NSWALC funding supports Nanima community project

26 May 2016 

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) has congratulated Wellington Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) on reaching a major milestone today with the official handover of Nanima Primary School to the Land Rights network.

Wellington LALC recently purchased the school site from the NSW Department of Education with a vision to turn the site into an Education and Wellbeing Centre.

NSWALC Chair Roy Ah-See joined Councillor Central region Stephen Ryan and community members at the official hand-over at Nanima.

Cr Ah-See said NSWALC was proud to support Wellington LALC's plans for the old school by providing funding under a new Community Fund initiative that provides grants of up to $50,000 to acquire and manage land.

Cr Ah-See, a former student at Nanima Primary School, said he was excited for the Nanima community.

"For those of us who grew up here and attended the school, today brings back strong memories.

"It's our history. It's our land and Wellington Local Aboriginal Land Council have a great vision to teach culture, identity and connection to land.

"Working together, Wellington Local Aboriginal Land Council and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council are investing in the long-term future of Nanima," he said.

Cr Ryan said the Wellington community had experienced a long and at times frustrating journey to reach today's milestone.

"The community and former students were disappointed they had to purchase the site from the NSW Government because they believed it was part of the former reserve at Nanima that Wellington Local Aboriginal Land Council owns.

"Despite these challenges, the Wellington LALC has shown great resolve and are committed to giving the local community here a place that celebrates and shares our history and culture," he said.

Wellington LALC Chief Executive Officer Leanne Stanley said the NSWALC Community Fund grant was a great help in moving the Education and Wellbeing Centre project forward.

"Gaining ownership of the old school was made possible by the vision and strength of our members at Wellington Local Aboriginal Land Council and the assistance from NSWALC has inspired us to create new opportunities for the Nanima community," she said.

The Community Fund ensures eligible Local Aboriginal Land Councils can share in the wealth of those that enjoy a strong economic base.

The fund is generated by a levy on Local Aboriginal Land Council land dealings with matching contributions by NSWALC.

It was introduced following an amendment to the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983.

Applications for the current round of the Community Fund are currently being assessed.

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Media contact: Andrew Williams 0429 585 291