Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee
The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee was established in 2006. It currently advises the Minister for the Environment and the Director General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet on matters relating to the identification, assessment and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage in NSW.
Role of the committee
The committee provides advice on high level Aboriginal cultural heritage issues, including management policies; identification, assessment and protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage; and legislative reform.
Committee vision
That Aboriginal people’s Country, culture, physical and spiritual connection to their land and waters is recognised, cared for and respected by all people, today and into the future.
Committee targets
To improve identification and protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage.
To increase participation of Aboriginal people in management and protection of Country, including joint management of national parks.
To support Aboriginal landowners to manage their lands for socioeconomic, cultural and environmental outcomes.
Committee members
The committee comprises 13 members appointed by the Minister for the Environment, and one ex-officio member from OEH. The ex-officio member is a non-voting member of the committee.
Committee members have vast and diverse knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and heritage, knowledge which is unique because it comes from their own experiences of working on Country in their local communities. Membership reflects the diversity of the Aboriginal population of NSW and achieves a gender balance. Membership includes:
a nominee of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC)
a nominee of the Heritage Council of NSW
a nominee of NTSCORP Limited
members of Local Aboriginal Land Councils
nominees of Aboriginal Elders Groups
Aboriginal owners listed on the register under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983
Registered Native Title Claimants.
Committee membership
Current committee members are:
Mr Victor Perry – Chair
Mr Larry Kelly
Ms Glenda Chalker – Deputy Chair
Mr Steven Meredith
Ms Maureen O’Donnell
Mr Ian Woods
Ms Viola Brown
NSWALC nominee - vacant
Ms Olivia Williams
Heritage Council of NSW nominee - vacant
Ms Merle Williams
NTSCORP nominee - Vacant
Mr Robin Heath
Norman Laing - OEH ex-officio member.
How often does the committee meet?
The committee meets at least three times per year.
The committee may, by resolution, hold one regional meeting per year. Ordinary meetings are otherwise held at the National Parks and Wildlife Service Gap Bluff Centre at Watson’s Bay, Sydney.
The scheduled meeting dates for 2012 are:
Who administers the committee?
OEH's Country, Culture and Heritage Division provide strategic and logistical support to the committee. The Aboriginal Affairs Strategy and Coordination Branch provide Secretariat services to the Committee.
On behalf of the Director General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Executive Director, Country, Culture and Heritage Division (OEH) will attend committee meetings in a non-voting advisory and support capacity.
For further information and advice about the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee please contact the Committee Secretariat:
ACHAC Secretariat
C/- Country, Culture and Heritage Division
Office of Environment and Heritage
PO Box 1967
Hurstville BC NSW 1481
Email: ACH.advisorycommittee@environment.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 02 9585 6593
Page last updated: 25 May 2012
