LALC Members’ Meetings and COVID-19 Restrictions

10 August, 2021

10 August 2021

Joint Network Message LALC Meetings and other Matters

LALC Members’ Meetings and COVID-19 Restrictions

As per previous Network Messages, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) were advised during 2020 to avoid holding Members’ Meetings unless it was absolutely critical. As the risks associated with COVID-19 eased in NSW, LALCs were encouraged to resume holding regular Members’ Meetings with appropriate COVID-19 safety management plans.
 
Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak impacting NSW, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) and the Registrar believe that LALCs should delay holding Members’ Meetings until further advised.
 
There are currently a range of restrictions including various lockdowns affecting the Greater Sydney Area, Tamworth, Armidale Local Government Area (LGA), Byron Shire, Richmond Valley, Lismore and Ballina Shire LGAs, as well as restrictions across the remainder of NSW.

NSWALC and the Registrar believe that while these current and similar future restrictions are in place, it is necessary for LALCs to ensure the safety of all LALC members, by not holding Members’ Meetings. The day-to-day operations of LALCs in the Greater Sydney Area, Tamworth, Armidale, Byron Shire, Richmond Valley, Lismore and Ballina Shire LGAs will continue to be managed by their respective CEOs with oversight and direction from their LALC Boards.

Board Meetings can be still held, either in person provided social distancing measures can be maintained, or by telephone or other electronic means such as Skype, Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
 
The website links below provide further information about the current Public Health Orders and related restrictions:

NSWALC will also be taking a range of actions regarding upcoming compliance requirements for LALCs and will provide further advice over the coming days.
 
NSWALC and the Registrar encourage all LALCs to consider the NSW Public Health Orders and to take appropriate actions in order to ensure the safety of their members, staff and community.
 
This Network Message has been jointly authorised by NSWALC and the Registrar of the ALRA/ALRR.

Acknowledgement

We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of the lands where we work as well as across the lands we travel through. We also acknowledge our Elders past, present and emerging.

Artwork Credit: Craig Cromelin, from a painting he did titled, "4 favourite fishing holes". It is a snippet of his growing years on the Lachlan River, featuring yabby, turtle, fish and family.

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