Speaking notes for Sol Bellear of NSW Aboriginal Land Council

Launch of Aboriginal Sydney

Tuesday 23 November 2010 

Let me, too, pay my respects to the traditional owners - the Burramattugal people, on whose land we stand today.

Unfortunately, our Chairwoman, Bev Manton, who was to have co-launched this important book, is ill and was unable to make today's launch. I also give apologies for our CEO Mr Geoff Scott who is unable to attend today.

I know she was looking forward to being a part of this event.

She regarded it as an important event. 

It is, of course, appropriate that the NSW Aboriginal Land Council was part of today's book launch. 

After all, one of the key purposes of any Land Council is to recognise the Aboriginal history not just of Sydney but of the whole of New South Wales.

Some of our Land Councils, of course, specifically represent the original occupants of what today comprises Sydney - for example the Metropolitan Land Council,  the Darkinjung, Gandangara and Dharawal Local Aboriginal Land Councils.

And the land rights movement - in particular the concerted efforts over many years to achieve land rights legislation - forms an important part of contemporary Aboriginal history.

 And I know part of Aboriginal Sydney deals with contemporary Aboriginal history.

 New South Wales has the most extensive and embracing Aboriginal Land Rights legislation in Australia. 

 We are grateful for that legislation. Grateful that as an organisation - we have existed for more than 25 years.

 As a self-funded Aboriginal organisation we are proof positive that given the opportunity Aboriginal people can - and do - run successful organisations.  In many cases, sizeable and complex organisations controlling hundreds of million dollars worth of assets.

 No pun intended, after all Australia has a black history.

 Unfortunately, so much of it is unknown to the average Australian.

 As an Aboriginal run and controlled organisation, we are playing our part to change that.

That we have Aboriginal organisations such AIATSIS also working to change the unknown into the known is welcomed by all Aboriginal people.

On behalf of the Aboriginal land council movement in New South Wales I congratulate them.

 As I'm sure our Chairwoman, Bev Manton, would have said, we do have a shared history.

 We can be proud of Aboriginal history being a part of that shared history.

Today, with much more being done to effect reconciliation and goodwill, it is fitting we have a book that tells Australians how strong is the Aboriginal history of Sydney.

And not only tells them - but shows them how to see and enjoy that history.

 The more that do the greater will be the understanding and appreciation of just how strong that history is.

 It is time both Australia and the world knew more about Sydney's rich Aboriginal heritage.

From it's rock art and middens in national parks, points of early contact and conflict around Sydney harbour, places of protest, civil rights and community pride in Redfern and La Perouse or our Cultural centres, galleries, museums and theatres.

I congratulate AIATSIS and the authors Melinda Hinkson and Alana Harris in producing such a quality publications.

I note that among those who provided assistance and contributions to the book include many famous Aboriginal families who have also be healvily involved in the land rights movements over the last few decades: the Munros, Maddens, Ryans, Scotts, Masons, and Timberry.

I am sure that this book Aboriginal Sydney will whet the reader's appetite and generate a greater appreciation of Sydney's Aboriginal heritage, as well as a greater recognition of the richness and value of Aboriginal culture that exists in Australia today.

I hope that it becomes an essential part of every tourists experience and visit to Sydney.

On behalf of our Chairwoman Bev Manton, I am delighted to official launch Aboriginal Sydney.

Thank You.