Increased voter turnout in NSWALC Elections shows strength of Land Rights

10 December, 2015

Increased voter turnout in NSWALC Elections shows strength of Land Rights

Local Aboriginal Land Council members showed how strong the Land Rights network is by turning out in force for the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) Elections.

Voter turnout for this year’s election increased by 7 percent compared to the 2011 election.

NSWALC Chief Executive Officer Lesley Turner said the result was something the Land Rights network should be proud of.

“To record a significant increase in voter turnout demonstrates a real passion for Land Rights in New South Wales.

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“The challenge for NSWALC is to build on this increase in voter turnout and ensure Land Rights continues to transform the lives of Aboriginal people in New South Wales.

“Voting is not compulsory in NSWALC Elections so we really appreciate the efforts of so many people in the Land Rights network who encouraged people to get out and have their say.”

The Election also created job and training opportunities for election staff with almost 200 Aboriginal people working on polling booths, accounting for 67 percent of total staff.

NSWALC will continue to work with the Electoral Commission to increase the number of Aboriginal people working at all elections – local, State and the next NSWALC elections in 2019.

The Election saw six councillors continue their term on the NSWALC Board and the election of three new councillors.

Gomeroi man Charles Lynch replaced long-standing councillor Tom Briggs in Northern Region.

Walbunga man Danny Chapman takes over from Jack Hampton in South Coast region while Nari Nari man William Murray returns as the Western Region Councillor in place of Des Jones.

Councillors Stephen Ryan (Central), Peter Smith (Mid-North Coast), Tina Williams (North Coast), Anne Dennis (North West), Roy Ah-See (Sydney/Newcastle) and Craig Cromelin (Wiradjuri) were re-elected.

Acknowledgement

We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of the lands where we work as well as across the lands we travel through. We also acknowledge our Elders past, present and emerging.

Artwork Credit: Craig Cromelin, from a painting he did titled, "4 favourite fishing holes". It is a snippet of his growing years on the Lachlan River, featuring yabby, turtle, fish and family.

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