La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council

La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council is one of the founding land councils in New South Wales. It is also one of the smallest covering, covering the land from the south head of Sydney Harbour down to Royal National Park, just north of Wollongong. It is the representative body of the La Perouse Aboriginal community, which was one of the first Aboriginal reserves in New South Wales.

The council plays a key role in the protection and promotion of cultural heritage in the area, operates an Indigenous rangers’ program and provides support to its members in the form of social housing, youth and social services. The organisation also maintains a large property portfolio.

In recent years the council has invested heavily in the young people of La Perouse — the future leaders of the community — by providing leadership, educational and cultural programs.

The La Perouse Peninsula is the northern headland of Kamay, also referred to as Botany Bay. It was on the southern shores of Kamay, at the place now known as Kurnell, that Lieutenant James Cook and the Endeavour landed for eight days in 1770.

The year 2020 marks 250 years since this landing. As the first place that Cook and the crew of the Endeavour made landfall on the continent, Kamay is an important site in the commemorations.

Cultural Connections is partnering with the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council to support the employment of 2020 Projects Officer Stacey Foster.

Stacey is working with the local La Perouse community to support their contribution and participation in local events that mark the 250th anniversary of the Endeavour’s voyage.

The council is supporting Stacey to develop and deliver a project that enables the La Perouse community to both reflect upon and share the local story of 1770 from their perspective, as well as share, celebrate and strengthen their culture and community.

Chris Ingrey, Chief Executive Officer, La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council:

Our involvement in the Cultural Connections program ensures our community are actively contributing to the narrative of 29 April 2020 and allow our mob to tell our story of the Endeavour’s arrival to our Country for the first time. We are excited to build a relationship with other Indigenous communities and cultural institutions in Australia and overseas.