1 July, 2015

Our Land Our Vote – NSW Aboriginal Land Council elections 31 October

In just under four months our mob has the chance to vote in the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) elections.

It’s an important opportunity to show you care about Land Rights, make your voice heard and have a say in how the network is run.

To exercise your vote or if you want to nominate as a candidate in the 2015 NSWALC Elections and you aren’t a member, you need to be accepted as a voting member of a Local Aboriginal Land Council no later than 10 August.

NSWALC CEO Les Turner said the future of the Land Rights network depends on more people taking an active role in their Land Council.

“Land Rights is changing and constantly evolving. The Land Rights movement started as a way for our people to assert self-determination, to exercise our culture and rights to the land.

But Land Rights now means much more. It’s about ensuring our mob use the benefits of Land Rights to build economic opportunities and continue the legacy of our Land Rights Legends.

“It’s about leadership and self-governing. If you think you can add value and benefit your community, you’re the person we need and this might be the opportunity you need.

“Joining a Local Aboriginal Land Council and ensuring you can vote allows you to become part of the bigger picture in shaping the future of our people by taking advantage of the benefits provided by Land Rights.”

The NSWALC Election is held every four years with eligible voters electing nine councillors to represent the interests of Local Aboriginal Land Council members in Sydney-Newcastle, Mid-North Coast, North Coast, Northern, South Coast, Wiradjuri, Central, North West and Western regions.

Voting will take place at nominated polling booths throughout the State on Election Day on 31 October, 2015. Applications to vote by post from eligible electors may be lodged between 22 July and 23 October, 2015.