31 August, 2026
Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council is nearing completion of a new housing development for Elders at Blue Haven on the Central Coast. The construction began with a sod-turning ceremony in 2024.
Aunty Betty’s Place is a fully self-funded development featuring nine purpose-built units designed to support Elders to live independently and close to Community and Culture. The development honours Aunty Betty, a founding member of Darkinjung LALC whose lifelong work helped secure housing for members and strengthens opportunities for future generations.
MEETING THE NEEDS OF MEMBERS
Aunty Betty’s Place will provide more than housing. The development will help Elders maintain strong connections with family, Community and Culture while ensuring Aunty Betty’s legacy lives on.
Each unit includes accessible and adaptable features, including wheelchair access and adjustable kitchen benches and sinks. The two-bedroom designs also provide space for visiting family members, live-in relatives or carers.
The project began after Darkinjung LALC identified a gap in its existing rental portfolio. Older members who were able to live independently needed accessible, low-maintenance housing not commonly available in traditional homes.
Aunty Betty’s Place is one example of how LALC activated land to meet the needs of its members and created lasting benefits for their community.
Darkinjung LALC funded the project using revenue generated from land and other assets secured through previous successful land claims. The development demonstrates the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 in action. The return of land supports Local Aboriginal Land Councils to build assets, generate income and reinvest in projects responding directly to the needs of their communities. The proposed changes to the Crown land legislation risks making projects such as Aunty Betty’s Place harder to deliver.
Watch the video to learn more about Aunty Betty’s Place and Darkinjung LALC’s future plans for its land, members and Community.
NSWALC NEEDS YOU
Showcasing success stories helps foster positive engagement for both NSWALC and the broader NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Network, while demonstrating to the NSW Government the significant work being undertaken by LALCs across the State.
These stories highlight the Network’s ongoing commitment to delivering tangible social, economic and cultural benefits for local Aboriginal Communities.
If you have a success story to share, please email your LALC’s details, a summary of your story, and the best spokesperson and contact this story to media@alc.org.au. Once submitted, the NSWALC media team will get in touch with the next steps to feature your story in the media, across socials and on the website.
READ MORE SUCCESS STORIES
The NSW Aboriginal Land Council is proud to share Success Stories: Aboriginal Land Rights Achievements in NSW — a publication highlighting the strength, resilience and innovation of the Aboriginal Land Rights Network across New South Wales. Click here to read the booklet!