BJ Cruse

BJ (Benjamin John) Cruse is a respected Yuin Elder, community leader and advocate for land and cultural rights on the Far South Coast of New South Wales. Born in Bega NSW, he is a proud descendant of the Yuin and Monaro peoples, and part of a family whose commitment to justice and community leadership has spanned generations. His father, Uncle Ossie Cruse OA and MBE, has been a key figure in the Aboriginal land rights movement and represented Australia at the 1977 World Council of Indigenous Peoples, a legacy that deeply influenced BJ’s lifelong dedication to service.

As of 2025, BJ has served as Chairperson of the Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) for 41 years, where he has worked tirelessly to strengthen local governance, secure land rights, and protect sacred sites. BJ was instrumental in bringing together 55 Elders, representing every family group in the Bega, Eden and Merrimans Land Councils for historic negotiations to obtain the lease-back and joint management agreements for Gulaga and Biamanga National Parks. These groundbreaking arrangements returned ownership of the lands to Traditional Owners while ensuring that Aboriginal knowledges and cultural laws guide their ongoing care and conservation.

BJ has represented Aboriginal communities at state, national and international forums, including the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York, and Expert Mechanism on the Right of Indigenous Issue in Genva where he spoke about Indigenous self-determination and land justice.

“I’ve been involved in land rights since inception,” BJ says. “Leadership is about responsibility, not reward.” His calm strength, deep cultural grounding and steady advocacy continue to inspire new generations of Yuin people.