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NSWALC moves to establish Elders and Youth Councils

1 June, 2009

The New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council has taken the first steps to establish its own Elders and Youth Advisory Councils.

NSWALC Deputy Chairperson and Northern  Region Councillor Tom Briggs, announced the move today following a meeting of the Council in Sydney last week.

Councillor Briggs said NSWALC's Governing Council agreed to pursue the establishment of the Elders and Youth Advisory committees to NSWALC.

"This followed the success of the Elders and Youth Forums which were held at NSWALC's recent State Conference at Cessnock in the Hunter Valley.

"Both were included on the State Conference agenda for the first time and both proved an outstanding success with delegates," Councillor Briggs said.

"Both raised a range of issues pertinent to both groups and to all Aboriginal people committed to the future growth of the land rights network.

"All members of State Council were agreed at the conclusion of the State Conference that we needed to act quickly to establish appropriate forums for our Elders and our youth.

"These issues were further discussed at a Council meeting in Sydney last week and all Councillors agreed there was a need for the establishment of the Advisory Councils.

"It was agreed further discussions should be held at the regional level on the shape and structure of these Advisory Committees with a report back to Governing Council from each region ahead of a formal decision to establish both Advisory Committees.

"In coming weeks I will be seeking input from all LALCs in my region on these important initiatives."

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Further Information:  Tom Briggs 0408 169 764