Who can become a member?

To apply, you must be:

• An Aboriginal person aged 18 or older, and

  – Residing in the WLALC’s gazetted boundary area; OR
  – Having a recognised Cultural Association with the area; OR
  – Be a Registered Aboriginal Owner for lands in the Land Councils boundary

  
  ALL NEW MEMBERSHIPS are tabled at duly constituted meetings of Members, who receive membership information and vote to approve/reject the application.   

  NOTE: The board, staff or admin cannot accept or reject the application; this action can only be determined by Members present at the meeting. 
  

What is the application process?

• Initial Review – Applications are registered in the incoming correspondence and documents are reviewed and tabled for the Boards review

• Board Review – WLALC Board assess applications for supporting documentation and might seek additional information, providing commentary to the members

• Members Meeting – ALL Applications are tabled for Members Voting (approved or rejected)

• IF APPROVED – Applications are entered onto the membership roll and sent to the Registrar’s Office for the same

• IF REJECTED – Applicants are informed as to the reasons why Members rejected the application and either further information is sought, or the paperwork is returned to the applicant

The WLALC is required to host 4 meetings per annum; so the turnaround and timing of NEW Membership Applications is determined by the ‘date of lodgement/receipt’  and can take as long as 1 week to 3 months to be processed.

What documents are required?

Applicants are ONLY required to complete and submit the Membership form however; we encourage applicants (where possible) to also provide copies of: 

• Applicants Birth Certificate and added certificates that create a family timeline of reliability that supports the applicant’s assertion to being Aboriginal, 

• Photo Identification and signed affidavit from JP

• Family Tree history records from NTSCORP

• Confirmation of Aboriginality (with common seal) from another LALC

NOTE: We DO NOT store personal documents. 
Originals or certified copies are returned after review.

Can I get a Confirmation of Aboriginality?

We ONLY provide Confirmation of Membership after you’ve become a member. Membership must be confirmed through a resolution passed by voting members as explained earlier, and by virtue of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983, you can only be a member if you have been recognised and accepted by the Members.  The Common Seal can be applied (if requested and approved), and the letter is weighted the same as a Confirmation of Aboriginality. 

What’s the difference between voting and non-voting, and can I be a member at more than one Land Council?

• Voting members vote on Memberships and land dealings and, if they attend at least two meetings in the 12 months prior to an election, are eligible to be nominated, nominate some who is eligible and be elected to the Board

• Non-voting members can attend meetings and receive all of the same benefits and opportunities, but do not vote, nor can they 

• You may be a member of multiple LALCs; IF you pass the approval criteria noted earlier, however, you can ONLY nominate your voting rights to be at one LALC, and you will be a non-voting member at all others (changeable once per year).
  

How can I support WLALC?

• Apply for membership (if eligible)

• Volunteer at events

• Attend our programs

• Make a donation

Your support helps us preserve and share our culture.

How do I contact WLALC?

• Visit our office during business hours. Monday to Friday 9:00 am–2:30 pm.

• Call us on (02) 4033 8800 during business hours. Monday to Friday 9:00 am–2:30 pm.

• Email us at reception@worimi.org.au ; OR

• Go to our Contact Us page
  

We’re here to help — whether it’s with membership, cultural questions, or community support.