22 August, 2023

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) is pleased to announce that the new Community Outcomes delivery model is now underway, from 1 July 2023.

Community Outcomes is a new pathway to delivering outcomes to Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) through strategic planning and collaboration, to build LALC growth and sustainability and foster positive relationships.

Benefits of the new model

• Increased benefits to LALCs and community through outcomes-focused strategic service provision that aligns with the NSWALC’s strategic plan.

• Intensive support to allow LALCs to grow and increase community decision-making.

• Working towards reducing the compliance burden on LALCs.

• Increased Network sustainability over time.

Policy changes

Two key policies have been reviewed and updated as part of the Community Outcomes rollout, being the NSWALC LALC Financial Reporting Policy (2023-2028) and the NSWALC LALC Funding Policy (2023-2028). Both policies and other current policies are available at this page.

The NSWALC Council approved the policies in its meeting on June 14 and 15, 2023.

The previous LALC Financial Reporting Policy (2020-2023) applies for any reports that are due 1 November, 2023. That policy is available here.

How will it work?

From 1 July 2023, LALCs will be required to undertake six-monthly Self-Reporting and Assessment based on seven questions in relation to the funding and reporting obligations of NSWALC policy and the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983.

This process now replaces the previous Risk Assessment System. The first six-monthly self-report will be due at the end of January 2024.

Support and Growth Plans

Under the new model, Support and Growth plans will be offered to assist LALCs to build capacity and focus on creating outcomes through their Community Land and Business Plans (CLBPs).

All plans will be based on an integrated service model, aligning programs and service delivery, and increasing opportunities for building social and economic independence.

• Support Plans are mandatory for unfunded LALCs, and the NSWALC will work closely with LALCs via support plans to assist the LALC to improve performance and become funded.

• Growth Plans are optional for LALCs to strategically assess and develop opportunities that align with the LALC’s CLBP and the community’s aspirations.

Discussions and Timeframes

Implementation is being staggered across 2023/24.

The NSWALC is looking forward to working closely with LALCs in support of increasing LALC autonomy and self-determination.

Please contact your Zone Office to discuss the new Community Outcomes Model in further detail.