Appointment of additional Youth Advisory Committee Members

Summary

Council approved the appointment of two additional members of the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC).

Brittany Lavis was appointed as the new member for the Mid North Coast Region. Meanwhile, Jada Hogg was appointed as the new member for the Western Region.

Outcome

The YAC now has eight out of nine places filled and will continue to move forward with it’s work as we progress into the second half of 2025. Under the YAC Charter, the committee provides advice and makes recommendations to Council on key matters relating to youth (aged 18-25) and the Land Rights network.

2025 NSWALC Community Fund Grants

Summary

Council considered and approved two NSWALC Community Fund Grants totalling a combined $300,000.

The grants were awarded as follows:

1. Murrin Bridge LALC – Renovation of “Barooga Karrai” Property
2. Red Chief LALC – Café & Gift Shop feasibility study and fit out

Outcome

The two NSWALC Community Fund grants will provide significant social and economic benefits to the two LALCs and their communities.

Murrin Bridge LALC’s upgrades to their “Barooga Karrai” property will enhance the building’s functionality for community use, increase long-term functionality, and enable income generation through rentals.

Red Chief LALC will conduct a business feasibility study for a Café and Gift Shop and, dependent on the outcome of the study, will progress to a fit out of the premises. Should the full project move ahead, the establishment of the business will provide employment opportunities for community and an important income stream for the LALC.

Amendments to the NSW Educational Scholarship

Summary

Council approved key amendments to the NSW Educational Scholarship Program. The changes are focused on opening up the eligibility criteria for the program to make it more accessible for community.

The changes include:

• An increase in the scholarship amount awarded to $15,000 per recipient
• Removal of the requirement that applicants must be enrolled at a tertiary institution located in New South Wales.
• Allowing part time students to apply for the scholarship
• Broadening the eligible fields of study for scholarship recipients

Outcome

Council approved the amendments to the NSWALC Educational Scholarship. These will be in place from the launch of the 2025-26 scholarship window. The changes will widen the eligibility criteria for the program, enabling more community members to be able to apply for a scholarship. Further information on the 2025-26 program will be released in the coming weeks.