Indigenous Governance –Challenges, Opportunities and

Outcomes

LARRAKIA NATION ABORIGINAL

CORPORATION - LNAC Establishment

LNAC was established on the 5/5/98, to be a focal point for Native Title/Land Rights issues for Larrakia people.

The Larrakia are acknowledged as the “Traditional Aboriginal Owners/Custodians” of the greater Darwin/Palmerston/Cox Peninsula” area.

The Larrakia people are recognised as having the longest running “Land Claim” in the history of the Federal Govt.’s NT Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1976.

© -Kootji Raymond, Larrakia Artist

Establishment – Cont. The LNAC commenced operations in July 1999. The NLC funded the LNAC for $200,000 for the 1st year of operation. The LNAC also received a $70,000 grant from Natural Heritage Grants. The LNAC was able to become a “Darwin Regional CDEP Host” organisation, and was allocated 6 CDEP positions.In March 2002, the LNAC commenced the delivery of 6 Commonwealth Health & Aging funded Community Aged Care Packages (CACP’s). The LNAC employed a Aged Care Coordinator, to work with 8 CDEP Aged Care workers to deliver a range of approved services.In July 2002, the LNAC was grant funded to deliver a range of Services/Projects on behalf of the Community Harmony Project (Formerly the Itinerants Project)

“ITINERANTS” PROJECT IN DARWIN &PALMERSTON

Establishment – Cont.

The projects included the LNAC’s Information Referral Office, Day Activities Officer, and the Larrakia Hosts Project. During 2002, the LNAC’s CDEP – Participant Numbers, grew from 20 up to 30. In 2003 the LNAC’s CDEP - Participant Numbers grew to over 60.In January 2003, the LNAC moved from the Alawa Shopping Centre to what became known as the LNAC’s Karawa Park Cultural Facility.

“ITINERANTS” PROJECT IN DARWIN &PALMERSTON

Establishment – Cont.

The LNAC continued to grow, and attract funding for a range of community services including:

Save The Children Art Centre Funding Infrastructure Funding First Language Research Funding Aboriginal Employment Officer – LNG Plant Woodside Petroleum Aboriginal Benefits Account ATSIS – Youth Funding NT Tourism Development Grants NAIDOC

“ITINERANTS” PROJECT IN DARWIN &PALMERSTON

Governing Structure & Membership

LNAC commenced operations with a membership base of approximately 250 members.

LNAC is incorporated under the Commonwealth Aboriginal Corporations Act.

LNAC has a Governing Structure that allows a maximum of 2 Representatives from each of the 8 identified Larrakia Family Groups:

Batcho Shepherd Cubillo McLennan Raymond/Mills Browne Fejo Roman/Danks

“ITINERANTS” PROJECT IN DARWIN & PALMERSTON

Major Economic Projects

DarlaLNG PlantWater Front ProjectLee Point ResidentialKenbiFinn Rd.Bullocky Point

Larrakia Development Corporation

Commercial Board 8 directors – 5 Larrakia & 3 Professional CEO who was an ex Advisor for the one of the previous CLP Ministers Huge success with Darla, the LDC was required to borrow from financial institutions, to commence stage 1.The LDC has sold all of the 57 blocks in stage, all of the 63 blocks in stage 2, and has sold 20 out of the 60 blocks available in stage 3.