AFTER a fair effort at the helm of Armidale Local Aboriginal Lands Council, Collin Ahoy is walking away from the top job.
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Mr Ahoy announced this week he would not be contesting the role as chairman at the council’s annual meeting next Wednesday.
But before bowing out, he said he would leave the council in a strong position.
“The current board and staff have left the Local Land Council in a healthier state of affairs,” he said.
“Members can also be proud of Armidale’s Land Council having continued a sound track record on delivering clear audits over the past six or seven years.”
Mr Ahoy thanked the council’s senior administration officer June French and chief executive Michael Brogan for their efforts in working to lead the council to its current state from a once “highly dysfunctional” position.
“By reducing the burden of debt and enabling the Land Council to operate at low risk, the organisation now works at full capacity, in accordance with the funding agreement set out by NSW Aboriginal Land Council,” he said.
“Effective changes in recent years for the Armidale Local Aboriginal Land Council include the re-established Community Land and Business Plan that now needs to be implemented and supported by members.”
Despite the progress made during his time as chairman, Mr Ahoy said there was still plenty of work to be done.
“In the year ahead, a priority for the Land Council will be to turn its attention to the signing over of Mt Yarrowyck Nature Reserve to Traditional Aboriginal owners and management by both Anaiwan and Armidale Land Councils,” he said.
“In light of the Crown Lands review there is a need for the Land Council to assess our current land assets and conduct an audit on undetermined land claims dating back almost 30 years.
“The long term future and greater success for the Land Council will be reliant upon members implementing the Community Land and Business Plan over the next four to five years, achievable now the Land Council no longer carries a debt over its head.”
Candidates for the Armidale Local Aboriginal Land Council’s board are expected to come forward at the meeting on October 14.
It is understood the chair of the council will be elected by the end of the month.
