YOUTH AND ELDERS COUNCILS

Background
In June 2009, NSWALC took the first steps to establish its own Elders and Youth Advisory Councils. This followed the success of the Elders and Youth Forums at NSWALC's State Conference at Cessnock in the Hunter Valley in March.

In October 2009, NSWALC called for 'expressions of interest' from Aboriginal Youth and Elders across NSW who were interested in participating in a Youth Advisory Council and an Elders Advisory Council.

Structure of the Advisory Councils
 Each Council will consist of a diverse group of 18 Aboriginal Elders and 18 Aboriginal Youth from across NSW who will:

  • Provide information and advice to NSWALC on matters relating to Aboriginal Youth and Elders, with particular focus on Aboriginal Land Rights in NSW, Aboriginal culture and heritage, and engaging with Youth and Elders groups across NSW.
  • This advice will be based on both individual experience and on consultation with other Aboriginal people;
  • Provide information and advice to your local and regional communities on matters relating to Aboriginal Youth and Elders and Land Rights in NSW. This may involve assisting with and facilitating consultations with community within your respective NSWALC region, and advocating across communities on the needs and issues of Aboriginal Youth and Elders; and
  • Undertake other projects and activities, as agreed by the Youth and Elders Councils and NSWALC.

Both Councils will meet up to four times a year.

Travel and accommodation expenses will be paid directly by NSWALC. An incidental allowance will be paid to Committee members to cover other reasonable expenses incurred whilst participating at Committee meetings. No sitting fees will be provided.

NSWALC is looking for applications from Aboriginal people who can represent Aboriginal Youth and Elders' views from a range of different perspectives.

Places will be allocated on the Advisory Councils for those who have a strong passion for advocating on behalf of others and represent the diversity of Youth and Elders in NSW.

Click on the links below to access Information for Applicants and Terms of References for the Youth and Elders Advisory Councils.

FURTHER INFORMATION
 For further information regarding the Youth Council please contact Roy Ah-See, Councillor for the Sydney/Newcastle Region of the NSWALC on (02) 4353 5536 or roy.ah-see@alc.org.au 

For further information regarding the Elders Council please contact NSWALC on (02) 9689 4444.