News & Publications
The NLC draws line in sand on unlawful activity on Aboriginal land
Nov 4, 2020
The NLC has called for any person on Aboriginal land in the NLC area without a valid permit, lease or licence issued by the Land Council to leave immediately.

‘It’s always been in our hearts’ – an emotional day at Elliott for native title holders for Buchanan Downs and Hidden Valley pastoral leases
Oct 30, 2020
The Northern Land Council congratulates the native title holders of two Barkly Region pastoral leases for their hard work resulting in the long-overdue recognition of their native title rights to country in an historic ceremony at the Northern Territory town of Elliott yesterday.

‘Tears of joy for the old people’: native title holders celebrate recognition of rights in country
Oct 29, 2020
More than 150 people gathered at Old Banka Banka Homestead for a native title Consent Determination over pastoral leases in the Barkly region.

The Northern Land Council goes back to its roots - Territory Q magazine
Oct 8, 2020
The Northern Land Council has gone 'back to basics' - helping Aboriginal people acquire and manage their traditional lands and sea.
The NLC welcomes High Court decision that clarifies performance of native title functions
Oct 7, 2020
The Northern Land Council (the NLC) welcomes today’s unanimous decision by the High Court that the NLC has the power to delegate to its CEO and other staff members the job of certifying applications for registration of Indigenous land use agreements (ILUAs).
Malak Malak Traditional Owners launch Healthy Country Plan
Sep 25, 2020
The Malak Malak ranger base came to life last Tuesday 15 September with the ranger group hosting the long awaited launch of the Malak Malak Healthy Country Plan.
NLC welcomes recognition of native title rights to pastoral leases
Sep 22, 2020
The NLC congratulates native title holders of two pastoral leases for their hard work resulting in the long-overdue recognition of their native title rights to country.

Land Rights Act key for Mirarr traditional owners
Sep 3, 2020
A long struggle by the Mirarr people for ownership and control over the Jabiru township met with success today with the passage of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Amendment (Jabiru) Act 2020.
Blue Mud Bay Plan will protect Aboriginal sea country rights
Sep 1, 2020
On 29 July 2020 the NLC and the NT Government signed the Blue Mud Bay Action Plan.

2020-21 NLC Corporate Plan deferred
Aug 31, 2020
The NLC has deferred the publication of the 2020-21 Corporate Plan in accordance with the PGPA Rule until January 2021.
Blue Mud Bay Action deal will protect Aboriginal sea country rights
Aug 6, 2020
The NLC and the NT Government signed the Blue Mud Bay Action Plan on 29 July.

NT land councils: protection needed for remote drinking water supply
Jul 29, 2020
The four Northern Territory land councils condemn the unacceptable lack of protection for safe and adequate drinking water in the NT.

Kenbi Rangers inspire next generation to care for country
Jul 15, 2020
The Kenbi Rangers, along with a number of supporters and stakeholders, hosted a junior ranger camp over three days in July at Charles Point as part of their ongoing commitment to engaging with the local community.

Vale Jack Ah Kit – the NLC mourns the passing of a great leader
Jul 13, 2020
The Northern Land Council mourns the passing of John Ah Kit – known better to many as Jack Ah Kit or just Jack – who passed away on Sunday 12 July at the Royal Darwin Hospital.

Cool room breakdowns – no problem! Children go hunting at Wagiman Culture Camp
Jul 13, 2020
The otherwise quiet heritage site of Sawmill on the Wagiman Aboriginal Land Trust came to life on July 13 when the annual Wagiman Culture Camp - its diverse lineup of informative and entertaining guests – kicked off.

‘I want to excel’: young Galiwin’ku local thrives in traditional owner-funded position
Jul 10, 2020
Evellena Wanambi loves her job as a Youth Sport and Recreation (YSR) Officer at the East Arnhem Regional Council in Galiwin’ku. Thanks to funding provided by Galiwin’ku traditional owners, she is employed to support young people in her community to reach their potential.
NLC supports Kakadu traditional owners and calls for review of Parks’ management
Jul 8, 2020
The relationship between senior management and traditional owners at Kakadu national park requires urgent action to be resolved.
Traditional owners try tech to keep ancient language alive
Jul 8, 2020
Malak Malak traditional owners have funded the development of a language app containing over 300 words and phrases. The Malak Malak Vocab Builder is now available on the Google Play and App store.

NLC Annual Report 2018-19
Jul 2, 2020
The Northern Land Council Annual Report 2018-19 provides a comprehensive account of the Council's performance from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019.
NT land councils want borders to remain closed
Jun 25, 2020
The Central Land Council and Northern Land Council call on the NT Government to keep the NT borders with all other jurisdictions closed until community transmission of COVID-19 has been eliminated in Australia.
NLC update on permit conditions after 5 June 2020
Jun 4, 2020
Restrictions on travel to and from remote communities in the Northern Territory will be lifted on 5 June.
Land Rights Act key to cultural integrity for the Mirarr traditional owners of Jabiru
May 13, 2020
The NLC has welcomed the introduction of the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Amendment (Jabiru) Bill 2020 into the Federal Parliament.
Ranger Compliance Support Project Update April 2020
Apr 20, 2020
What you need to know about the Ranger Compliance Support Project at the NLC.
NLC’s Aboriginal language short films about COVID-19
Apr 4, 2020
“Stay on country, care for family” in Yolngu Matha, one of 18 language messages produced by the NLC.
NLC’s Chairman shares a message about Coronavirus
Mar 31, 2020
A message for all you mob in the NLC area from the Chairman, Samuel Bush-Blanasi. "Stay on country, look after your family and look after yourself."
New travel restrictions for communities in the NLC area
Mar 26, 2020
The Commonwealth government announced that from midnight, 26 March, anyone wanting to enter ‘designated areas’ in the NT will need to self-isolate for 14 days before they can enter.
Public information sheet from the NT Aboriginal Land Councils
Mar 20, 2020
An open message to traditional owners, remote community members and the public about the coronavirus pandemic from the four land councils in the NT.

NLC information on accessing Top End communities
Mar 18, 2020
The NLC has suspended all permits to enter Aboriginal land for non-essential travel in response to COVID-19
The NLC announces suspension of all permits to enter Aboriginal land for non-essential travel
Mar 14, 2020
At its meeting on 14 March 2020 the NLC Executive Council determined that all existing non-essential permits will be suspended and no new non-essential travel permits will be granted until further notice.
Remote Top End communities closed off to non-essential travel due to coronavirus - ABC News Darwin
Mar 14, 2020
Remote communities in the Northern Territory's Top End have been closed to all non-essential travel in response to concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

The NLC welcomes Aboriginal ranger funding extension
Mar 13, 2020
The NLC welcomes the announcement that the NIAA Indigenous Ranger Program funding will be extended for seven years.
The NLC backs NTG’s call to cancel non-essential trips to remote Aboriginal communities
Mar 12, 2020
The NLC's Executive Council has met with the Northern Territory Department of Health and the Danila Dilba Health Service’s CEO Ms Olga Havnen to examine strategies and information focused on protecting Aboriginal communities in the NLC’s region from the risk of coronavirus.