Select a category

News

Month: April 2020

Assistance Packages to Help Aboriginal Communities Impacted by Covid-19

Packages containing essential items like non-perishable foods and hygiene supplies will be provided to remote Aboriginal communities impacted by COVID-19 measures as part of a coordinated assistance effort by the NSW Government and NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC).

Aboriginal Affairs NSW Head Lil Gordon said the first tranche of packages – approximately 500 boxes – will commence delivery over the next week and would make an immediate impact to remote communities, where the nearest shops could be many kilometres away.

“We know that COVID-19 is impacting everyone across NSW, but we are also aware that there is an acute need in remote Aboriginal communities where access to basic food and hygiene supplies is challenging,” Ms Gordon said.

“We are working closely with a specially established Aboriginal Leadership Group to hear first-hand the challenges our communities are facing at this time and collaborate with our NSW Government partners to coordinate support and solutions to meet these challenges.”

Aboriginal Affairs NSW and Office of Emergency Management are working with the NSWALC to identify residents most in need and arrange the deliveries. Aboriginal people over 60 with Healthcare Concession Cards, who are living in communities particularly at risk of food security issues arising from COVID-19 measures, are eligible.

The partnership between NSW Government and NSWALC will continue to address critical food needs whilst these communities are being impacted by COVID19.

NSW ALC Chairperson Anne Dennis said the packages would provide some rapid relief to remote vulnerable Aboriginal communities.

“We’re working with local Aboriginal communities to ensure those most at risk and those most in need are delivered the food and hygiene packages, especially the elderly, frail, disabled and disadvantaged. By NSWALC partnering with the NSW Government, we’re able to give some meaningful assistance to the most at need in our most vulnerable communities,” Ms Dennis said.

“We are focusing on our Elders first and foremost, as they are our custodians of culture and truth, but there are more packages available and we encourage those vulnerable individuals in isolated communities to get in touch and find out if they can register for assistance.”

The assistance packages are part of a broader suite of tailored activities being undertaken by the NSW Government to support remote and vulnerable Aboriginal communities during this period.

More information, including details on how to register for the assistance package, is available at the NSWALC website – www.alc.org.au or by calling a new hotline on 1800 476 777, from 7am Tuesday 14 April 2020.

Cancelled Camps

Due to the health crisis of the Covid-19 outbreak, our camps in Term 1 and 2 have had to be cancelled this year.

These are:

  • SHOW Bonny Hills 2nd Camp – 29th – 30th April 2020 at The Francis Retreat, Bonnie Hills.
  • SHOW Albury, 5th – 6th May 2020 at the Great Aussie Holiday park, Albury.
  • Wiradjuri Language and Culture Camp, 14th – 15th May 2020 at Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Centre.
  • SHOW Narrabeen, 18th – 19th May 2020 at Narrabeen Sport and Recreation Centre.
  • STEM Lake Keepit, 28th – 29th May 2020 at Lake Keepit Sport and Recreation Centre.
  • Gamilaraay Language and Culture 2nd Camp, 11th – 12th June 2020 at Lake Keepit Sport and Recreation Centre.
  • STEM Jindabyne, 18th – 19th June 2020 at Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre.

All schools that have expressed interest for these camps should have been notified through email, if you have not please contact Kyara Nean on ">

The NSW AECG will continually update information on the re-booking of these camps again in the future.

We are sorry for any in convenience, it is a very challenging time and we appreciate your understanding.

If anyone has any questions please contact Kyara Nean, "> or on 0468 602 138.

Acknowledgement of Country

The NSW AECG Inc. acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Owners of this nation. We also acknowledge past, present and emerging Elders  and the continuation and celebration of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Please note: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should also be aware that this website may contain images or names of people who have passed away.