About Us
About the Trust
The Aboriginal Lands Trust was first established by the Aboriginal Lands Trust Act 1966 (SA), which provided for the transfer of land by the Crown to the Trust, to be held and managed by Aboriginal people for the ongoing benefit of all Aboriginal South Australians.
The Trust’s lands are predominantly comprised of former state created Aboriginal ‘missions’ and ‘reserves’, which were vested in the Trust when it began. The Trust now also holds additional lands that have been transferred to or purchased by the Trust since establishment.
The Trust Board is appointed by the Governor on advice from the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. The Trust may lease, mortgage, develop, or otherwise deal with Trust Land.
Both Houses of Parliament are required to approve the sale of Trust land, which can only occur if native title would not arise upon sale. The Trust may use its resources for economic development and improvement of Trust Land and to purchase further Land. The Trust currently holds title to 65 properties comprising some 5,420 square kilometres.
The Trust now continues in existence under the Aboriginal Lands Trust Act 2013 (SA) (Act), the objects of which are:
(a) enabling the Trust to acquire, hold and deal with Trust Land for the continuing benefit of Aboriginal South Australians
(b) ensuring that Trust Land is not alienated except in accordance with the Act
(c) establishing mechanisms for the efficient and effective administration of the Trust
(d) providing for the efficient and effective management and development of Trust Land
(e) ensuring Aboriginal people with an interest in particular Trust Land are consulted, and their views considered, in any decisions relating to that Trust Land
(f) increasing opportunities for economic development on Trust Land.
The Trust meets these responsibilities by organising the leasing of land to Communities and managing natural resource management programs to improve the condition of the land. The Trust seeks and has been granted funds from various organisations to undertake land care projects in conjunction with Aboriginal Communities and other landholders. These projects not only benefit landholders, but enabled the Trust to take a more direct and proactive role in working directly with local Aboriginal Communities, individuals and both State and Federal government agencies.
While not part of the public service, the Trust is an Instrumentality of the Crown and part of the wider public sector.
Find more information about the Act here.
Board Members
The Trust Board consists of up to eight Aboriginal people appointed by the Governor. Members are nominated by the Minister on the recommendation of a selection panel after a public call for nominations. Members must collectively have knowledge, skills and experience in the following areas:
- South Australian Aboriginal community life and culture generally
- residential community life and culture on Trust Land
- the management and conservation of natural resources
- the management of agricultural and pastoral land
- commercial enterprise development
- property management and development; ecologically sustainable development
- corporate governance and administration.
Darrien Bromley
Adnyamathanha/Narungga
Presiding Member
- SAACCON Leadership Group Member
- ADAC Board Member
- Board Advisor National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Housing Association
- Member National Housing Policy Partnership (SA ACCO Rep)
- Graduate Certificate in Management
- Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management
- Diploma of Business
- Board Member, SA Aboriginal Lands Trust
Special Responsibilities
Teresa Brady
Board Member
- Aboriginal Lands Trust Board
- Aroona Aboriginal Council Inc (Previous Chairperson)
- Copley District Progress Association
- ATLA Member
- Dieri Kuyani Member
Sandra Miller
Wirangu
Board Member
- 2023 Senior Australian of the Year
- Areas of interest include: Child Protection, Rights for First Nations People of Australia across all human services, and Aboriginal Health
- Women & Children Health Network Board Member
- Indigenous Peoples Network of Australia Board Member
- Wirangu & NAUO Native Title Board Member
- Wakwakarna Kanryni SA Australian Peak Body for Aboriginal Children & Families Board Member
Glen Wingfield
Kokotha/Arabana
Board Member
