Our journey with the Traditional Custodians of Country
This year we have continued to build our relationships with Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs).
We are working with LALCs to identify and deliver social and economic outcomes for them and their communities through the development of suitable lands within their ownership portfolio.
This year our staff participated in facilitated learning, cultural competency training and yarning circles to progress our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan. We have embraced Acknowledgement of Country in
our practices; we are reviewing our approach to the procurement of Aboriginal suppliers and are building trusting relationships with the LALC’s to support aligned values and outcomes for Aboriginal communities in Sydney and across Regional NSW.
Our relationships with Aboriginal communities continue to grow and this year we have reached agreements to work in partnership with communities in three LALC areas across metropolitan Sydney and regional NSW.
The terms of reference that we build together with our partners to form our Memoranda of Understanding are unique and form the foundations of our relationship, our work and our shared values with those stakeholders.
Working with Traditional Custodians
There is a significant alignment in the purpose, vision and aspirations of Local Aboriginal Land Councils and Landcom.
In late 2021 Landcom and Biraban LALC formalised our plans to work in partnership with the signing
of a Memorandum of Understanding. Biraban LALC represents the Traditional Custodians of more than 1,200ha of land within the Lake Macquarie Local Government Area. The objectives of the partnership include working together to deliver increased housing affordability, supply and diversity in the interest of
the community and promote developments which are ecologically sensitive, culturally aware and sustainable and provide opportunities for future generations. Honouring the aspirations of Elders past and present, projects will include the delivery of homes for rent and ownership for the Biraban community, leaving a legacy of secure housing.
Through our Memorandum of Understanding with Members of Darkinjung LALC formalised in FY22, we are exploring development opportunities on their lands around the Central Coast region to achieve affordable housing outcomes in this community.
With Deerubbin LALC we are working together at Lawson in the Blue Mountains to deliver housing for the community in this ecologically sensitive area as part of our Memorandum of Understanding to explore development opportunities on Deerubbin LALC lands.
