12 March, 2024
Two new faces will join the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) following the statewide elections on 24 February, 2024.
The NSW Electoral Commission officially declared the outcome today, with new Councillors elected for the North Coast and Sydney/Newcastle Region, and the nine-person NSWALC Council consisting of 4 female councillors for the first time.
Incumbents were returned for North Western, Northern, Mid North Coast, Wiradjuri, Western and South Coast Regions. In the Central Region, Grace Toomey was elected unopposed.
The Council will comprise:
- Central – Cr Grace Toomey
- Mid North Coast – Cr Peter Smith
- North Coast (new) – Cr Diane Randall
- North-Western – Cr Anne Dennis
- Northern – Cr Charles Lynch
- Sydney/Newcastle (new) – Cr Ray Kelly
- South Coast – Cr Danny Chapman
- Western – Cr Ross Hampton
- Wiradjuri – Cr Leeanne Hampton
The first meeting will be held on 19 March 2024 when Councillors will elect NSWALC’s Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson.
NSWALC CEO Yuseph Deen said it is a critical time in Land Rights history in NSW, with the new NSWALC Council setting the direction for the next four years. The new Council will also be responsible for the allocation of the Council’s resources and making decisions on a range of important issues affecting Aboriginal people in the State.
“NSWALC elections are fundamental to the principles of self-determination and community empowerment,’’ Mr Deen said. “The Network has never been in a better position to generate ongoing benefits from land acquisition and activation for Local Aboriginal Land Councils and Aboriginal communities.’’
Mr Deen thanked outgoing Councillors, Dallas Donnelly (North Coast) and BJ Duncan (Sydney/Newcastle), for their contributions. “During his term, Dallas’s passion for Aboriginal Culture and Heritage was well known. He was a fierce advocate for his local communities and lobbying for better protections for Aboriginal heritage, and our culture and cultural practices.
“BJ really hit the ground running when he filled the Sydney/Newcastle vacancy in October last year. His focus on economic opportunities and Land Rights activation made a huge impression. I wish the departing Councillors all the very best and know they will continue to be strong advocates for Land Rights as we continue the work our Elders began.’’
Mr Deen acknowledged the record four female members of Council, saying “Aboriginal women hold crucial roles across the Land Rights Network, in Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and within our families and communities, so it is particularly pleasing for NSWALC to reach this milestone, especially in NSW Women’s Week.”
Central Region
In relation to Central Region, at the close of nominations on 30 January 2024, the NSW Electoral Commission declared the election for the NSWALC Central Region, declaring the election for Grace Toomey.
Since that time, we have become aware that an application has been lodged with the Land & Environment Court, as the Court of Disputed Returns for the NSWALC Elections, for the election of Councillor for the Central Region.
We want to confirm that Councillor Toomey remains the duly elected Councillor for the Central Region until the Court rules, and subject to the ruling may remain so afterwards.
Media contact: media@alc.org.au