NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Association Inc
Donation protected
WHO ARE WE -
- Founded in March 2021, the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Association Inc (NSWALRA Inc) is a grassroots community organising group that advocates to upholding the purpose of the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983.
- For far too long our Aboriginal Organisations are subject to funding requirements that limits progress in Aboriginal Affairs. Our philosophy is based on Self-Governance, having control over our affairs and ensuring our leaders and representative organisations are accountable to the very people they seek to represent.
WHAT WE DO - LAW, POLICY & ADVOCACY REFORM
- To date, our work has been quite impactful through our Sustainable Tenancy Management Program. Since April 2021 we have won 25 cases (and counting) on behalf of Aboriginal Housing Tenants at the NSW Civil & Administrative Tribunal, ensuring Aboriginal people maintain, sustain and retain their housing, particularly during the COVID outbreak in Regional NSW.
- Provide repairs and upgrades to neglected homes giving tenants an opportunity to start fresh with a quality home.
- WHAT OUR PEOPLE SAY
- NSWALRA Inc was recently quoted in the Statutory Review of the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 for our legislative reform submission that sought to address various amendments to improve the overall function of the Land Rights Network.
- Of the 10 proposed reforms, 2 were recognised by the NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs:
- 1) Disqualification of Aboriginal Land Council staff; currently all Aboriginal People who have a conviction of over 12 months cannot be elected as a board or be employed as a staff member of NSWALC/LALCs. The proposed amendment of NSWALRA Inc will allow for the disqualification clause transition from 12 months to five years in line with Local Government staff and Councillors.
- 2) Conducting LALC business; currently all LALCs cannot conduct business through telephone or modern technology such as closed circuit television. Under our proposed amendment LALCs will now be able to conduct members meetings through telephone and online meetings further enabling them to reach a quorum.
Statutory Review NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 conducted every 5 years by the NSW Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. Our submission was quite substantial and further asserts the NSWALRA Inc as a stakeholder in the affairs of Aboriginal People in the state of NSW.
- Our Board meets monthly and are involved in directing the management of the NSWALRA Inc. Each Board of Director is responsible for administering their own portfolio subject to the expertise they bring to the table.
- We provide Confirmation of Tribal Citizenship & Nationality, otherwise known as Aboriginality. This is tailored to Aboriginal People rejected or experience red tape by their Local Aboriginal Representative Bodies. To date we have issued over 50 Confirmation of Aboriginality assisting our people maintain their identity, education and employment needs as well as justice for pending court outcomes.
HOW WE DO IT - GRASSROOTS APPROACH
- NSWALRA Inc have signed Memorandums of Understanding with Local Aboriginal Land Councils supporting them to establish policies and procedures relating to governance, housing and Community Benefits Schemes.
- NSWALRA Inc have partnered with Aboriginal Owned businesses within the private sector such as Total Surveying Solutions by consulting with our partnered LALCs engaging in Land Development such as subdivision of residential properties, making proper good use of LALC assets. The opportunities of our Land Councils are endless, through the expertise of the NSWALRA Inc we can tap into practical innovative solutions.
- NSWALRA Inc have also had a bunch of support from businesses such as Big W, providing over $50,000 in Christmas Relief for Aboriginal Communties across Central West NSW, this can only occur through the hard work and dedication of our Director of Housing & Development, Kira-Lea Dargin.
HOW YOU CAN HELP BY DONATING
- With the Christmas and New Year break coming up, we need to ensure Aboriginal People are supported, particularly with their housing needs whilst funded services providers are on Christmas Shutdown.
- We estimate a reasonable figure of $7,500 is required for effective rapid response advocacy thats tailored to the demands as they arise. In some instances we may pay a bond to house a family, most often then not we might have to pay for urgent maintenance and repairs for Aboriginal Housing Tenants.
- Our team of of volunteers will be out engaging with communities across Regional NSW in particular flood effected areas such as Cowra, Condobolin, Peak Hill, Dubbo, Coonamble, Walgett so on the ground equipment will also be required.
- Most importantly we need to ensure the safety of our team of volunteers by providing a safe space to camp while out in communities.
- NSWALRA Inc is a registered Incorporated Entity (INC: 2101337) with Fair Trading NSW and are currently underway to receive our charity registration, so keep a copy of your donation receipt for taxation purposes.
If you'd like to have a more in-depth discussion about supporting the NSWALRA Inc please give us a call on 0482 979 806.
With Thanks,
NSWALRA Inc Board of Directors
Clayton Simpson-Pitt - Executive Director
Kira-Lea Dargin - Director of Housing & Development
Gwenda Stanley - Director of Criminal & Social Justice
Keiran Stewart-Assheton - Director of Land & Water
www.nswalra.org | PO BOX 139 Mascot NSW 1460 | ABN: 74 713 276 135 | @nswalra
Organizer
Clayton Simpson
Organizer
Mascot NSW
