Three Local Aboriginal Land Councils share in NSWALC Community Fund

9 November 2016

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) today announced Community Fund grants had been awarded to three Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) in the North Coast region.

NSWALC Councillor for North Coast Region Tina Williams said Birrigan Gargle, Ngulingah and Yaegl Local Aboriginal Land Councils had been selected in the latest round of the Community Fund.

Cr Williams said the Community Fund provided grants of up to $50,000 for LALCs to purchase and mange land, protect culture and care for country.

"The Community Fund is generated through a levy on Local Aboriginal Land Council land dealings and matched with contributions by the NSW Aboriginal Land Council.

"Some of our Local Aboriginal Land Councils hold more valuable land holdings than those with less land and development opportunities.

"The Community Fund ensures eligible Local Aboriginal Land Councils can share in the wealth of those that enjoy a stronger economic base," Cr Williams said.

About the projects

Birrigan Gargle

Birrigan Gargle Local Aboriginal Land Council Chief Executive Officer Norma Collins said the Community Fund grant would go towards the restoration of Pippi Beach Community land at Ngaru Village.

"The funding from the NSW Aboriginal Land Council will help us construct a shed and equipment to care for country.

"The Community Fund will help protect Yaegl cultural sites from damage by dirt bike riders and horse riders trespassing on land.

"It's really important to Yaegl people to be able to properly manage our land and this funding will also help promote awareness of home-grown bush foods and medicines and preserve Yaegl culture," Mrs Collins said.

Ngulingah

Ngulingah Local Aboriginal Land Council Chief Executive Officer Mikael Smith said the Community Fund grant would go towards the Cubbawee Infrastructure Project.

"These works will see the installation of male and female toilet blocks. These new facilities will allow us to better cater for Aboriginal education, cultural events and economic activities," Mr Smith said.

Yaegl

Yaegl Local Aboriginal Land Council Chief Executive Officer Noeline Kapeen said the Community Fund grant would go towards the restoration of Ulugundahi Island restoration

"Ulugundahi is culturally-significant to Yaegl people. It's where our ancestors were made to live after the invasion. They created a livelihood on the island by growing fruit and vegetables and managing livestock.

"This funding from the NSW Aboriginal Land Council will help us manage and care for country and allow Yaegl people to reconnect to culturally-significant lands," Mrs Kapeen said.

"The Yaegl community will have an opportunity to work on country and gain an appreciation of the country our ancestors once lived.

"The Community Fund grant will also support our Elders in reconnecting with young people and instilling in them a strong sense of connection with land.

"In the future, Yaegl Local Aboriginal Land Council would like to see schools and community members participating in cultural tours and learning more about our history," Mrs Kapeen said.

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Media contact: Andrew Williams 0429 585 291