- SA Community Coordinator, First Nations Clean Energy
- 2020 Port Augusta NAIDOC Person of the Year
- ALT Board Member
- Chairman for ALRM
- Director for Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation
- Board member for Arabana Aboriginal Corporation
Honour Roll
- Mr Tim Hughes
- Ms Natasha McNamara
- Mr Garnet Wilson
- Mr Timothy Hughes – 1966 to 1972
- Mr Charles Agius – 1973 to 1975
- Mr Garnett Wilson OAM – 1975 to 1998
- Mr George Tongerie AM JP – 1999 to 2012
- Mr Haydyn Davey – 01/07/2012 to 30/06/2014
- Mr Haydyn Bromley – 16/10/2014 to 27/02/2020
- Ms Karen Sinclair (First Female Chair) – 03/09/2020 to 17/07/2023 and 14/09/2023 to 09/04/2024
- Mr Darrien Bromley – 09/04/2024 to present
- Chris Larkin
- John Chester
- Kerry Colbung
- Grant Rigney
- Klynton Wanganeen
- Kerri Wilson
- Ms Natasha McNamara
- Mr Garnet Wilson
- Ms Ruby Hammond
- Mr Thomas Newchurch
- Mr Leslie Buckskin
- Mr Horace Wilson
- Mr Charlie Agius
- Mr Arthur Lovegrove
- Ms Mona Tur
- Mr Phillip Milera
- Mr Jeff Carter Snr
- Mr Bert Clark
- Mr William Coleman
- Mr Colin Cook
- Mr Terrence Peel
- Ms Valeta Rigney
- Mr Ronald Newchurch Jnr
- Mr Howard Sumner
- Mr Mervyn Day
- Mr Henry Rankine
- Mr Danny Chuna
- Ms Patricia Katinyeri
- Mr Daniel Dolson
- Mr Cecil Betts
- Mr Huey Windlass
- Mr Gregory Peel
- Mr Noel Wilson
- Mr Robert Ware
- Mr Ben Jackson
- Mr Llewelyn McLennan
- Mr Charlie Tunkin
- Ms Clara Coulthard
- Mr Tim Agius
- Mr Anthony Walker
- Mr Sydney Jackson
- Mr Lindsay Poopiddee
- Mr Les Coulthard
- Mr George Tongerie
- Mr Mickey Samuels
- Mr Leo Coulthard
- Mr Lindsay Wilson
- Mr Malcolm Domaschenz
- Mr Brandon McNamara
- Mr Lance Warren
- Mr David Lawrie
- Mr Keith Aitken
- Mr Sonny Pepper
- Mr Wayne Miller
- Mr Lyall Warren
- Mr Jim Abdulla
- Mr David Crombie
- Mr Reg Dodd
- Mr Rupert Lawrie
- Ms Christine Lennon
- Mr Leith Miller
- Ms Elaine Newchurch
- Ms Marie Thornhill
- Mr Kurt Dudley
- Mr George Cooley
- Mr Haydn Davey
- Mr George Reid
- Mr Alan Dodd
- Mr Dwayne Edwards
- Ms Mabel Lochowiak
- Ms Roseanne Woodforde
- Mr Peter Rigney
- Mr Kingsley Abdulla
- Mr Harry Miller
- Mr Derek Walker
- Mr Brett Miller
- Mr Keith Peters
- Ms Anna Lennon
- Mr Bernard Porter
- Ms Christine Lennon
- Mr Les Burton
- Ms Margaret McKenzie
- Mr Tom Ware
- Mr Steven Walker
- Ms Cynthia Newchurch
- Mr Kahran McKenzie
- Ms Yvonne Edwards
- Mr George Walker
- Mr Timothy Abdulla
- Ms Maureen Williams
- Ms Denise Wilton
- Mr Timothy Strangways
- Mr Anthony Smith
- Mr Damien Marlowe
- Mr Barry Johncock
- Ms Irene Agius
- Ms Christine Hunt
- Mr Haydyn Bromley
- Ms Kristy Richards
- Mr Clyde Rigney Jnr
- Ms Marilyn AhChee
- Ms Jennifer Johncock
- Mr Ian Johnson
- Mr Elijah Bravington
- Ms Irene McKenzie
- Ms Karen Sinclair
- Mr Glen Wingfield
- Mr Edward Newchurch
- Ms Nirelle Ware
- Ms Teresa Brady
- Mr Darrien Bromley
- Ms Sandra Miller
Our History
The Aboriginal Lands Trust Act 1966 was the first major recognition of Aboriginal Land rights by any Australian government.
This ground-breaking Act was championed by the Honorable Don Dunstan MP, who when introducing it, traced the history of Aboriginal Land rights to illustrate how the Aboriginal people of South Australia were “wrongfully deprived of their just dues”. He added that “we must as far as we can, right the wrongs of our forefathers”.
The 1966 Act established a Trust comprised entirely of Aboriginal People who could hold. lease and manage land on behalf of the Aboriginal people of South Australia. This was a welcome but overdue response to decades of governmental displacement and dispossession, which recognised land as central to Aboriginal peoples’ wellness, identity, self-determination, and economic empowerment.
Almost 50 years after its introduction, the 1966 Act was repealed and replaced with the Aboriginal Lands Trust Act 2013 (SA), which provides modern mechanisms for land management, leasing, and economic development.
Today, more than six decades after the 1966 Act was passed, the Trust continues to hold inalienable freehold titles to 65 properties covering well over 5420 square kms of land.
50 Years of the Aboriginal Lands Trust
Our Staff
The Trust’s decisions and strategic directions are implemented by a Chief Executive and a small team of professionals with a broad range of expertise in areas such as finance, law, policy, governance, land management, and administration.
