30 September, 2014

Tara Winters is a Darkinjung and Wiradjuri woman and she is a member of the Board of the Ngambri Local Aboriginal Land Council.

I initially joined the Ngambri LALC for my grandparents, as they spoke so highly of the LALC and I wanted to spend more time with them, especially around something they felt strongly about.

I didn’t understand what the LALC was prior to joining. However, after attending my first few members’ meetings I got a greater understanding and appreciation of what they strive for and achieve. I wanted to learn more.

I was nominated by my grandfather for one of the director positions on the Ngambri LALC Board and to my surprise was voted in by the members. I wasn’t sure I had enough to offer but I see now that the Ngambri LALC saw my interest in learning and growth, and gave me the opportunity to be involved.

As part of my work with the Ministry for the Arts I have been lucky enough to be able to assist in the administration behind the repatriation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestral remains and secret sacred objects.

Being involved in this taught me about the history of the removal of remains and objects, over more than 150 years, from communities to be placed in museums, universities and private collections in Australia and overseas.

I’ve seen the incredible effect that bringing remains and sacred objects back home has on the people who are here now to receive them. I see Land Rights and Land Councils as the way we can protect and strengthen our cultural heritage and identity now, and to make sure this will never happen again.

Young people should become members of their local LALC, as it provides opportunities for involvement, learning, sharing, support, as well as enables you to be a part of the community and meet a range of lovely, passionate, knowledgeable and professional people.

The Ngambri LALC has moved forward in leaps and bounds even in the short time I have been a member. I can’t wait to see what the future holds and hope to see more young passionate members!