually to progress arrangements. While the Office was able to adapt to meet the circumstances, the complexities of organising these arrangements during a period of uncertainty was challenging. It was a welcome relief when restrictions were lifted and CFMs could safely be held in community again, allowing Traditional Owner Family Groups to once again make these important decisions on their land.

The first CFM held in community was in Mutitjulu, during a brief lifting of travel restrictions in October 2021. This was followed by CFMs in Milyakburra and Angurugu that same month. While a number of meetings were held in Darwin for the four Tiwi Townships in 2021, CFMs returned to the Tiwi Islands in May 2022, with over 100 attendees present at the Wurrumiyanga CFM and over 50 at the Milikapiti CFM. This was followed by a further CFM in Pirlangimpi in June 2022. Where possible CFMs are held outside, with appropriate social distancing measures in place to mitigate the residual risk posed by COVID-19. Staff from the Office are also required to provide a negative rapid antigen test result prior to travelling to community.