About the Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC)

The Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC) officially commenced in 1991 replacing the previous role of the Northern Land Council. It assumes responsibility for activities within the Groote Eylandt archipelago. They work for the benefit of Groote Eylandt people, liaising with GEMCO (Groote Eylandt Mining Company) on all matters that affect the land, rehabilitation and the people.

The ALC is responsible for land visitation by non-Indigenous people, illegal entry to lands, issuing of permits for visitation rights, ranger inspections and other daily management issues.
It is mandatory for all non-Indigenous people visiting Groote Eylandt to hold a permit to visit non-leasehold Aboriginal lands. The ALC administers this system on behalf of the Traditional Owners.

This website informs visitors about some of the beautiful and many recreational areas that are open to permit holders as well as providing information on obtaining permits and updates on land closures.

Our Emblem

There are three totems within the official shield logo of the Anindilyakwa Land Council. Representing the two moieties and clans who live in the archipelago is the morning star, sawfish and hammerhead shark.

According to legend, in the beginning the island was dark. Barnimbirra (Morning Star) brought daylight to the island, and ever since there has been day and night. Yukwurrurrindanga (Sawfish) and Mangwarra (Hammerhead Shark) came to Groote Eylandt from the mainland. They travelled through Bickerton Island, landed at Angurugu River and made their way up-river towards Central Lake.