Two Local Aboriginal Land Councils share in NSWALC Community Fund

31 October 2016 

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) today announced Community Fund grants had been awarded to two Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) in Central region.

NSWALC Councillor for Central region Stephen Ryan said Trangie and Warren Macquarie Local Aboriginal Land Councils had been selected in the latest round of the Community Fund.

Cr Ryan said the Community Fund provided grants of up to $50,000 for LALCs to purchase and manage 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 Ryan said.

About the projects

Trangie

Trangie Local Aboriginal Land Council Chief Executive Officer Terrie Milgate said the Community Fund grant would be used to repair country.

"The NSW Aboriginal Land Council's Community Fund grant will help us better manage our land and also provide some of our community with skills in fencing and looking after our land.

"This will build the confidence of participants and hopefully create more work opportunities for local Aboriginal people," Mrs Milgate said.

Warren Macquarie

Warren Macquarie Local Aboriginal Land Council Chief Executive Officer Keith Redman said the Community Fund grant would be used to make improvements to a walking trail connecting Beemunnel Aboriginal Reserve, Tiger Bay Wetlands and the Window on the Wetlands Centre about 1.7 km from Warren.

"The Beemunnel Reserve is of great historical significance to the Wayilwan people and contains a large number traditional Aboriginal sites.

"Working in partnership with RiverSmart Australia and Warren Shire Council, Warren Macquaire Local Aboriginal Land Council is providing our young people with an opportunity to deepen their connection to country," Mr Redman said.

Mr Redman said Wayilwan Elders and young people would work together to organise and position interpretive signage

"Further development of the trial and the addition of signage will empower young Aboriginal people to celebrate their identity and also educate non-Aboriginal people about our culture," he
said.

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Media contact: Andrew Williams 0429 585 291