Yamba - Yaegl Country
Aboriginal Affairs’ Northern regional office is based in Coffs Harbour, on the traditional land of the Gumbaynggirr people. The Northern region includes Biripi, Dunghutti, Gumbaynggirr, Yaegl and Bundjalung Country.
We partner with 24 Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) to support 19 Discrete Aboriginal Communities (DACs) in the Northern region. The LALC's we partner with are Birpai, Bowraville, Bunyah, Coffs Harbour, Forster, Karuah, Kempsey, Nambucca Heads, Purfleet/Taree, Thunggutti, Unkya, Baryulgil Square, Birrigan Gargle, Bogal, Casino-Boolangle, Grafton Ngerrie, Gugin Gudduba, Jali, Jana Ngalee, Jubullum, Muli Muli, Ngulingah, Tweed/Byron, Yaegl
Northern Team support and collaborate with over 150 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation's (ACCO's) across the Northern Region who are paramount to service delivery, support self-determination and advocacy across the region.
Northern Team play an integral role during emergencies, advocating alongside and for Aboriginal communities, affected by floods, fires, cyclones, and pandemics. The Northern team embed within the local and regional emergency governance structures to ensure improved outcomes for the Aboriginal community.
Image: Gumbaynggirr Country, New England National Park, Northern Region
Programs
In the Northern Region, Aboriginal Affairs NSW is supporting discrete Aboriginal communities (DACs) to lead emergency management planning through the Aboriginal Community Emergency Management Program (ACEMP). This initiative integrates cultural knowledge and capacity to strengthen communities preparedness for, responding to, and recovering from disasters such as bushfires, floods and storms.
Through genuine community-led planning, ACEMP empowers Aboriginal knowledge holders and communities to develop culturally grounded emergency management plans, and access training in areas like bushfire safety and first response. By recognising the unique strengths of each community, ACEMP ensures emergency planning is not only effective but grounded in cultural knowledge and local priorities.
Aboriginal Affairs NSW is leading the assessment of infrastructure conditions in DAC's across the Northern region. This initiative will help plan future upgrades and repairs, ensuring communities receive the support and investment they need. Learn more about this project.
Thunghutti Country & Community at an ACEMP event
Grants
Aboriginal Affairs NSW offers regular grants to support Aboriginal people and communities to thrive.
Our grants recognise that Aboriginal organisations are best placed to deliver programs that support culture, community, economic development, and healing.
If you live in the Northern region and would like information or support in applying for a grant opportunity, please contact us.
To learn more about relevant opportunities, please visit the Grants and funding for Aboriginal people and communities in NSW page.
Aboriginal Affairs NSW/Saltwater Freshwater Festival use only
The Cultural Grants Program supports Aboriginal community organisations and groups across NSW to celebrate Aboriginal culture and hold cultural events and activities.
Jana Ngalee Local Aboriginal Land Council/Aboriginal Affairs NSW use only
Aboriginal Affairs NSW supports NAIDOC events and activities across NSW, to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, through an open and competitive grant funding opportunity.
Koori Kitchen, Bundjalung Country, Lismore
The Minister’s Discretionary Fund (MDF) supports Aboriginal Community Organisations and individuals in NSW to deliver services/projects which are identified by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty.
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Contact Us
Call: 9566 8318 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday
Email: northernregion@aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au
Address: Level 2, Suite 1, 43 Gordon Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450