Aboriginal Advisory Committee - 03/03/2026

Topics

• Aboriginal advisory committee appoints representatives to reconciliation yarning group
  Committee formally named its representatives and substitute for the Reconciliation Action Plan Yarning Group.
  This sets who will speak for the committee in ongoing reconciliation planning and engagement.
• Comberton Grange Rd closure matter stays on committee agenda
  The committee resolved to keep supporting and pursuing a status update on the road closure.
  Residents and nearby land users may be affected by how the closure is handled and when updates are provided.
• Jerry Bailey Burial Ground project moves into new engagement phase
  The project is progressing from Phase One to Phase Two with a steering committee and elder consultation.
  Signals continued culturally sensitive planning for a significant community and heritage site.

Decisions

• Confirmation of previous minutes
  The committee confirmed the minutes of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee meeting held on 4 November 2025.
  Confirms the official record of earlier committee business and decisions.
• Action table updated and completed items removed
  Members received the Update on Actions Report, acknowledged three actions as complete, and removed them from the action table: membership appointment for Paul McLeod, the action table report from 25 August 2025, and the deferred Reconciliation Action Plan yarning group nomination item.
  Shows which committee tasks have been finalised and what is no longer under active follow-up.
• Yarning Group representatives nominated
  The committee nominated Mr Allen Bloxsome and Mr Charlie Ashby as representatives, with Uncle Paul McLeod as substitute representative, for the Reconciliation Action Plan Yarning Group.
  Affects how Aboriginal community input is represented in the Reconciliation Action Plan process.
• Comberton Grange Rd road closure support continued
  The committee resolved to continue supporting and pursuing a report-back on the status update for the Comberton Grange Rd road closure matter.
  Keeps pressure on a local road closure issue that may affect residents and access in the area.

Discussion

• Reconciliation Action Plan Yarning Group
  The committee formalised who will represent it on the Yarning Group as part of ongoing Reconciliation Action Plan work.
  Shapes Aboriginal community involvement in council reconciliation planning and engagement.
• Comberton Grange Rd road closure
  The committee elected to keep supporting and pursuing a status update on the road closure matter.
  May affect local traffic, access and community movement around the Comberton area.
• Jerry Bailey Burial Ground project progression
  The meeting notes indicate the project is moving from Phase One to Phase Two, with a Steering Committee to be established and further engagement with Elders, the Mayor, the CEO and community members.
  Signals continued culturally appropriate planning for a significant local heritage/burial site.

Impacts

• Aboriginal community representatives will continue to be involved in reconciliation planning through the Yarning Group.
• Residents affected by the Comberton Grange Rd road closure matter may see continued council follow-up.
• The Jerry Bailey Burial Ground project is entering a new engagement phase, which may influence future decisions and consultation.

Places

• Comberton Grange Rd (road)
  Road closure status update and ongoing committee support
• Jerry Bailey Burial Ground (project area)
  Project moving from Phase One to Phase Two with further community engagement
• Nowra (town)
  Meeting location and local council area

Next

• Issue invitations to Elders to join the Steering Committee for the Jerry Bailey Burial Ground project
  Next phase of the project
• Continue engagement with the Mayor, CEO and community members on the Jerry Bailey Burial Ground project
  Ongoing
• Pursue a report-back on the status update for the Comberton Grange Rd road closure
  Ongoing
• Progress the Reconciliation Action Plan Yarning Group with the nominated representatives
  Ongoing

Extract

Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF THE ABORIGINAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Meeting Date: Tuesday, 3 March 2026 Location: Osprey & Orchid Training Rooms, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra Time: 5:09 PM The following members were present: Ms Natalie Lloyd (Remotely) Mayor Patricia White Cr Gillian Boyd (Remotely) Uncle Paul McLeod Cr Jemma Tribe (Remotely) Cr Debbie Killian Ms Sharlene Cruickshank Mr Charlie Ashby (Remotely) Mr Allen Bloxsome Uncle Sonny Sims - Nowra LALC Others present: Mr Andrew Constance - Chief Executive Officer Ms Lauren Buckingham – Manager Customer and Community Services (Acting Chairperson) Mr Colin Moore – Aboriginal Communities Partner Ms Katie Buckman – Director Cit...