21 March, 2024
Cr Ray Kelly has been elected the new Chairperson of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) with Cr Ross Hampton re-elected Deputy following the first meeting of the new Council this week.
“I’m extremely proud and humble to be elected NSWALC Chairperson by my fellow councillors,’’ Cr Ray Kelly said. “It’s a crucial time for the Land Rights Network as we’re at a pivotal juncture with activation of our lands, Aboriginal culture and heritage, potential treaty/treaties with the NSW Government, Closing the Gap and fishing rights.”
Cr Ray Kelly, who represents the Sydney/Newcastle Region, paid tribute to former NSWALC Chairperson Cr Danny Chapman. “Cr Chapman has provided outstanding leadership. Under his watch, our membership has grown to more than 29,000 people and 121 Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs),’’ he said.
I look forward to continuing this important work with my fellow Councillors, CEO Yuseph Deen, and the Members, Boards and CEOs of the Land Rights Network, Cr Kelly said.
Deputy Chairperson, Cr Ross Hampton, has been a NSWALC Councillor since 2019 representing the Western Region. “I’m very honoured to be re-elected NSWALC Deputy Chairperson by my fellow councillors,’’ Cr Hampton said. “I look forward to continuing to take NSWALC forward, supporting our people to thrive and delivering community, cultural and economic outcomes, especially in regional areas.’’
The NSWALC Council congratulates new Chairperson Cr Ray Kelly and Deputy Chairperson Cr Ross Hampton.
NSWALC Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson are elected every two years by the NSWALC Councillors.
Comments from each NSWALC Councillor on their focus for the next 4 years:
South Coast Region Cr Danny Chapman, Walbunga man from Yuin nation
“We have seen with the recent class action filed in the Federal Court regarding our cultural fishing practices how strongly Aboriginal people will fight for our customs and lores. I feel privileged to be at NSWALC leading the calls for a moratorium on cultural fishing prosecutions for all Aboriginal peoples practising cultural fishing in NSW.”
Western Region Cr Ross Hampton, Ngiyampaa/Wiradjuri man from Irymple
“The ongoing secure future of our Land Rights and continuous improvement of our Local Aboriginal Land Councils is imperative to the Network and our Western Region. The return and acquisition of economically viable land is crucial for Aboriginal peoples and their communities. Our LALCs continue to embrace economic opportunities and business development. I look forward to working with them to achieve even more opportunities that secure their future and build upon the gains provided by our Land Rights Legends”.
Central Region Cr Grace Toomey, Wiradjuri woman from Dubbo
“My focus for my next term will be continuing to work with government on resolving the backlog of outstanding land claims, work with Central Region LALCs to ensure economic growth and sustainability for both their LALC and their community, and to continue our Elders’ long standing battle for legislation to protect Aboriginal Culture and Heritage. I will also continue the fight for NSWALC and Central Region LALCs to be considered as a major stakeholder and to be treated as equal partners in local decision making on matters affecting them as well as accountability for government and non-government organisations that service Central Region.’’
Sydney/Newcastle Region Cr Ray Kelly, Dhanggati/Gumbayngirr man from Newcastle
“It’s a great privilege to be voted the new Sydney/Newcastle Region Councillor for NSWALC. I believe in transparent leadership, good governance and working together to help empower the LALCs across the Sydney/Newcastle Region. While I have significant experience at Awabakal LALC, I now look forward to working with all the LALCs in the Sydney/Newcastle Region.” Cr Kelly’s significant contributions to the broader Aboriginal community include his service to the NSW Heritage Council and the NSW Aboriginal Languages Trust, as well as offering representation to the NSW Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee.
Wiradjuri Region Cr Leeanne Hampton, Wiradjuri Ngiyampaa woman from West Wyalong
“I’m a passionate advocate for culture and heritage, and land and water rights. I want to work towards creating pathways for the Wiradjuri Region to gain economic independence and build a solid financial base for future mobs. I want to encourage our LALCs to strive for individual growth and prosperity, however that may look to them as autonomous bodies.’’ Cr Hampton’s election platform values were accountability, transparency, integrity, honesty and truth telling.
North Coast Region Cr Diane Randall, Yaegl woman from Yamba
“I was on the board of Birrigan Gargle LALC for 9 years and Chairperson for 8 years which gave me invaluable knowledge. I now look forward to working with the other 12 LALCs in the North Coast Region. I’m passionate about Community, and influencing change to help future generations. The biggest thing is that I want the LALCs to get into business, to find a passion and show our future generations how we can make life better for them and leave a legacy they can carry on.”
Mid North Coast Region Cr Peter Smith, Dunghutti man from Taree
“It is a great honour to represent the 11 Local Land Councils (LALCs) in the Mid North Coast Region and be a NSWALC Councillor since 2011. We will continue to focus on growing our economic prosperity, especially in regional areas. I will continue to voice the position of Aboriginal people on issues that affect them and their local community, and I will always support the Land Rights movement in all areas for the rights of our Members and our people.”
Northern Region Cr Charles Lynch, Gomeroi man from Tamworth
“I am passionate about economic participation of Aboriginal organisations and people both for a social and economic benefit. This can be done through the activation of lands whether development or passive income both at a local and state level. I would like to acknowledge the 14 LALCs in my region and the inspiring work they do to improve the lives of mob, protecting our land and waterways, and laying the economic bedrock for generations to come by driving self-determination.’’
North Western Region Cr Anne Dennis, Gamilaraay woman from Walgett
“I believe LALCs can play a greater role in providing opportunities for training and employment across our communities. Through their Community Land and Business Plans, LALCs can identify goals and develop strategies for further growth for their local mob. LALCs represent a great potential, especially with skills shortages in rural and regional areas. There is also potential for the Aboriginal Land Rights Act in NSW to drive these employment opportunities.’’
Media contact: media@alc.org.au