Today’s official handing over of Trelawney Station to the Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) will enable the organisation to expand its education, employment and social services for young Aboriginal people in the Tamworth area. News »
The official handover of the property by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) to the Tamworth LALC was celebrated with a community ceremony at the station, including a welcome to country and performance, lunch and tours of the facilities.
The event is the culmination of a five-year partnership between Tamworth LALC and the ILSC to establish training, employment and social programs at the station, set a long-term management plan and put it in a viable financial position.
Trelawney Station, Somerton, is a 766 hectare mixed farming property which features irrigation and grazing paddocks with Peel River access suitable for sheep and cattle operations, as well as newly refurbished accommodation and conference facilities.
Over the past 12 months, services have been delivered to more than 80 Indigenous participants at the property, which will now be owned and managed by a local Aboriginal organisation for the benefit of Aboriginal people.
Tamworth LALC Chairperson, Harry Cutmore, said the handover was a significant milestone for the Tamworth Aboriginal community.
“Trelawney gives the Aboriginal community important access to traditional country,’’ Mr Cutmore said.
“Over the past five years, we have been able to use the facilities extensively for our school holiday programs, cultural learning days and training programs for high school students, as well as other community events.
“The assistance we have received in putting our farm management plan and business plan in place will ensure the Tamworth LALC’s ongoing ability to use the land to its full potential into the future.”
Mr Cutmore said the Council’s immediate focus is to increase visitation and bookings for Trelawney Station accommodation and conference facilities, and the handover event provided a great chance to show off the potential of the venue.
ILSC Board Director, Mr Roy Ah-See, said the handing over of Trelawney Station to the Tamworth LALC was the result of a successful partnership to achieve positive outcomes for the local Aboriginal community.
“The Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council and community members are to be commended for the work they have done, and for the efforts made and uptake of opportunities taken at Trelawney Station,’’ Mr Ah-See said.
“Since the LALC has been involved, there have been more than 120 Indigenous school children that have attended programs; 15 people have completed heavy vehicle and excavator training; and there’s been four community events with social and cultural activities providing great benefit to the local Indigenous community.’’
Dignitaries at the ceremony included representatives of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Aboriginal Elders, community members and the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation.