Tiwi Land Council facts for kids

The Tiwi Land Council is an important group in the Northern Territory of Australia. It was started in 1978 to speak for the Aboriginal Australians who live on the Tiwi Islands. This council is one of four such groups in the Northern Territory.

The Tiwi people asked for this council to be formed. They wanted their special way of life and their islands to be recognized. This happened because of a law called the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. On September 7, 1978, a special meeting was held on Bathurst Island. The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Ian Viner, was there. This meeting officially created the Tiwi Land Council.

The Tiwi Land Council works to manage and protect the interests of the Tiwi people. Their goal is to help the Tiwi community stay strong and independent.

What the Tiwi Land Council Does

The Tiwi Land Council looks after the land and sea around the Tiwi Islands. This area includes Bathurst Island, Buchanan Island, and Melville Island. It also covers any island within 5.56 kilometers (about 3 nautical miles) of Melville Island's low water line. The council helps make sure the Tiwi people's rights to their land are respected. They also work on projects that help the community grow and thrive.

Leaders of the Tiwi Land Council

The Tiwi Land Council has had many leaders over the years. These leaders are chosen by the Tiwi people to represent them. They work hard to make important decisions for the community. The table below shows some of the people who have served as Chair of the council.