Orange has become the first Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) in NSW to commission an independent review into its own governance. 

The review follows a letter sent by some land council members and non-members to the Registrar of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act calling for an extraordinary general meeting, a vote of no confidence in the LALC leadership and the immediate dismissal of staff. 

Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council Chairman, Jamie Newman said although the Registrar found the letter and call for a vote of no confidence were invalid, it was important to get to the bottom of the claims made against the Land Council leadership. 

“The people who signed the letter clearly expressed dissatisfaction with how OLALC is being run. But their complaints were general in nature and not supported by evidence or examples,” Mr Newman said. 

“Even though their letter was found to be invalid, it’s important that these people get to have their say, have their concerns considered by an independent person and, if valid, have them acted upon.” 

Mr Newman said the review was essential for self-determination and transparency. 

“Self determination isn’t just about rights, but also responsibilities and accountability. That’s why this review is essential,” he said. 

“We strongly encourage OLALC members and other interested people to have their say either in writing or in person with the reviewer.” 

Both the Registrar and the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council have indicated they support the review and will receive copies of the report once this is finalised. 

An extraordinary meeting of OLAC was held on Thursday 15 May 2025 to provide members with information as to the scope and process of the review and the opportunity that they will have for participation. NSWALC representatives attended the meeting.  

Media contact: Gary Highland on 0418 476 940 

Independent Review of Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council 

The process of the Review will be as follows: 

• The Review is to be conducted by a legally qualified reviewer approved by the Board. 
• The reviewer will have legal, administrative and governance assistance but the reviewer will be solely responsible for the findings and recommendations of the Review. 
• The reviewer will receive submissions orally and in writing from members, staff and Board members and from such other persons that the reviewer in their discretion accepts. 
• The reviewer will have access to such Council governance documents and records as they request. 
• The reviewer will attend Orange for two days to meet with such persons who wish to make oral submissions. 
• The reviewer after receipt of all material will prepare and deliver a written report to the Board of the OLALC, with their recommendations. 

A copy of this report will be provided to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Registrar of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act and the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council 

A summary of the Review Report will be provided to members but will otherwise be kept confidential to encourage members and other persons to participate freely in the Review process. 

About the Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council 

The Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council (OLALC) is one of the most successful local Aboriginal Land Councils in NSW. 

It was the first LALC to successfully negotiate an Aboriginal Land Agreement with state and local governments. This will see 86 hectares of land transferred to the Land Council, including the velodrome, oval, netball courts and clubhouse at Moulder Park, Orange. 

OLALC also finalised NSW’s first place based Close the Gap plan in conjunction with other Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in Orange. 

OLALC runs a number of services in Orange and throughout the central west to overcome homelessness, help people into work, assist women and children to flee violence and strengthen local families. Additional programs include: 

• Ngurang-gu Yalbilinya (NGY) Program – Cultural education and school-based engagement. 
• Land Development and Planning – WOS entity being developed to manage land development transparently. 
• Aboriginal Men and Women’s Programs – Culturally grounded healing and leadership activities. 
• Employment and Skills Training – Partnerships with TAFE, Aboriginal Employment Strategy, and community employers. 
• Children & Schooling : Supported Playgroups, Aboriginal Families as Teachers, Designing Futures.