NSWALC CEO to leave Land Rights network

26 September 2016 

New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) Chair Roy Ah-See today announced that Mr Lesley Turner will stand down as Chief Executive Officer from November.

Cr Ah-See said Mr Turner - who is leaving for family reasons - leaves NSWALC and the Land Rights network in a strong position.

"Since his appointment as CEO in May 2014, Les had provided strong leadership and a level of professionalism that has the Land Rights network in the best shape it has ever been.

"With Les as CEO, NSWALC has made great progress on our economic development strategy, relationship with government and engagement with our network.

"On behalf of my fellow Councillors and Local Aboriginal Land Council members, I thank Les for his contribution to improving the lives and opportunities of Aboriginal people in New South Wales.

Mr Turner, an Arrernte man from Central Australia, has served NSWALC for 10 years, following a long career with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) and Commonwealth Public Service.

Mr Turner thanked Councillors, NSWALC staff and the Land Rights network for the opportunity to lead the largest member-based Aboriginal organisation in Australia.

"I feel humbled and privileged to have served as CEO of NSWALC. Aboriginal people have fought hard for Land Rights and in my role I have strived to ensure we all remember this and are committed to turning our hard-fought gains into better opportunities for our mob."

From November 2016, Deputy CEO Malcolm (Cal) Davis will act as CEO until finalisation of recruitment for the position.