7 June, 2016

Nanima Public School Back With Community: Wellington Local Aboriginal Land Council

Congratulations to Wellington Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC), following the recent purchase of Nanima Primary School.

Wellington LALC recently bought the school site from the NSW Department of Education, with community funding from New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC).

NSWALC Chair Roy Ah-See joined Councillor for Central Region Stephen Ryan, Wellington LALC CEO Leanne Stanley and community members at the official celebration at Nanima.

Cr Ah-See said NSWALC was proud to support Wellington LALC’s plans for the old school through funding under the new Community Fund initiative. The Community Fund provides grants of up to $50,000 to acquire and manage land.

Nanima was the first inland Aboriginal mission and is currently home to more than 100 people.

The Nanima School was built in 1896 and like many buildings of the time, was lined with asbestos, and Wellington LALC engaged a local contractor to safely remove it.

Wellington LALC CEO Leanne Stanley said the school will eventually be transformed into an education and well-being centre devoted to culture and heritage, native medicine and bush tucker gardens.

“Gaining ownership of the old school was made possible by the vision and strength of our members at Wellington Local Aboriginal Land Council and the assistance from NSWALC has inspired us to create new opportunities for the Nanima community,” she said.

OurMob visited Nanima before the announcement, to see why it is so important to the community.