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 the Northern region.

NSWALC Councillor for Northern Region Charles Lynch said Coonabarabran and Dorrigo Plateau Local Aboriginal Land Councils had been selected in the latest round of the Community Fund.

Cr Lynch 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 Lynch said.

About the projects

Coonabarabran

Coonabarabran Local Aboriginal Land Council Chief Executive Officer Vikki Sturits said the Community Fund grant would go towards the fencing of Burra Bee Dee Mission and Happy Valley Fringe Camp.

"Unfortunately Burra Bee Dee Mission and Happy Valley Fringe Camp need protection from vandalism, illegal dumping and feral animals.

"Once protected, Coonabarabran Local Aboriginal Land Council plan to establish walking tracks and signage for significant cultural sites.

"With schools located nearby, we hope to be able to use the site to educate the wider community about the region's Aboriginal history," Ms Sturits said.

Dorrigo Plateau

Dorrigo Plateau Local Aboriginal Land Council Chief Executive Officer Robin Heath said the Community Fund grant would go towards upgrading North Dorrigo Hall.

"Dorrigo Plateau Local Aboriginal Land Council acquired the North Dorrigo Hall last year and will use the Community Fund grant to undertake repairs and maintenance.

"Once repairs have been completed, we intend to use the Hall as a meeting place for cultural activities, community art exhibitions and NAIDOC Week celebrations," Mr Heath said.

He said the funding would also help fund a tractor and slasher to maintain the lawns and adjacent land.

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Media contact: Andrew Williams 0429 585 291