The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) has honoured the contributions of elders and young people at the recent statewide conference held in the Hunter Valley.
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NSWALC Councillor for Central Region Stephen Ryan said Recognition Awards were given to Gilgandra Elder Neville Merritt and to Jackson Clarke, a young man from Narromine Local Aboriginal Land Council.
"Over the past decade, Uncle Neville has been a board member of Gilgandra Local Aboriginal Land Council and has served as its chair.
"Uncle Neville is passionate about culture and language and we are proud to be able to honour his contribution with a Recognition Award."
Cr Ryan said Jackson Clarke was a deserving recipient of a Youth Recognition Award.
The Community and Social Development student volunteers to run youth programs for the Narromine Local Aboriginal Land Council and participate in other initiatives.
"Jackson is involved in the night patrol in Dubbo, with Barnardos and has volunteered with Mission Australia and the NSW Origin Legends program to help Koori kids to believe in themselves," he said.
The NSWALC Statewide Conference, held last month, was attended by about 250 delegates representing Local Aboriginal Land Councils throughout the state.
The statewide conference, held every two years, celebrates achievements in the land rights network and promotes discussion about future opportunities.
The keynote speaker Sir Tipene O'Regan - a Kaumatua (Elder) of the Ngai Tahu tribe in New Zealand's South Island - reflected on his experiences in building an economic base while enriching culture.
Other speakers included NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Leslie Williams and Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs Nigel Scullion while a number of senior land council figures contributed to themed panel discussions on key issues like land negotiation, healing, culture and heritage, economic development and resources.