Introduction

The Local Aboriginal Land Council is bound by the key legislative requirements which determine the objects and functions of a Local Aboriginal Land Council as contained in the amended Aboriginal Land Rights Act (ALRA).

The LALC is an incorporated body constituted under the ALRA. The ALRA states that the objects of each Local Aboriginal Land Council are to "improve, protect and foster the best interests of all Aboriginal persons within the Council's area and other persons who are members of the Council".

The functions of the Land Council include:

  • Make claims on vacant crown land;

  • Acquire land and to use, manage, control, hold or dispose of, or otherwise deal with, land vested in or acquired by the Council;

  • Protect the interests of Aboriginal persons in its area in relation to the acquisition, management, use, control and disposal of land;

  • Take action to protect the culture and heritage of Aboriginal persons in the Council's area, subject to any other law;

  • Promote awareness in the community of the culture and heritage of Aboriginal persons in the Council's area;

  • Prepare and implement, in accordance with the Act, a community, land and business plan;

  • Manage, in accordance with the Act and consistently with its community, land and business plan, the investment of any assets of the Council;

  • Facilitate business enterprise in accordance with the Act, and the regulations, and consistently with the community, land and business plan;

  • Directly, or indirectly, provide community benefits under the community benefits scheme;

  • Provide, acquire, upgrade or extend residential accommodation for Aboriginal persons within its area;

  • Establish or participate in the establishment of, a trust for the purpose of providing a community benefits scheme.

About Metro

The Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council is a significant organisation in our community, we seek to become the most highly visible and most recognised Aboriginal organisation in the Sydney Metropolitan Region. Metro's continued existence and strength is an important symbol and a vital ongoing resource to its members.
We do this as a tribute and as a reminder of the struggles and achievements of Elders and those who have gone before to fight for land rights and justice for our people.

Metro History

o      In 1983 the Aboriginal Lands Right Act (ALRA) was established, to provide a way of compensating Aboriginal people for loss of their land
o      Through the ALRA, Aboriginal Land Councils were created to establish a system to claim land
o      Formerly known as the Redfern Land Council in 1983, it wasn't until 1985 that Metro Aboriginal Lands Council was accepted as a Local Aboriginal Lands Council under the ALRA
o      The first annual meeting and membership drive was at the old Black Theatre Site, Cope Street Redfern
o      Today we are based in our premises at 36 – 38 George Street Redfern

Metro's Significant Land Marks within our Boundaries

MLALC's boundaries cover a large part of the Sydney basin. The area includes 25 Local Governments. MLALC borders on Darkinjung LALC to the North; La Perouse LALC South and South East; Deerubbin LALC to the West; Gandangarra LALC to the West.

Metro's land marks includes the following features within its boundaries.

o      Rivers : Georges, Hawkesbury, Lane Cove, Cook, Colo, Parramatta and Nepean
o      National Parks: Sydney Harbour, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase, Garigal, Darug and Lane Cove
o      Beaches: Clontarf, Manly, Curl Curl, Dee Why, Long Reef, Collaroy, Narrabeen, Mona Vale, Newport, Avalon, Whale, Palm
o      Islands: (Sydney Harbour) Shark, Clarke, Rodd, Goat, Berry, Fort Dennison, Garden, Cockatoo, Strickland (Pittwater) Scotland (Hawkesbury River) Long, Danger, Lion, Milson, Bar Point, Friendly,
o      Aboriginal Places: Reef Beach, Towlers Bay, Quarantine Station & Bujwa Ba
o Major Land Marks: Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour, Botanic Gardens, Parliament House, Luna Park, Australia Museum, Sydney Tower, Aquariums, Taronga Zoo, Olympic Park, Darling Harbour and Circular Quay
o There are 1000's of known registered Aboriginal sites, middens, shelters, deposits, engravings & burials. There are also many more site which remain unregistered

Our People

Board Members
o      Ricky Lyons, Chairperson
o      Desmond Madden, Deputy Chairperson
o      Allan Murray, Board Member
o      Charles Madden, Board Member
o      Christine Robinson, Board Member
o      Dianne Toohey, Board Member
o      Jodie Treweek, Board Member
o      Narelle Lyons, Board Member
o      Ray Davison, Board Member
o      Millie Ingram, Board Member

Staff
o      Paul Morris, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
o      Sue Porritt, Finance Manager
o      Colin Davison, Housing & Property Manager
o      Kelly Bradshaw, Receptionist
o      Colin Lyons, Caretaker Camp Wollemi

Consultant
o      Michael Vassili, Legal & Commercial Advisor

Our Vision

“Metro will build wealth, identity, integrity and community”

Objectives
Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council’s (MLALC) primary objectives are determined by Section 51 of the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983. These are “to improve, protect and foster the best interests of all Aboriginal persons within the council’ area and other persons who are members of the council”.

 

 About Us
Introduction
Org Chart
Photo Gallery
Our Land
Area Map
Land Rights Act 1983
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