31 October, 2025
The development of a new Aboriginal cultural facility is underway in Macksville, NSW, after the Bowraville LALC, Unkya LALC and Nambucca LALC joined forces at a groundbreaking ceremony, marking the beginning of construction on the new Nambucca Valley Gumbaynggirr Keeping Place.
The Nambucca Valley Gumbaynggirr Keeping Place marks the first project in which three LALCs have come together in union to support a local project.
Designed to create opportunities for the local Community to connect, the Gumbaynggirr Keeping Place will provide a place where Gumbaynggirr knowledge, stories and artefacts can be shared.
New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) Chairperson, Cr Raymond Kelly, said NSWALC is pleased to be supporting the development of the cultural facility, which will be an important asset for Aboriginal Communities in Bowraville, Macksville and Nambucca Heads into the future.
“The Gumbaynggirr Keeping Place will be a safe space for connecting to Country, Cultures and building community,” said Mr Kelly.
“NSWALC is incredibly proud to support the development of this important Community resource, which will support Aboriginal connection with place for years to come.”
NSWALC Councillor for the Mid North Coast Region, Peter Smith, said that the Gumbaynggirr Keeping Place will be critical in bringing the three Local Aboriginal Land Councils’ Communities together.
“This facility is going to be an important place where Community can come together for cultural sharing, learning and Community support,” said Mr Smith.
“The shared groundbreaking between the Bowraville LALC, Unkya LALC and Nambucca LALC serves as a reminder of the opportunities this shared resource brings for the Mid North Coast region,” said Mr Smith.
With building now underway, NSWALC and the three LALCs will continue to keep the local community updated on the development of the new facility.
| NSWALC is the State’s peak representative body in Aboriginal Affairs and aims to protect the interests and further the aspirations of the 121 NSW Local Aboriginal Land Councils and the broader Aboriginal community. It was established in the 1970s to assist in the fight for land rights and was formally constituted as a statutory corporation under the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Rights Act in 1983. NSWALC is the largest member-based Aboriginal organisation in NSW. |