17 March, 2016
Connection to land key to closing the gap
17 March 2016Â
Connection to land and country is the key to closing the gap on disadvantage, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) said today.
Speaking on Close the Gap Day, NSWALC Chair Roy Ah-See said progress on closing the gap could only be achieved by working in genuine long-term partnerships with Aboriginal people.
"Connection to land and country is the key to healing our people culturally and spiritually.
"In New South Wales, we have a well-established Land Rights network that allows certain lands to be returned as freehold title to Local Aboriginal Land Councils.
"Throughout our network, Local Aboriginal Land Councils are getting on with the job of healing our people through programs on country.
"When we talk about closing the gap in health and education, culture, identity and connection to land is the key.
"That's why our Local Aboriginal Land Councils must be part of the solution to closing the gap."
NSWALC is the peak body representing Aboriginal people in New South Wales. With more than 23,000 members it is the largest Aboriginal-based organisation in Australia.
Through the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983, NSWALC and the network of 120 Local Aboriginal Land Councils it represents, can claim Crown Land that is unused or unneeded.
Successful land claims allow Local Aboriginal Land Councils to create and manage a wealth base and to further empower Aboriginal people culturally and economically.
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Media contact: Andrew Williams 0429 585 291