About

History of Tamworth
Local Aboriginal
Land Council

The Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) was incorporated on 2 February 1984 under the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (ALRA), which was established to provide a way of compensating Aboriginal people for loss of their land.

Tamworth LALC has operated for over 30 years to better manage and monitor the activities of the LALC with respect to the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal people in the area.

During its 30 years of operation, Tamworth LALC has acquired 20 residential properties and the LALC office.

The Tamworth LALC boundary includes Tamworth, Manilla, Barraba and Bendemeer, as outlined in the map. The area is primarily pastoral or bushland and includes Split Rock Dam, Lake Keepit Dam and Chaffey Dam. Some areas contain rock art, burial grounds, ceremonial grounds, middens and numerous artefacts.

The Aboriginal population within the Tamworth LALC boundary is said to be 8,032 by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021 Census) but is probably somewhat larger. The Aboriginal population is concentrated in the Tamworth city and surrounds.

Boundary Map for Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council

Services

Tamworth LALC provides a range of services within its region.

Housing

TLALC currently owns 10 rental properties and leases a further 10 from the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO). These properties are currently managed by Ray White. We are registered with the NSW Local Scheme which holds us accountable to the housing management accreditation standards under which we operate.

Auspicing
of Funds

Currently, TLALC receives grant funding for the operation and delivery of the Tamworth Opportunity Hub, Bumbira Art and Culture Program, Post School Support Officer, Community Connector Program, Walaaybaa Ranger Program, Bounce Back and Bounce Between programs and Junior Ranger Project.

Our outstanding 100% LMSS score allows us to confidently offer these services to a select group of organisations. These services generate revenue for us to reinvest in priority actions as identified by our membership through our Community, Land and Business Plan (CLBP).

Land Claims

We seek and submit Land Claims on Crown Land, and have that land transferred to our ownership in freehold title. Although there is ongoing backlog with the Ministry at present, we are still active in providing this service.

Confirmation of
Membership

Tamworth LALC can provide confirmation of Aboriginality to our members ONLY. The process is to fill out a New Membership Application form, submit to the LALC for consideration of members, and attend a member meeting to be accepted or denied. Obtain a New Membership Application Form here.

Information Hub

Tamworth LALC has up to date, valuable information on a range of topics from local service providers. Because of our strong community partnerships, we are able to be involved in and kept abreast of significant community programs.

Community
Support

The Tamworth LALC is active in community programs and broader initiatives in our region. We represent our community and their needs at a local, regional and national level through a range of channels, including but not limited to:

Tamworth CAPO Meetings
Tamworth’s Aboriginal Programs Consortium
Northern Region Friendship Treaty signatory
Northern Region Regional Partnership Agreement signatory
Northern Region Forum attendance and involvement

Board & Staff

Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council has an elected governing Board to ensure the objectives of the organisation are upheld.

Guided by Chief Executive Officer Fiona Snape, our accomplished team manages all operational aspects of the Tamworth LALC with unwavering dedication and expertise.

Events

We invite you to stay informed and be a part of the action around Tamworth as we promote a diverse array of activities, workshops, and gatherings that celebrate Aboriginal heritage, foster meaningful connections, and promote inclusivity.

Acknowledgement
of Country

Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council acknowledges the Kamilaroi/ Gamilaroi/ Gomeroi people as the traditional custodians of the land we work on. We recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of our Aboriginal community and have the utmost respect for our Elders past, present and future.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains images and names of deceased persons.