New Era for NSW Aboriginal Land Council: Leadership Set for 2026

In Short

• Leadership Confirmed: Dr Raymond Kelly remains Chairperson, while Wiradjuri/Ngiyampaa woman Cr Leeanne Hampton is elected as the new Deputy Chairperson.
• Western Region Continuity: Outgoing Deputy Cr Ross Hampton remains the dedicated Councillor for the Western Region, continuing his focus on Balranald, Ivanhoe, and Wilcannia.
• Strategic Pivot: The Council is moving toward a "human rights approach," prioritizing land activation and culture-based outcomes for the 121 Local Aboriginal Land Councils.

The New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) has formalised its leadership for 2026, re-electing its Chairperson and appointing a new Deputy Chairperson during the Council's first meeting of the year.

The appointments come as the Council seeks to align its strategic direction with the future of land rights across the state, including the Western and Wiradjuri regions.

Leadership Changes

Dr Raymond Kelly, Councillor for the Sydney/Newcastle Region, was re-elected as Chairperson. Councillor Leeanne Hampton, representing the Wiradjuri Region, was elected as the new Deputy Chairperson. Both positions were uncontested.

Cr Leeanne Hampton, a Wiradjuri/Ngiyampaa woman from West Wyalong, has served as a Councillor since 2019 and is a member of the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee.

She succeeds Cr Ross Hampton, who chose not to stand for re-election to the Deputy role. Cr Ross Hampton will remain the Councillor for the Western Region, a position he has held since 2019. In this capacity, he continues to represent the interests of Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) across the far west, including those in Balranald, Ivanhoe, and Wilcannia.

Regional and Strategic Focus

The leadership transition is reported by NSWALC to reflect a shift toward a rights-based approach to culture and heritage. The appointment of Cr Leeanne Hampton also aligns the peak body with a broader trend across the network, where 54 per cent of LALC Boards currently maintain a female-majority structure.

Chairperson Dr Raymond Kelly stated that the network is at a "pivotal moment" and highlighted the ongoing work in land acquisition and activation.

"The Aboriginal Land Rights Network is at a pivotal moment in time. In recent years, we have taken deliberate, strategic steps to strengthen our organisation and the support we provide to Local Aboriginal Land Councils across New South Wales," Dr Kelly said.

"We are proud of the work we are undertaking across the Network and what it is doing to uphold our vision for Aboriginal Land Rights in this State - land acquisition and activation, building on the strengths of our communities, protecting and promoting our Culture and Heritage, and securing our futures".

"We are bringing a human rights approach back to Land Rights and are committed to working with all levels of Government and our communities to have better outcome-based programs and services".

Commitment to Community Outcomes

The incoming Deputy Chairperson, Cr Leeanne Hampton, expressed her commitment to the role and the pursuit of self-determination for Aboriginal people.

"I’m very honoured to be elected as NSWALC Deputy Chairperson by my fellow Councillors," said Cr Hampton. 

"NSWALC is building on strong foundations to secure a stronger, more self-determined future for Aboriginal people across New South Wales. I am deeply committed to this work and take on the responsibility of serving as Deputy Chairperson".

The Council has indicated it will continue to advocate for the efficient processing of land claims and the delivery of services to the 121 Local Aboriginal Land Councils across the state.