23 September 2015

Polling places announced for NSWALC Election on 31 October

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) today released the location of polling places for Elections to be held on Saturday 31 October, 2015.

NSWALC Chief Executive Officer Lesley Turner said eligible voters will be able to cast their vote at polling booths in the Central, Mid-North Coast, Northern, North Coast, North-West, South Coast, Sydney-Newcastle, Western and Wiradjuri regions.

Voters in some locations will also have the opportunity to cast a vote at the following mobile booths at set times. 

Further details about the polling places as well as maps of the locations are available at http://www.elections.nsw.gov.au/alc_election/polling_places.

The NSWALC election will see eligible Local Aboriginal Land Council members decide who will represent Aboriginal people in nine regions for four-year terms.

Mr Turner said this year's election was critical for the future of the Land Rights network.

"Councillors set the strategic direction of NSWALC and make decisions on a range of important issues affecting Aboriginal people in New South Wales. Voting gives Local Aboriginal Land Council members a say in how decisions about land, housing, culture and economic development benefit local communities."

Mr Turner said that over the past 32 years, Local Aboriginal Land Council members had worked hard to build the best Land Rights system in Australia.

"But we can't take that for granted. Only a big turnout on 31 October will ensure that Land Rights stays strong and continues to deliver for future generations."

To ensure Land Council members can have their say, they should check with their LALC to see if they are eligible to vote at the election.

Voting will take place at nominated polling booths between 8am and 6pm on Saturday, 31 October 2015.

Eligible voters who are unable to attend on polling day can lodge a postal vote.

People can apply for a postal vote online at http://www.elections.nsw.gov.au/alc_election/voting/postal_voting. Applications to cast a postal vote must be received by Friday, 23 October to ensure the NSW Electoral Commission can send ballot papers and instructions to eligible voters.

Nominations are open for candidates interested in contesting the NSW Aboriginal Land Council Election (NSWALC). Prospective candidates have until 12noon, Tuesday 6 October to nominate.

People intending to stand for the election need to fill in nomination forms and other documentation which is available on the NSW Electoral Commission website at https://www.elections.nsw.gov.au/alc_election/nominations or by calling the Commission on 02 9290 5966.

For more information about the election, visit http://www.elections.nsw.gov.au/alc_election and /land-councils/2015-nswalc-election.aspx

Media contact: Andrew Williams 0429 585 291