The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from Aboriginal people for four coastal and inland regional membership positions on the NSW Aboriginal Fishing Advisory Council (AFAC) and to create a talent pool for other regional vacancies that may arise.
DPI Deputy Director General Fisheries, Sean Sloan said regional positions are available in the Far Western, North West, Northern and Far South Coast regions of the state.
"AFAC is the Minister for Agriculture's peak advisory group for Aboriginal peoples' fishing related interests, providing independent strategic advice on the fishing needs and aspirations of Aboriginal people", said Mr Sloan.
"It also plays an important role in providing advice to the Minister on funding cultural fishing related projects and business opportunities under the Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund.
Mr Sloan said the EOI process is hoping to attract members with diverse knowledge and experience to address the varied matters that will need focus, including Aboriginal 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.
"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."
