“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Anthropologist Margaret Mead (1901-1978). 

It may not be the 'sexiest' prize but the 270 odd members of the Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council have cause to celebrate this week, after being announced as a winner of a national award recognising outstanding governance in Indigenous-led organisations. 

Chairman David Kirby and Board Member Stephen Gordon accepted the 2022 Indigenous Governance Award on behalf of the Board, staff and members in front of a 900-strong crowd at a gala event hosted by Reconciliation Australia at the Sydney Convention Centre at Darling Harbour on Wednesday 8 June. 

Anyone familiar with Brewarrina's recent history will understand the magnitude of this achievement and realise why it is a landmark moment for all involved.

"For such a small community we've had two Royal Commissions, multiple Ombudsmans reports and inquiries, we've been a leader in Dropping Off the Edge data, and twice identified as the state's most disadvantaged community," said Land Council CEO John Reidy. 

"This all began to change in 2017 with the Land Council creating really strong Indigenous leadership, connecting all community groups, with governance at the base of that model." 

Over the past five years the organisation has gone from strength to strength and now provides strong on-ground support and leadership for their community. 

Their focus on good governance and openness to collaboration has made them a go-to partner - for crisis response, day-to-day service delivery and grass-roots change. 

This was demonstrated by the Land Council's role in the Local Emergency Management Committee which united their community to achieve a pandemic response that was described by Scott McLachlan, Chief Executive of Western NSW Local Health District as ‘’one of the best approaches I’ve seen in a rural community.’’   

They also provide practical support to external agencies seeking to better service their Brewarrina's residents including hosting last year’s Census survey and managing the local Housing for Health program.   

“The award is extremely important for a small and relatively new organisation such as ours because it signifies the progress made by community leaders who volunteer their time to see our whole community progress," said Chairperson David Kirby. 

"It gives us recognition for all the important work we do behind the scenes that people never get a chance to see." 

"For us that is important because it’s about building community confidence, better engagement, and increased participation now and into the future. This is only the beginning of something great for our little community and I am extremely proud of the hard work my fellow directors and CEO John Reidy do.” 

In the short time between being assessed as a finalist and winning the title, the LALC continued to expand its engagement potential with five new staff starting in pivotal community roles.   

“The LALC’s commitment to self-determination, job creation, and leadership development is yet to be realised," Mr Reidy said. 

 "As a one-person organisation with limited funds, volunteer directors, and occasional casual support staff, our LALC led a major pandemic response, hosted major government programs, and achieved repeated positive outcomes; all of which justify today’s status as National Indigenous Governance Champions. Now is the time to dream about tomorrow and what we can create for Brewarrina’s future.”