NLC pays tribute to outgoing Central Land Council chairman Sammy Wilson and deputy chairwoman Barb Shaw

NLC

The Northern Land Council welcomes the news of the election of Mr Robert Hoosan as Central Land Council chair and Warren Williams as deputy chair at the CLC’s meeting at Tennant Creek yesterday.

NLC chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi said he is looking forward to working closely with Mr Hoosan and Mr Williams and continuing the strong relationship between the two Land Councils.

“I would like to personally congratulate Mr Hoosan and Mr Williams on their election as chair and deputy chair,” he said.

“Mr Hoosan’s extensive working life as a CLC field officer, former police officer, health worker, board member of AAPA, amongst other roles, means that he will bring a wealth of management skills and experience to his new role.

“This coupled with Mr Williams’ background as a former assistant school principal and his current roles with the Central Desert Shire Council and Yuendumu’s Warlpiri Youth Development Aboriginal Corporation will no doubt ensure strong leadership at the CLC.”

Mr Bush-Blanasi speaks fondly of outgoing Mr Wilson and deputy chair Barb Shaw: “I wish my friends Sammy and Barb well on the next chapter of their lives”.

“I spent many hours talking with Sammy during the Covid-19 pandemic and I’m thankful that we were able to work so well together to keep our people safe.

“Sammy was instrumental in driving through the historic Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (Cth) (ALRA) reforms over the last three years and I’m grateful for his hard work in this area.”

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