By JOHN REIDY & URAYNE WARRAWEENA

Indigenous Australia is fast learning that the road to self-determination comes through hard working leaders who demonstrate strong cultural, social and economic knowledge. 

All eyes are on Brewarrina as a new batch of emerging leaders demonstrate their acumen compounding success after success.  

In case you missed it, here's a quick look at the changing face of Indigenous leadership in Brewarrina.

With a majority Aboriginal population of 61.5% Brewarrina Shire Council has an enormous job ensuring local decisions represent their community base. 

For the first time in history Brewarrina is now represented by a strong Indigenous voice with the majority of Shire Councillors identifying as Aboriginal. 

The quality of local Indigenous leadership is fast becoming known to all.  This was demonstrated by Brewarrina’s Local Aboriginal Land Council who was just awarded the National Indigenous Governance Award for best small to medium incorporated organisation and their recent acquisition of 7,288 hectares of commercial land. 

Board Member Stephen Gordon and Chairman David Kirby (right) accept the Indigenous Governance Award on behalf of Brewarrina LALC on 8 June 2022.

With their biggest land claim now entering its final stages, the LALC is positioning itself to become a significant cultural and economic leader. 

When asked about future management, Brewarrina LALC Chairperson David Kirby said, “Cultural preservation of our land and our environment is the first priority of business for our Local Aboriginal Lands Council, that sets the platform for very strong governance.”   

The growing face of Indigenous leadership can now be seen throughout the community. 

Key local organisations Brewarrina Shire Council, Orana Haven, and Brewarrina TAFE all have strong Indigenous leaders at the helm and increasing numbers of Indigenous employees. 

Our biggest employer, Brewarrina Shire Council now boasts a 75% Indigenous workforce. 

No shire in NSW can boast an Indigenous workforce as strong, meaning the community as a whole can take pride in the steps taken on the road to self-determination. 

Taking Brewarrina forward involves ongoing commitment by local leaders. PHOTO SUPPLIED.

The value of Indigenous inclusion was best demonstrated when our community was faced with a 'once-in-a-generation' pandemic. 

Brewarrina LALC played an integral role in the Local Emergency Management Committee and our Indigenous workforce provided strong leadership and support. 

Like many other communities the threat came to us. 

Within hours our leadership teams united to identify and isolate over 200 close contacts, then worked together to effectively remove the threat from our community. 

Scott McLachlan, Chief Executive of Western NSW LHD described it as “one of the best approaches I’ve seen in a rural community”.    

Brewarrina’s Riverbank Blacks are fast proving they have the skills to lead, to problem solve, and unite to overcome this communities long history of adversity. 

Accepting a national Indigenous Governance Award in Sydney last month David Kirby told the audience, “We know what this fight is. We are going to continue this fight. That’s why The Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Lands Council is important, because us riverbank blacks, we’re going forward."   

View this Linked video to find out more.