Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People

Waverley Council acknowledges the Bidjigal and Gadigal people who traditionally occupied the Sydney coast. We acknowledge elders past and present.

In 2000, Waverley Council adopted the following Statement of Commitment to Reconciliation with Aboriginal Australians: 

  • Waverley Council acknowledges that Aboriginal Australians were the first people of this land and were dispossessed by the European occupation more than two centuries ago.The arrival of Europeans brought massive change to the land and to its Indigenous people.
  • Waverley Council acknowledges and grieves for the loss by the Indigenous people of their land, their children, their health and their lives. However, we also celebrate their survival and the survival of their culture.
  • We support the right of Aboriginal Australians to determine their own future and recognise their right to live according to their own values and customs. 
  • We commit ourselves to respecting Aboriginal sacred sites and special places.
  • The Council recognises the valuable contribution of Aboriginal Australians and looks forward to a future of mutual respect and harmony.
  • The Council supports Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians working together for reconciliation.

Indigenous Population

In the 2011 ABS census data, there were 244 Indigenous people residing in the Waverley LGA who identified as being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, comprising of 0.38% of the total population. Our neighouring Councils have much larger populations and are home to the well known Redfern and La Perouse communities. In the City of Sydney there were 2,175 people or 1.3% of the population who identified, and in Randwick there were 1,842 people or 1.4% of the population who identified as being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Isalnder.

The La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council is the statutory body for Aboriginal and Cultural heritage of the entire Waverley Local Government Area. Our bordering Land Council is the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy

Council adopted its first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access and Equity Policy in 1999. Council is currently developing a Reconciliation Action Plan. 

Council programs, activities and partnerships

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage

Find out the meaning of the;

Aboriginal Flag 

Torres Strait Islander Flag 

Cultural Days of Significance 2012

  • The Apology, 13th February - anniversay of former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's Apology to Australia's Indigenous People's.
  • Harmony Day, 21st March- International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
  • National Close The Gap Day- 21st March- campaign for Indigenous health equality
  • Sorry Day 26th May- commemorating the Stolen Generation
  • Reconciliation Week- 27th May-3rd June- marking two significant historical events, the 1967 Referendum (27th May 1967) and the Mabo decision 3rd June 1992
  • NAIDOC week 1st-8th July- Celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culture, history, and achievements.
  • National Aboriginal and Islander Children's Day- 4th August- a celebration of children

For further information about any of the above, please contact
Joanne Harney
Telephone: 9386 7923 
Email: Joanneh@waverley.nsw.gov.au