Georges River Council acknowledges that Biddegal/Bidjigal/Bedegal people of the Eora Nation are the original inhabitants and custodians of all land and water in the Georges River region.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people represented 0.5% of the Georges River population in 2016. 

Council recognises Aboriginal people as an integral part of the George River community and highly values their social and cultural contributions. 
 

Our approach

Council applies the following principles working with Aboriginal people:

RECOGNITION: Council’s vision for reconciliation is a community where Aboriginal people are recognised as the First Nation of people of Australia and their heritage and culture is valued, celebrated and promoted.

RESPECT: Council has a deep and ongoing respect of Aboriginal heritage and respects identified Aboriginal sacred sites and special places.

EQUITY AND ACCESS: Council promotes equity of access for all members of the Aboriginal community to culturally sensitive services.

PARTICIPATION: Council works collaboratively to improve social, culture and economic outcomes for Aboriginal people through engagement and commitment to ‘closing the gap’.

CONSULTATION: Council implements a range of consultative practices to capture the ongoing input of Aboriginal people in the community.

OPPORTUNITY: Council seeks to identify meaningful opportunities for the advancement of Aboriginal people in the local area.

 

Acknowledgement of Country 

Georges River Council is committed to show respect for Aboriginal people as Australia's First Peoples. Council has adopted the practice of acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of Country at events, ceremonies, meetings and functions.

Learn about Council’s Protocols of Acknowledgement of Country.

 

Aboriginal Reference Group

The Reference Group has been formed to work closely with Council to improve residents’ access to services and to address community needs and inspirations.

Aboriginal Reference Group Terms of Reference.
 

Community Development Programs 

Council provides a number of programs and initiatives that show respect, promote and celebrate Aboriginal culture and heritage within Georges River Council area. These include:

Reconciliation Week 

Reconciliation Week is an annual celebration held from 27 May to 3 June. It is a time to celebrate and build on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. Council’s annual event provides a tangible and highly visible initiative towards reconciliation. 

NAIDOC Week 

NAIDOC Week is an annual celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Every year in the first week of July NAIDOC Week is celebrated with a number of events and activities that are centred on a theme chosen by the national organising committee.



View the video below to learn more about the events and activities Council is presenting to celebrate NAIDOC Week.

NAIDOC Week 2019 Events

NAIDOC Week Official Opening
Monday 8 July 2019
12.00pm - 2.00pm
Kogarah Town Square

Jewellery Making Workshop
Tuesday 9 July 2019
10.00am - 12.00noon
Marana Auditorium
MacMahon Street
Hurstville

Aboriginal Cultural Bush Tour
Wednesday 10 July 2019
10.00am - 12.30pm
Oatley Park

 

I am Aboriginal: this is my story......

Council produced a publication about local Aboriginal people. The stories describe real life experiences and share Aboriginal cultural insights with non-Aboriginal people. It is available for loan from Council’s Libraries.   
 

Walking Together

In 2019 we launched "Walking Together', a documentary showcasing local stories about friendship and reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. Enjoy the film.

 

Contact 

For further information on Council’s Aboriginal Reference Group and programs please contact Council’s Multicultural and Indigenous Development Officer on 9330 6069.
 

Useful Links

Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation
Reconciliation Australia
NAIDOC
Aboriginal Affairs NSW
NSW Office of Environment & Heritage