22 May, 2019
22 May 2019
NSWALC Congratulates New Youth Advisory Committee Members
The seven members of the newly formed NSWALC Youth Advisory Committee have been announced.
These outstanding young men and women are significant contributors to their community and are excellent ambassadors for the Land Rights movement in New South Wales.
NSWALC would like to congratulate:
- Nakia Moreton-Stewart – South Coast region
- Jeramiah Carter – Central region
- Renee Thomson – Sydney-Newcastle region
- Talisha Kuras – Northern region
- Wesley Kelly – North West region
- Elijah Ingram – Wiradjuri region
- Ricky Buchanan – Mid North Coast region
NSWALC Chair Roy Ah-See said he was delighted with the calibre of applicants who expressed an interest in taking on this key leadership role.
“This is a significant announcement for the future of NSWALC and Land Rights in this state,” Cr Ah-See said.
“The Land Rights movement needs strong young leaders to continue on the proud work being done on behalf of the Aboriginal community and I am delighted to be working alongside the next generation of decision-makers and innovators within NSWALC.”
The first meeting of the NSWALC Youth Advisory Committee will be held at Parramatta in June. The Committee will also attend the July session of the Expert Mechanism of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples forum in Geneva.
Nakia Moreton-Stewart
South Coast region Councillor Danny Chapman welcomes the appointment of Nakia Moreton-Stewart to the NSWALC Youth Advisory Committee.
“Nakia is a strong Walbunja woman from Bodalla who is committed to ensuring that south coast youth learn more about the land rights network and the opportunities it offers,” Cr. Chapman said.
“She has the drive to make a difference in her community.”
“Nakia’s previous experience as a mentor with the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience sets her up well to promote youth engagement with land rights.”
Ms Moreton-Stewart is committed to the NSWALC vision of promoting cultural, social and economic independence for Aboriginal people.
“I have embraced a commitment to ensuring a better future for younger Aboriginal people by working for the return of culturally significant and economically viable land,” Ms Moreton-Stewart said.
“In my role as advisory committee member I will encourage the younger generation to be politically pro-active and vocal about the issues that affect them, including lack of employment opportunities.”
Jeramiah Carter
Cr. Stephen Ryan of Central region has announced Jeramiah Carter of Nyngan as the successful applicant for the NSWALC Youth Advisory Committee.
“Jeramiah was a successful student at school and is now a full-time officer at the Commonwealth Bank,” Cr. Ryan said.
“He sets an example for local youth to follow and I am confident that he will continue to excel.”
Mr Carter intends to use his membership of the youth committee to increase membership of the land rights network.
“I am very aware of the hardship that many younger Aboriginal people face in finding a place in the world,” Mr Carter said.
“By joining their local land council, young people can get the help that they would not otherwise receive.”
Renee Thomson
Renee Thomson is the successful Sydney-Newcastle region applicant for the NSWALC Youth Advisory Committee.
NSWALC Chair Roy Ah-See praised Ms Thomson’s commitment to implementing positive changes in her community.
“Renee has the self-motivation and passion to generate a sustainable and equitable future for the Aboriginal youth of today,” Cr. Ah-See said.
“Even at her young age, she has a strong background in community consultation and I am confident she will use those skills to give Aboriginal youth a stronger voice within the land rights network.”
Ms Thomson identifies the loss of identity and self-worth as one of the main issues impacting on Aboriginal youth today.
“Many of our youth are experiencing significant mental health issues which impedes their progress socially and economically,” Ms Thomson said.
“I intend to address these issues by engaging with and listening to our youth and bringing their experiences to the attention of NSWALC and the committee.”
“And I will encourage Aboriginal youth to become members of the LALC by emphasising the importance of standing together and having a voice where it counts.”
Talisha Kuras
Cr. Charles Lynch of Northern Region has congratulated Talisha Kuras on her selection as a member of the NSWALC Youth Advisory Committee.
“From her time as a student and community volunteer at Coonabarabran, Talisha has consistently shown the qualities to make her a successful spokeswoman for Aboriginal youth,” Cr Lynch said.
“She is passionate about liaising with her community and identifying pathways of change that lead to real improvement.”
With her working knowledge of the social and economic problems facing Aboriginal youth, Talisha already has strong ideas about the way forward.
“I intend to address these issues by consulting with youth and then advocating on their behalf,” Ms Kuras said.
“I see the formation of genuine partnerships with community organisations as a means to address the issues facing Aboriginal youth at a local and regional level.”
“And cultural protocol is important too, so it is imperative that Aboriginal Elders are involved from the beginning.”
Wesley Kelly
Wesley Kelly, a member of Murrawari Local Aboriginal Land Council, is the successful North West region applicant for the NSWALC Youth Advisory Committee.
NSWALC Deputy Chair Anne Dennis commended Wesley for standing up to represent Aboriginal youth from the remote north-west of NSW.
“His experience of growing up in Enngonia gives Wesley a strong understanding of the barriers facing young Aboriginal people in rural areas,” Cr. Dennis said.
“I know that he is committed to giving Aboriginal youth a voice and showing them that there is a place in the land rights network for them to follow their dreams.”
Wesley is intent on encouraging young people to join their LALC.
“My first step will be to ensure that information about the benefits of LALC membership is distributed to young Aboriginal people,” Mr Kelly said.
“And by encouraging them to come to meetings, young people will learn about what LALCs can provide for them, particularly in the areas of employment and housing.”
Elijah Ingram
Cr. Craig Cromelin of the Wiradjuri region has proudly announced Elijah Ingram as the successful applicant for the NSWALC Youth Advisory Committee.
“I am impressed by Elijah’s leadership qualities having commanded a battalion of the NSW Cadets,” Cr. Cromelin said.
“This will set him in good stead for his role as youth advisory committee delegate.”
As a member of a prominent Wiradjuri family with a strong background in land rights, Elijah is committed to continuing their good work.
“I feel that it is my responsibility to help construct a better future for the current generation and those who will come after me,” Mr Ingram said.
“The land rights network is already strong but can only become stronger with greater grassroots participation by Aboriginal youth.”
“This is something I am dedicating myself to as a member of the committee.”
Ricky Buchanan
Ricky Buchanan is on the Board of the Bowraville Local Aboriginal Land Council and is the successful Mid North Coast region applicant for the NSWALC Youth Advisory Committee.
Cr. Peter Smith of the Mid North Coast region praised Ricky for his commitment to Land Rights and willingness to take on a leadership role with his LALC.
“Ricky is determined to help strengthen Bowraville LALC, has been on the Board for almost four years, and accepted the Deputy Chair’s position in 2018,” Cr Smith said.
“His understanding of how his LALC functions puts him in a strong position to identify opportunities to engage young people and increase youth membership.”
Ricky says he is committed to creating and growing positive change in Aboriginal communities, and it starts from within.
“We can change our mindsets if they don’t empower us,” he said.
“I would like to help our people achieve the goal of making life better by breaking down boundaries and fighting for the rights that we deserve.”
“I want to help build our young people up to be leaders within our communities so they can show the world that we are DEADLY!”