Traditional owners are celebrating the resolution of one of NSW’s oldest land claims, after almost 40 years of advocacy.

The resolution of the claim means that a number of culturally significant places in Brewarrina will be transferred to the Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC). Other parcels of land will also be transferred to the LALC for economic activation by traditional owners.

The claim was first lodged by the chair of the Brewarrina LALC, Ernest Gordon in 1984.

The Brewarrina LALC and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) have lauded the resolution of the claim after almost four decades.

Brewarrina LALC Chairperson Peter Gordon acknowledged the historical significance of resolving this long outstanding claim.

“The resolution of this claim, that dates back to the beginning of land rights, brings great satisfaction and pride to our Community,” Mr Gordon said.

“This achievement is a testament to the commitment and persistence of all those land rights legends who have gone before us. It’s now our time to add to their legacy.”

Cr Raymond Kelly, Chair of the NSWALC, echoed the claim, describing the resolution as “significant.”

“We are celebrating with all of Brewarrina. We look forward to working with Brewarrina LALC to deliver the tangible economic, social and cultural benefits that will flow from the return of these lands,” Mr Kelly said.

In signing off the resolution of the land claim, Minister for Lands, Steve Kamper, recognised the importance of this historic achievement.

“The return of such an important area of land to the people of Brewarrina will provide the Brewarrina community, the LALC and Shire with certainty and a significant platform for cultural and economic outcomes,” Minister Kamper said.

Brewarrina, in north-western NSW on the banks of the Barwon River, has a significant Aboriginal population. It was the site of the Hospital Creek Massacre, where between 300 and 400 local Aboriginal men, women and children were murdered in 1859.