Kerri Wilson
Chief Executive
Toby Forde
Director Legal Governance & Commercial
Katrina Wood
Project Officer
Read bio
My name is Katrina. I was born in Adelaide but have lived in several countries around the world. I joined the Aboriginal Lands Trust in May 2011, and what I enjoy most about being part of the team is our shared sense of purpose. Everyone is genuinely committed to supporting Aboriginal people and communities, and I value knowing that our work can make a meaningful difference. I hope that, together, we can continue to strengthen our relationships with Aboriginal communities by creating opportunities, supporting positive outcomes and building stronger connections.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and travelling. My favourite quote is by Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”.
Nola Wyman
IPA Transition Coordinator
Staff Structure
Our Responsibilities
The Trust's Strategic Directions Plan seeks to improve the way it shares information about its land holdings, role, function, and legislative obligations.
As a statutory land-holding body with a unique mandate in South Australia, the Trust understands the importance of transparency, community engagement, and education to build stronger relationships and shared understanding with Aboriginal communities, stakeholders, and the broader public.
To support this, the Trust is committed to enhancing its communication and providing accessible, accurate information to promote awareness of its purpose, responsibilities and our relationship with other significant parties.
The Trust is a Body Corporate
- Established in 1966 under state law
- Statutory authority and Aboriginal organisation led by an all Aboriginal Board
- Up to eight Aboriginal Board members with skills, knowledge and expertise in Aboriginal community life, culture, land, management and other specialist content
Land Holdings
- 65 Titles
- Nine ‘Designated Communities’ – former state Aboriginal ‘missions’ and ‘reserves’
- Family and cultural leases
- Commercial & agricultural Leases
Sale of Trust Land
The Trust Act works to strictly limit the sale of Trust Land. If selling the land would mean native title would revive, it cannot be sold. If native title has been extinguished on Trust land, it can only be sold where it is supported by public consultation, the Trust Board, the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and motion of both houses of Parliament.
Role of the Trust
- Own and hold land in South Australia for the ongoing benefit of all Aboriginal people in the state
- Consult and engage with Aboriginal people, directly and on behalf of Trust lessees
- Support land care and conservation, protect and manage heritage, manage water rights, water usage, water preservation, climate change and carbon footprints
- Seek economic opportunities to realise full potential of land and asset holdings
Traditional Owners – Shared Aboriginal Interests
- The Trust acknowledges and respects Traditional owners of the Lands it holds, recognising their enduring cultural, spiritual and historical connection to Country
- The Trust recognises the diversity of Aboriginal peoples with shared interest in Trust land, including family groups, historical residents, and community stakeholders
- The Trust understands that its Lessees operate within a broader cultural landscape, and the the Trust encourages its lessees to engage respectfully and meaningfully with Traditional Owners and other community voices in decision making about land use and development
Native Title & the Trust
Native Title is “suppressed” on Trust land, meaning the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) has no practical application on Trust land for as long as it stays in the Trust estate. Nonetheless, in accordance with the Trust Act, the Trust will always seek to work with and consult Native Title bodies and common law holders about matters of common interest.
Vacancies
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Vacancy Name
Vacancy Name 2
Vacancy Name 3
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Aboriginal Lands Trust?
The Aboriginal Lands Trust (Trust) is a statutory authority and the leading organisation of its kind in South Australia. It owns and manages land across the state for the benefit of all Aboriginal people living here. The Trust is governed by eight Aboriginal people appointed by the Governor based upon their knowledge, skills and experience in Aboriginal community life, land management, and related areas.
What does the Trust do?
The Trust’s main role is to own, manage, and administer its land in South Australia for the ongoing benefit of Aboriginal people here. The Trust has around 5,420 square kilometres of land – more than double the size of the Australian Capital Territory. This land is primarily comprised of former Aboriginal reserves and missions – see a map here. The Trust also consults with Aboriginal people with an interest in Trust land, and delivers a broad range of economic, community development, and land care projects across the state.
When was the Trust established?
The Trust was established by the South Australia parliament in 1966, just prior to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people first being recognised as Australian citizens. The Aboriginal Lands Trust Act 1966 (SA) created the first Aboriginal land-holding body in Australia, which continues in existence today under the Aboriginal Lands Trust Act 2013 (SA).
Why was the Trust established?
Creating the Trust recognised Aboriginal people’s agency, our rights to land, our rights to self-determination, and to ensure that our lands were managed for our ongoing benefit in perpetuity.
What are some of the Trust’s significant properties?
Nine South Australian Aboriginal communities live on land leased from the Trust: Davenport, Dunjiba, Gerard, Koonibba, Nipapanha, Point Pearce, Raukkan, Umoona, and Yalata. The Trust owns the land and building housing the Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute in Adelaide. It also holds in Trust the Head of the Bight tourism facility near Yalata, a spectacular whale watching destination on the cliffs of the Great Australian Bight – Find out more. Trust land use varies considerably and includes agricultural (a forest, farms), residential, commercial, and reserves of unique natural and cultural importance.
