8 November, 2024

The social impact of programs and services delivered by the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) has a profound impact on the Land Rights Network and Aboriginal communities throughout NSW.

In releasing the Social Impact Report for 2022-23, NSWALC Chairperson Councillor Raymond Kelly said improving community resilience, sustainability and economic stability were key focuses.

“The report reveals many pleasing outcomes as well as areas where we have work to do,’’ Cr Kelly said. “Intensifying our services to the community and highlighting the influence of NSWALC activities – whether this is through influencing policy reform; lodging land claims or through business support to our 121 Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) and our financial grants programs – all of these actions can reap important rewards on the path to Aboriginal self-determination in NSW.’’

The Social Impact Report also underscores the important role the Land Rights Network plays in delivering social, cultural and economic outcomes to our communities. From managing and activating land, business development and social housing to improved community infrastructure, enhanced education, employment, and health outcomes, as well as a strengthened connection to Culture and Country.

Key successes include:

• Returning 9,275 hectares of land to 67 LALCs, and land negotiations which returned a total compensation value of $140 million to LALCs.
• Providing funding and support for numerous cultural activities within communities, including NAIDOC celebrations, culture and heritage education programs, Indigenous Ranger programs and cultural tourism businesses.
• Supporting over 50 LALC businesses, s37 procurement opportunities for Yarpa Indigenous Business Members and dispersing $1.7 million in funding to support Aboriginal fishing businesses.
• Funding to develop a business development grant which led to $1.4 million in funding from the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation to establish Salt Water Fresh Water Arts Alliance – an arts social enterprise owned by a consortium of Mid North Coast LALCs. For every $1 NSWALC invested, $27 of external funding was provided.
• Delivering $10.5 million worth of repairs, maintenance and improvements to housing for 17 LALCs.
• Providing over $3.3 million in grant funding to support LALCs and Aboriginal people across NSW including over $770,000 in funeral support funding.
• Securing $159.6 million in government funding to deliver 27 initiatives over four years under the Closing the Gap partnership seven of which are being delivered by NSWALC.
• Helping to deliver the Aboriginal Community Connector program – supporting over 200 Aboriginal students to stay at school and complete their HSC and maintain their connection to Culture.

“We will continue to fight every day for Aboriginal people, to protect our culture and heritage, and restore economic independence and prosperity to Aboriginal communities,’’ Chairperson Cr Kelly said. “Our NSWALC programs and grants make a difference in Aboriginal people’s lives, and we will continue to promote localised decision making and identify opportunities for collaboration to build and strengthen Aboriginal communities.’’

The Report is available here: Our Impact – NSW Aboriginal Land Council