Local Indigenous Networks & Regional Indigenous Councils
Local Indigenous Networks (LINs)
A Local Indigenous Network (LIN) is made up of Indigenous people who work together to provide a voice for their community, identify local issues and priorities and plan for the future.
Across Victoria LINs are now meeting regularly and building their community participation. LIN participation is open to all local Indigenous community members.
Each LIN develops a local community plan that identifies their strengths, resources and describes the vision, aspirations and priorities for their local community.
LINs are involved in many activities. These include community events and gatherings, building relationships with local service providers and organisations, linking with local government planning, working with Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Groups, increasing youth participation, planning and supporting community initiatives such as men’s groups, homework centres and cultural identity projects.
LIN participants are also involved in training and professional development to build their own capability and the capacity of their community. Grant applications, governance training and community planning workshops are some of the areas being explored by LIN members.
Local Indigenous Networks are supported by Indigenous Community Engagement Brokers in each region.
How to get involved
Joining a LIN is easy. Any Indigenous community member can participate.
All LINs in Victoria have been established. To find out about the LIN in your area contact your local Indigenous Community Engagement Brokers in your region.
Regional Indigenous Councils
Regional Indigenous Councils (RIC) will be made up of two LIN representatives, one male and one female, from each LIN in their region.
The role of the RIC is to provide advice to the Victorian government on Indigenous issues from a regional and community perspective. They highlight community priorities identified within their region and their respective Local Indigenous Networks.
By 2010 all 38 LINs and RICs will be fully established across all 8 regions of Victoria.
For more information about LINs and RICs see our publication A Voice for Indigenous Victorians: Local Indigenous Networks and Regional Indigenous Councils (Word 55 kb) or (PDF 1084 kb)
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