Georges River Council acknowledges the Bidjigal people of the Eora Nation as the Traditional Custodians of all lands, waters and sky in the Georges River area.
Council recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as an integral part of the Georges River community and values their social and cultural contributions.
We pay our respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who live, work and meet on these lands.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Council acknowledges the role past federal and state government policies have played in the social, cultural and economic dispossession of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the ongoing intergenerational trauma experienced by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as a result of this, the impact of racism on this trauma and the ways in which these forces combine to reinforce entrenched disadvantage, poor health outcomes, increased contact with the justice system and economic disadvantage.
Council acknowledges the importance of self-determination, meaning that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold the knowledge and expertise about what is best for themselves, their families and their communities, and have the right to freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.
Council plays a role in healing and building positive relationships between Council and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as well as educating the broader community about the significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, cultures and history
Our approach
We apply the following principles to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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Recognition
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Our 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.
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Respect
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We have a deep and ongoing respect for Aboriginal heritage and identified Aboriginal sacred sites and special places.
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Equity and Access
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We promote equity of access for all members of the Aboriginal community to culturally sensitive services.
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Participation
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We work collaboratively to improve social, culture and economic outcomes for Aboriginal people through engagement and commitment to ‘closing the gap’.
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Consultation
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We implement a range of consultative practices to capture the ongoing input of Aboriginal people in the community.
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Opportunity
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We seek to identify meaningful opportunities for the advancement of Aboriginal people in the local area.
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Acknowledgement of Country
We are committed to showing respect for Aboriginal people as Australia's First Peoples. We have adopted the practice of acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of Country at events, ceremonies, meetings and functions.
Learn about our Protocols of Acknowledgement of Country.
Aboriginal Reference Group
The Aboriginal Reference Group was formed to work closely with us to improve residents’ access to services and to address community needs and aspirations.
Community Capacity Building Programs
We support a range of programs and initiatives that show respect, promote and celebrate Aboriginal culture and heritage within the Georges River area. These include:
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Reconciliation Week
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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.
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NAIDOC Week
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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. In 2022, we partnered with 3Bridges Community to present NAIDOC Youth and Family Day in Penshurst Park on Friday 15 July.
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Social support groups
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Aboriginal Youth Group
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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 the Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation website.
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Gumbul Djaadjaa (Strong Brother) Men's Group
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Gumbul Djaadjaa Men’s Group offers regular health and wellbeing activities.
For more information visit the Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation website.
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Yanani Women's Group
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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 the Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation website.
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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
We are proud to have celebrated National Reconciliation Week in 2020 with D’harawal Saltwater Knowledge Keeper and local Traditional Owner, Shannon Foster. The video Yana’o Kai’eemagh - Walking on Georges River Country takes viewers on a walk to explore the Georges River as Shannon shares the stories, knowledge, plants and animals that belong to the Country on this beautiful stretch of water.
Contact
For further information, please contact our Community Capacity Building team on (02) 9330 6400 or communitycapacitybuilding@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au.
Useful Links
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