The Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council (ALALC) is community-controlled organisation established under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW).
We represent and advocate for all Aboriginal people across our defined boundaries in the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle region, working to uphold land rights, protect cultural heritage and advance economic independence.
Since our establishment, ALALC has remained grounded in the principles of self-determination and cultural authority. Our core purpose is to ensure that land remains central to community wellbeing. Through responsible governance, strategic land acquisition, and long-term asset management, we have built a strong foundation for sustainable growth.
In recent years, ALALC has undergone significant organisational growth. Our workforce has expanded from just two staff members to a team of more than 20 employees across the organisation. This growth reflects both increased operational capacity and a deliberate investment in community outcomes. Importantly, this expansion includes the establishment of a dedicated Community Engagement Team, with four staff focused specifically on strengthening communication, member support, stakeholder relationships and culturally informed engagement across our region.
The integration of Land Management and Culture & Heritage into a unified, self-funded Ranger Team has also been a cornerstone of this transformation. This model has enabled us to deliver professional, culturally informed services across numerous sites while creating meaningful employment pathways for Aboriginal people and generating record levels of project output.
Today, ALALC is positioned as both a cultural authority and an active economic participant within the region. We continue to strengthen partnerships, expand service delivery, and invest in workforce capability, ensuring that every decision is guided by community and grounded in respect for Country.
Our commitment is clear: to protect and grow Awabakal land assets, to create sustainable economic pathways, and to deliver outcomes that benefit both Country and community - now and into the future.
