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 represent 0.5% of the Georges River population.
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 supports a range of programs and initiatives that show respect, promote and celebrate Aboriginal culture and heritage within the 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.
Social support groups
Aboriginal Youth Group
Run every Monday, this is a cultural program to ensure Aboriginal youth can develop a strong connection to their culture and identity. The team at Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation bring with them a wealth of cultural knowledge through their own lived experiences, knowing the importance of creating a connection to one’s identity and country.
For more information visit - Kurranulla Aboriginal Youth Group or the Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation website
Gumbul Djaadjaa (Strong Brother) Men's Group
Run every Friday by Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation, Yanadi Women’s Group brings together Aboriginal women to participate in a range of activities such as fishing, BBQs, cultural outings, cinema and football games. Gumbul Djaadjaa Men’s Group also offers regular health and well-being activities
For more information visit - Kurranulla Men's Group or the Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation website
Yanani Women's Group
The Yanadi Women’s Group meets weekly on Fridays and brings together Aboriginal women to participate in a range of activities such as arts and crafts, candle making, traditional weaving, jewellery making and much more.
For more information visit - Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation website
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.
Walking on Georges River Country -Shannon Foster
Georges River Council is proud to have celebrated National Reconciliation Week in 2020 with D’harawal Saltwater Knowledge Keeper and local Traditional Owner, Shannon Foster. Shannon in her recent video “Yana’o Kai’eemagh” (Walking on Georges River Country) takes viewers on a walk to explore the Georges River as she shares the stories, knowledges, plants and animals that belong to the Country of this beautiful stretch of water."
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
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