ALC Board
The ALC is a not-for-profit entity that was established under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act, 1976 (ALRA), which reports to the Australian Minister for Indigenous Australians and is an Australian Government Statutory Authority with responsibilities under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act, 2013 (PGPA).
The ALC was created to carry out the functions specified to it by the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act, 1976 (ALRA). The ALC is one of four land councils in the Northern Territory, and its primary function is to advocate for the interests of the Anindilyakwa people and assist them to acquire and manage traditional lands and seas.
The ALC is governed by a Board representing the Traditional Owners of the Groote Archipelago. Within the Groote
Archipelago, there are 14 clan groups divided into two moieties, bound to each other by a strict kinship system. The Board comprises of clan representatives from the 14 clans and one community representative each from the communities of Angurugu, Umbakumba, and Milyakburra.
Board members are elected on a three-year cycle. The selection of the Board is defined within the Method of Choice, in accordance with section 29(1) of the ALRA and approved by the Responsible Minister. The ALC Chair and Deputy Chair are elected members of the Board.
The ALC Board provides strategic vision and oversight of the ALC, and the Chair and Deputy Chair are held accountant for their performance by the Board. The Board provides regular feedback to the Chair, Deputy Chair and CEO in respect to their duties and performance. The Accountable Authority for the ALC is the ALC Chair and the ALC Chief Executive Officer.
Board meetings are held no less frequently than quarterly in accordance with the ALC Board Rules. Check the ALC calendar for dates of past and upcoming meetings.
The ALC has various Committees to support efficient governance and comply with legislation, including the:
Minutes for ALC Board and Finance Committee meetings are available for inspection after they have been approved at the following meeting.
The current ALC board was elected in September 2024. The members are listed below.
Chair of the ALC: Cherelle Wurrawilya
Cherelle Wurrawilya is a prominent leader within the Anindilyakwa community and was elected the Chair of the ALC on the 28th of May 2024.
Cherelle has served as a member of the ALC Board since 2019, including as a member of the ALC’s Audit and Finance Committees, and has devoted herself to the Anindilyakwa community through numerous roles including Chair of the Anindilyakwa Housing Aboriginal Corporation, as a director of Aboriginal Housing NT, and through her work as a Community Housing Officer on Groote Eylandt for many years.
Cherelle is proud to be the first women Chair of the Anindilyakwa Land Council and looks forward to leading the important work that the ALC does for the Anindilyakwa people in reclaiming self-determination and setting up the Traditional Owners for a bright and sustainable future.
