Meet the Toomelah Local Aboriginal Land Council (TLALC)
Toomelah Local Aboriginal Land Council (TLALC) is located in Northern NSW on the Queensland border. Initially established as a mission reserve in 1938, TLALC took ownership of the land in 1984. The TLALC works on behalf of the Gomeroi people who call Toomelah and Boggabilla home, to manage the land and represent community interests.
Community Aspirations
As the community is isolated and remote with a high unemployment rate, one of TLALC’s long term goals is to create a sustainable economy through building up capability and driving business development within the community.
Economic Development Journey
Key business development stages that TLALC went through include:
- 2008: TLALC granted freehold title of Toomelah.
- 2016: Joined CED program to support the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program (AACAP), delivered through a partnership between the Australian Army and NIAA.
- 2017: Multipurpose Hall repurposed to generate sustainable revenue. Many Rivers assisted with maintenance and repair costs, insurance requirements, and connection to utilities.
- 2018: Began consultations with Inland Rail company to create opportunities in employment, business and community wellbeing.
- 2019: Development of three cultural appreciation tours, led by Elders of the community, for Inland Rail.
- 2020: Successfully secured several community grant applications, including funding for sporting and fitness equipment, and waste
- 2022: Successfully secured a $75,000 grant from NSW EPA to clean up an illegal dumping site at Toomelah. The project also aims to clean up the site, fix fencing, install gates, signage, and beautify the area upon conclusion of the clean-up.
- 2023: Successfully implemented flood recovery and infrastructure development initiative valued at $1.2 million, creating six new jobs for Toomelah residents.
The future for TLALC
TLALC intends to secure more services, grants and resources that will assist with upcoming projects, property management and business development. A long-term goal is to achieve self-management of housing services in Toomelah.
