New future for Pilot Hill cottages
Yamba area traditional owners, the Yaegl people, have been appointed the new Crown land manager for parts of the Pilot Hill reserve, including two heritage-listed cottages.
The appointment, celebrated at a special ceremony at Pilot Hill during NAIDOC week, marks a significant step forward in supporting the local Aboriginal community’s aspirations for this culturally significant area.
The reserve is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering breathtaking views, walking trails, and opportunities to learn about the area's rich Aboriginal history and traditions.
The Yaegl Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation officially took over as Crown land manager of the cottages and around 6.6 hectares of surrounding land on Pilot Hill from Reflections Holidays.
This role will enable the corporation to strengthen cultural, social and economic outcomes for the community, including using one of the cottages as a base for its land management and contracting teams, continuing holiday letting for the second cottage, and exploring other cultural tourism opportunities.
Corporation directors acknowledged what a great honour it was to be part of the celebration day. They discussed their future vision for managing the two cottages and how Yaegl traditional owners’ aspirations are now becoming a reality after many years of negotiations.
Federal Court determinations in 2015 and 2017 recognised the Yaegl people’s native title rights over areas of land and sea in the far north coast region, including Pilot Hill.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“This transfer of Crown land management acknowledges the Yaegl people’s enduring connection to their Country and signifies Crown Lands’ focus on working with Aboriginal landowners and native title holders on co-management strategies to unlock multiple benefits from land.
“The NSW Government is proud to support the Yaegl people in continuing their cultural practices, sharing their stories and passing down their traditions to future generations.”
Yaegl Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation CEO Bill Walker said:
“This is a special outcome for us. Managing this land will allow us to protect and preserve our cultural heritage while also creating pathways for social and economic development and community empowerment and self-determination.
“When Matthew Flinders arrived at Yamba in 1799, he saw our people doing their daily chores and how strong our buildings were on what is now known as Pilot Hill. European history will be included in what we do there.
“We are committed to ensuring that the land is cared for in a way that respects its cultural significance and benefits future generations, not only for the Yaegl people but for everyone who uses and visits Country.”