25 September, 2015

Successful land claim to unlock Wiradjuri Art and Culture in Griffith

A Griffith Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) claim over the old police station has been granted by the NSW Government.

Griffith LALC Chief Executive Officer Robert Carroll said the land would be used to provide employment, training and opportunities to showcase Wiradjuri culture to the broader community.

“A number of years ago, the Griffith Local Aboriginal Land Council lodged a claim over the old unused Griffith Police Station, with the intention of using that land to make a significant contribution to the local economy and community.

“Through our planning processes, our members have expressed a desire to possibly develop the site as a Wiradjuri Cultural or Arts Centre to showcase traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art as well as mainstream non-Aboriginal art”.

“However, any future development of the old police station will only take place after a thorough and comprehensive business and planning process is completed.”

Any development would also need to be consistent with our Land Council’s Community Land and Business Plan and Griffith City Council’s zoning and heritage requirements.

Mr Carroll said the Griffith Local Aboriginal Land Council members and Elders appreciated the support of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) and the Baird Government for resolving the land claim in our favour

“Under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act, Local Aboriginal Land Councils are using land to revive and strengthen culture, heal communities and to create wealth and jobs, particularly in Regional areas”.

“The ability of Aboriginal Land Councils to claim and unlock the potential of land is the best way Aboriginal people can participate and contribute to our local communities.

“We look forward to working with the broader Griffith community to make our contribution to local culture and empowering our people to play their part in Griffith’s future growth.”