15 November 2016

New Aboriginal Culture and Heritage grants program for LALCs

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) has launched a new grants program to help protect and promote Aboriginal culture and heritage.

NSWALC Chair Roy Ah-See said the Land Rights network's 120 Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) would each receive $2,500 (excluding GST) to undertake culture and heritage protection activities.

"Protection and promotion of Aboriginal culture and heritage is a key priority for Local Aboriginal Land Councils.

"Our Local Aboriginal Land Councils are at the forefront of creative and innovative projects to promote and protect Aboriginal culture and heritage from Keeping Places and bush skills camps to bush tucker and native plant nurseries," Cr Ah-See said.

LALCs will have discretion to use the funds according to local Aboriginal culture and heritage priorities and issues.

Cr Ah-See said the Land Rights network was becoming increasingly concerned about the declining state of Aboriginal culture and heritage in New South Wales.

"Through this grants program, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council is showing leadership on an issue of critical importance to Aboriginal people in New South Wales.

"I have also written to the NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Leslie Williams, urging the Baird Government to match NSWALC's funding of $300,000," he said.

For further information about the Aboriginal Culture and Heritage grants program, please contact the Policy and Programs Unit on 02 9689 4444 or policy@alc.org.au .