The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified Aboriginal people to fill 10 regional membership positions on the NSW Aboriginal Fishing Advisory Council (AFAC).
The available positions cover the Far Western, North West, Central, South Western, Northern, Far North Coast, North Coast, Sydney & Central Coast, South Coast and Far South Coast regions of the state.
“AFAC is the Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW’s peak advisory group for Aboriginal peoples’ fishing related interests, providing independent strategic advice on the fishing needs and aspirations of the state’s Aboriginal community”, said Sean Sloan, Deputy Director General, Fisheries.
“It also plays an important role in advising how the broader management measures across sectors stand to impact on Aboriginal peoples’ interests, as well as guidance over funding cultural fishing related projects and business opportunities,” he said.
The EOI process is hoping to attract members with diverse knowledge and experience to address the varied matters that will need focus. This includes cultural fishing access, and the social and cultural significance of commercial fishing for Aboriginal people.
“The AFAC members also need to have knowledge of and capacity to speak from their local region’s perspective on fisheries related issues,” Mr Sloan said.
“The regional representation ensures inland and coastal issues are considered across all fisheries related interest areas, whether they are wild harvest, aquaculture, or associated fields.”
Mr Sloan also thanked the outgoing AFAC members for their service and dedication in progressing several important initiatives for the Aboriginal fishing community, including the establishment and implementation of the Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund to support Aboriginal communities to participate in cultural and commercial fishing.
“The Council has also had a major focus on developing cultural fishing access, and members have contributed towards the trial approach of local management plans to address cultural fishing needs of communities” he said.
“AFAC plays an important role in embedding Aboriginal cultural values in fisheries policy and management, and I’d like to see the past and current work of AFAC continue to be built on through members who desire to drive positive outcomes for their communities.”
All 14& AFAC members’ three-year terms recently expired. The maximum term of appointment on AFAC is three years with past members eligible for re-appointment.
