In February 2003 the Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service requested that the Dharriwaa Elders Group that it had auspiced since 1998, become autonomous. With the generous assistance of legal advisors Gilbert + Tobin, the DEG negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding with WAMS about how the separation will proceed. On 11 March 2005, the Dharriwaa Elders Group became an Association which was registered for incorporation on the 18 March 2005. The DEG recently received confirmation of its charitable status and became fully separate from WAMS 1 July 2005.