How is the Trust funded?
The Trust receives an annual appropriation from the Government of South Australia. It also receives occasional grants, and a percentage of income derived from commercial lessees, which it shares with local communities.
Is the Trust a government department?
No. While the Trust is a statutory authority created by legislation, it is not a public sector agency. Instead, it is an autonomous and self-governing Aboriginal organisation governed exclusively by and for Aboriginal people.
Is there native title on Trust land?
No. If native title would otherwise exist in Trust land, it is suppressed for as long as the land stays in the Trust estate. The Trust is not involved in the administration of native title.
Is there native title on Trust land?
No. If native title would otherwise exist in Trust land, it is suppressed for as long as the land stays in the Trust estate. The Trust is not involved in the administration of native title.
Can Trust land be sold?
Only under exceptional circumstances. One of the purposes of the Trust is to ensure that its land holdings are preserved for the future benefit of Aboriginal people. The Trust’s legislation only allows for the sale of Trust land if, following public consultation, a sale is supported by: Aboriginal people with an interest, the Trust, the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and both houses of parliament. Even if all of these parties support a sale, if selling Trust land would mean that native title would revive in it, it cannot be sold.
Why is it so hard to sell Trust land?
The Trust’s lands always were and always will be Aboriginal land. It is only appropriate that families connected to Trust land may continue to use and benefit from it into the future. Missions and reserves severely disrupted Aboriginal lives, languages, communities, and customs for over 100 years. Aboriginal people from across the state were forced together and spent generations disconnected from the Countries of their ancestors. This has left many families more closely connected with Trust lands than their traditional lands.
Can land be added to the Trust estate?
Yes. Governments, private groups, and individuals can all donate or sell land to the Trust. Adding land to the Trust estate ensures that it cannot be easily sold and will be used for the ongoing benefit of Aboriginal people into the future.
Can I lease Trust land?
Unleased Trust land may be leased either for commercial purposes, or to Aboriginal family or culture-based associations for community purposes. Applicants must first satisfy the Trust that they can effectively manage the land. The Trust must also run public consultations about all requests to lease Trust land before leasing can occur. Lessees must pay all ongoing costs associated with leased Trust land.
Can I sublease Trust land?
Lessees of Trust land may agree to sublease part of their lease to other parties on terms that they agree between themselves. However, the Trust must consent to all subleases for them to become effective. If a sublease is signed without Trust approval, the lease will automatically terminate and neither the lessee nor the sublessee will have any further rights over the property.
Who is on the current Trust board?
Our current board members are listed here.
Can I become a member of the Trust?
Any Aboriginal person with knowledge, skills and experience related to South Australian community life and culture can apply to be a Trust board member. Nominations are generally sought every year in a public call for nominations. Trust members serve three-year terms for up to nine consecutive years and are remunerated for their time. Trust members must actively manage any potential conflicts of interest, meaning they cannot make decisions or be involved in discussions about lands in which they have family, financial or cultural interests.
Does the Trust have employees?
Yes. The Trust’s decisions and strategic directions are implemented by a Chief Executive and a small team of professionals with a broad range of expertise in areas such as finance, law, policy, governance, and land management – see here. The Trust also currently employees up to 20 rangers who work on Indigenous Protected Areas located on Trust land.
How can I find out more?
If you would like to know more about the Trust, please call (08) 8429 2301, email [email protected] or write to PO Box 3437, Rundle Mall, Adelaide, 5000.
Can I buy my own house on Trust Land?
It is not possible to buy your own house on Trust land. The essence of all trusts is that one party legally owns something that they manage for the benefit of another. Under the ALT Act, the Trust owns the state’s former Aboriginal missions and reserves and manages them for the benefit of all Aboriginal people in the state. The ALT Act protects Aboriginal lands–they are ‘inalienable’ and can only be sold if both houses of Parliament agree, and only then if no native title would arise upon the sale.
The ALT Act is intended to keep Aboriginal lands in Aboriginal hands. Allowing individuals to own houses on Trust communities would risk that. Owners could choose to sell their houses to people without connections to the land, including to non-Aboriginal people. Banks may seek to repossess the land if mortgages are not paid. Having a mix of Trust and non-Trust land in the same community would cause significant administrative complexity. For example, non-Trust land may not be entitled to municipal and other services provided by or on behalf of the Trust or the state. In short, allowing individual ownership of houses on Trust land would undermine the primary purpose of the Trust. Nonetheless, if you wish to build a house on Trust land, the Trust can consider providing you and your family (or others) with a long-term lease (e.g. for 99 years),which would provide you with security of tenure and ensure the land cannot be lost.