Did you know that ownership of the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence economic hub on George St, has now been handed over to the NSW Aboriginal Land Council?
NSWALC Chairman Danny Chapman welcomed the development of the transfer after ironing out the acquisition’s many “complex layers.” With the arrangement finalised, following discussions with the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC), Chapman said they could look forward to working with the community.
Mr Chapman added that the site is “synonymous with the uplift of our people.” With NSWALC’s ownership, the full potential of National Centre of Indigenous Excellence will be fully achieved.
The Redfern property was once the former Redfern Public School but was bought in 2010 by the ILSC for the Federal Government. ILSC Group chief executive Joe Morrison said the handover aligned with its thrust to return assets entitled to the First Nations people.
The ILSC is shifting its objectives and plans to provide more support and means to allow Indigenous Australians to manage their own assets.
The decision comes after ILSC’s controversy in 2021 when several of its board directors and executives resigned amidst the negotiations of the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence turnover.
The NCIE is regarded as the “beating heart of urban Aboriginal Australia,” according to a former executive. Its heritage-listed buildings as office spaces, accommodation, conference rooms, a purpose-built gym and aquatics centre, and a sports field.
