13 July, 2023

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) met for its 444th meeting in Parramatta on Wednesday and Thursday June 14 and 15, 2023.

A number of topics were discussed, including successful applications to various NSWALC funding streams, approved short-term work via Section 66A of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW) (ALRA) and NSWALC’s support for the Yes campaign for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

NSWALC Strategic Plan Supplement

Council approved the NSWALC Strategic Plan Supplement 2023-2026. Thank you to LALCsand Aboriginal Owners for providing input and feedback into its development.

You can find the new Strategic Plan Supplement 2023-2026 at this link.

NSWALC Funding and Grants Streams

The NSWALC Council approved $150,000 for the Regional Events Grants program. The events being supported include culture, music and sports. NSWALC. Further details will be announced via a media release.

Council also approved the Newcastle All Blacks’ application to the NSWALC Sponsorship Program, for the 2023 NSW Koori Knockout.

Council considered a number of applications to the NSWALC Community Development Fund and approved seven Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) applications totalling $883,100. These applications saw the 2022-2023 budget exhausted. The new CDF funding round began 1 July 2023.

Voice to Parliament

Council discussed its formal endorsement of the Yes campaign for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

NSWALC has long called for a Constitutionally enshrined First Nations Voice to Parliament and a Makarrata (truth-telling) Commission.

You can read NSWALC’s media release regarding its endorsement here.

LALC Funding Policy and Procedure

Council approved policies relating to the new Community Outcomes Delivery Model, which came into effect 1 July 2023.

The NSWALC Funding Policy and NSWALC LALC Financial Reporting Policy (2023-2028) are specific to the new model.

The previous tiered reporting policy applies for any reports that are due 1 November 2023.

Approved Work Policy for LALC Board Members s66A(2)(a) of the ALRA

The NSWALC Council approved a policy directive for LALCs that wish to consider an approved work policy to engage Board Members for cultural-related employment activities.

The intent of the new provisions is to empower LALCs to make decisions about appropriate short-term work of Board Members including the provision of Cultural Heritage advice and Welcome to Country ceremonies.