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Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people

“Land Meets Sky” First prize awarded to Joyce Perkins, Bondi Beach Public School in the Years 5-6 category, 2016 Pauline McLeod Primary School Art Competition.

Waverley Council acknowledges the Bidjigal, Birrabirragal and Gadigal people, who traditionally occupied the Sydney Coast,

We acknowledge all elders past and present and extend this respect to all Aboriginal people living, working or visiting Waverley.

What we do

Our vision for reconciliation is a community where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are truly valued as the first people through respect and understanding. We commit ourselves to respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sacred sites and special places.

We support the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians to determine their own future and recognise their right to live according to their own values and customs.

Waverley's inclusive and tolerant community is proud to help create and nurture equitable access and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in all spheres of life.

Council recognises the valuable contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and we look forward to a future of mutual respect and harmony.

Policies and plans

Waverley Council Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan

In October 2014, Council adopted its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which also received official endorsement by Reconciliation AustraliaThis external link will open in a new window.

The plan reflects Council's commitment to reconciliation efforts and provides opportunities for exploring innovative and creative approaches to reconciliation locally and regionally.

The RAP framework focuses on relationship building, respecting and preserving Aboriginal culture and heritage, and creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Toress Strait Islander People.

• Waverley Council Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2015-2016This external link will open in a new window

In December 2019, Council launched its second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (2019-2021). This RAP aims to build on the foundations of Council's first RAP and provide next steps for how we can continue to progress with our Reconciliation initiatives within Council and in the community as well.

• Waverley Council Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2019-2021This external link will open in a new window

Projects and initiatives

• We are a member Council of the Eastern Region Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ForumThis external link will open in a new window
• We operate a RAP Working Group (RWG)
• Delivering the Elsa Dixon ProgramThis external link will open in a new window to employ Aboriginal Trainees to undertake their certificate level qualifications in school whist gaining work experience in a Local Government setting
• We deliver and support community events that acknowledge and celebrate culturally significant dates, including National Reconciliation WeekThis external link will open in a new window and NAIDOC WeekThis external link will open in a new window
• We maintain an extensive local Indigenous culture and heritage collection in our Library

Our community

There are around 274 people (self-identified in the 2016 census), in Waverley who identify as being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (ATSI). The below snapshot brings into focus the key characteristics of our local ATSI residents and how they differ compared to Waverley's general population and Greater Sydney's ATSI population overall.

• Waverley’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ProfileThis external link will open in a new window

Want to know more?

Community Development Officer- Diversity
Email: adminmillhill@waverley.nsw.gov.au
Phone 9083 8999