Meet the
Board Member

Elected 2023 - 2027

Our elected Board members are committed to protecting and preserving the rich cultural heritage, and empowering our people through strong leadership, good governance, and a shared vision for self-determination.

Guided by the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW) and supported through our relationship with the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council (WLALC) Board works tirelessly to ensure that the legacy of our community members continues to grow, thrive and prosper for generations to come.

Leigh Ridgeway

Chairperson

Nadine Wood

Deputy Chair

Aunty Val Merrick

Board Member

Uncle Neville Lilley

Board Member

Aunty Rhonda Finlay

Board Member

Uncle Allan Anderson

Board Member

Anthony Anderson

Board Member

Glen Newlin

Board Member

Lindsay Ridgeway

Board Member

Aunty Elizabeth McEntyre

Board Member

Board
Responsibilities

At the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council (WLALC), our Board plays a vital role in guiding the organisation in line with the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (ALRA) and our Community Land & Business Plan (CLBP). Board decisions are made with the community at heart, supporting sustainable growth, cultural strength, and community wellbeing.

Our Core Responsibilities

Land Rights & Management The lodgement of Aboriginal Land Claims (ALC’s) and the administration of land/s with careful consideration and balance of social, cultural and economic benefit to our community.

Social Housing Support
Oversees the Social Housing Scheme to provide secure and supportive housing for Aboriginal people in our community.

Financial Stewardship
Fiscal governance of Worimi LALC accounts and overseeing project/s transparency.

Training, Development & Employment
Creating ‘real opportunities’ for local community members to acquire and build skills, securing meaningful employment across WLALC enterprises and external opportunities.

Advocacy for Our People
Focus on protecting and promoting the rights and interests of Aboriginal people living within the WLALC boundary, including those that are
not members.

Business & Community Ventures

We invest in and manage a range of social and commercial enterprises, including:

  • Sand Dune Adventures (tourism)

  • Cultural Heritage & Education (corporate and curriculum-aligned programs)

  • Murrook Green Team (natural resource and land care)

  • Murrook Conferencing, Events & Catering

  • Murrook Gallery, Exhibition & Museum Spaces

Empowering Community Self-Determination
We are committed to the empowerment of Aboriginal people. Rather than duplicating specialist services such as health or legal care, we connect our members with trusted providers and support networks to deliver real outcomes in housing, health, education, and justice.

Operating with Integrity

With a strong and proven commitment to governance. transparency, accountability, the WLALC Board are working in genuine partnership with community, government, and industry (upholding all functions under Section 52 of the ALRA, as well as any other laws applicable to all operations) for the betterment and opportunity to OUR COMMUNITY.