Narwan Village investigation

There are 61 discrete Aboriginal communities in NSW, formerly known as Aboriginal missions and reserves, and many have legacy contamination issues from waste and asbestos.

The NSW Government works with Local Aboriginal Land Councils to assess discrete Aboriginal communities environmental contamination and risks to support infrastructure development, waste management and remediation of asbestos in housing.

The State of the Environment 2024 report has a Truth Telling story that provides a first-hand account of the living conditions of the discrete Aboriginal community known as Narwan Village in Armidale. It raises a number of personal insights and concerns of exposure to contamination and waste.

The EPA is committed to actively learn from and listen to Aboriginal voices, cultures and knowledges.

We are working with Steven Ahoy, a member of the EPA’s Aboriginal Peoples Knowledge Group, and the Armidale Local Aboriginal Land Council to co-design the next steps for the Narwan Village investigation. Additionally, the EPA is engaging with the Armidale Regional Council and other stakeholders.

We will provide further updates on this page.