7 January, 2026

 The title deed where the former Paddington Bowling Club operated has officially been transferred to the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council (La Perouse LALC). This significant decision follows the High Court of Australia’s decision that the land was not being lawfully used under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW) and therefore was returned to Aboriginal hands. 

La Perouse LALC Chief Executive Officer, Chris Ingrey, welcomed the title transfer and said that the High Court’s ruling is significant for the Land Rights Network across NSW. 

“In 2021, the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council and NSWALC were dragged into legal proceedings to defend the Government’s decision to grant the land claim. Unfortunately, we had to take this case all the way to the High Court of Australia because we knew that this land was not lawfully used at the time of the original claim,” said Mr Ingrey. 

“The High Court’s decision to overturn the NSW Court of Appeal’s ruling is incredibly significant for Aboriginal communities across the State, including the eastern suburbs of Sydney and confirms how land claims have been determined in NSW for 40 years.” 

“We are thrilled to confirm that this land has been officially returned to La Perouse LALC and we will now take our time to consider future use options for the land.” 

The New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) supports Local Aboriginal Land Council’s in legal proceedings for land claims and has been working in partnership with La Perouse LALC for this land to be returned for more than four years. 

NSWALC Chairperson, Councillor Raymond Kelly, attended La Perouse LALC’s handback ceremony and said the High Court of Australia’s decision is a win for common sense and a positive outcome for all of Australia. 

“The High Court’s ruling had the potential to change the way land rights are handled right across NSW. It could have changed the way we operate, undoing years of hard work from the Land Rights Network,” said Chair Kelly. 

“Instead, the High Court of Australia ruled with common sense in mind – upholding the original purpose of this longstanding legislation.” 

“The handback ceremony confirms what we already knew, Aboriginal Land should be returned to the Traditional Owners. I was honoured to be there on the day to witness this pivotal moment for La Perouse LALC.” 

“This case is a reminder of the struggles Aboriginal People across Australia face waiting for land claims to be processed. Claimants across the State are waiting years for their land to be returned. The current land claim system needs urgent reform to reduce the lengthy delays Aboriginal people face when initiating these claims.” 

“New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council is committed to continuing to return the land to its rightful owners. 

For more information on the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council, visit https://alc.org.au/