The government made the announcement as part of NAIDOC week.

While the declaration does not change the land status or affect ownership rights, a person must not harm or desecrate an Aboriginal Place.

Bulahdelah Mountain, commonly known as “Alum Mountain” due to alum mining from the early nineteenth century, is an area of approximately 168 hectares located immediately east of Bulahdelah.

NSW environment minister Robyn Parker said the mountain was a significant geographical feature in the area and valued by the community as a special place to their ancestors.

“It is a place containing a range of cultural sites important for cultural teachings and continuation of cultural traditions,” she said.

The minister said it was important to recognise and conserve Aboriginal history and an Aboriginal Place declaration achieves this without hindering the current land use.

The two other areas made Aboriginal Places are the Wiradjuri Reserve and Gobba Beach area near Wagga Wagga and Toogimbie Burial Ground in the County of Wiradjuri near Hay.

NAIDOC celebrations are being held across Australia this week to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This year’s national theme is “They dared to challenge” which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy established outside Parliament House in Canberra in 1972 and acknowledges the key contributors to its long history.

Forty years ago the Tent Embassy became a powerful symbol of unity with its founders advancing equality and educating the country on the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.