Council’s commitment to Reconciliation
Council’s vision for reconciliation is one in which the broader community is positively engaged with and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and peoples. Council envisages a community that celebrates the value and diversity of our First Nations and one in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel a sense of pride and belonging.
Council acknowledges that Reconciliation is an ongoing practical process that requires trust, mutual respect and a commitment to build understanding and recognition. Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Uluru Statement From The Heart
In May 2017, over 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates met at Uluru (Mutitjulu) in the Northern Territory and put their signatures to the Uluru Statement From The Heart.
The Uluru Statement From The Heart proposes key reforms including the establishment of a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Constitution and the establishment of a Makarrata Commission for the purpose of treaty-making and truth-telling.
Changes to the Constitution require a referendum so it is anticipated that in 2023, the Australian people will be given the opportunity to vote on a First Nations Voice to Parliament.
In line with our responsibility to uphold human rights and our commitment to creating an inclusive, empowered and visionary community, Council encourages residents to learn more about the history and the issues involved through reading about the processes and outcomes of the Uluru Statement. Learn more about the Uluru Statement
Reconciliation Action Plan
Council has renewed its commitment to progressing reconciliation in Hobsons Bay by adopting its first Reconciliation Action Plan 2019-21(PDF, 4MB).
This follows Council, In July 2011, adopting a Reconciliation Policy(PDF, 51KB), which acts as a framework for ongoing activities.
For more information on the first people of Hobsons Bay, download the Yalukit Wilum book(PDF, 5MB) or for more first people programming, please visit the First People page.
Council also:
- acknowledges the people of Yalukit Wilum of the Bunurong Country that makes up the Greater Kulin Nation, traditional owners of lands currently within Hobsons Bay City Council boundary areas, at official Hobsons Bay City Council functions
- flies the Aboriginal flag all year around and the Torres Strait Islander flags during NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week
- facilitates a relationship with Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council, Queensland
- manages arts and culture activities that promote indigenous culture
Acknowledgement of Country
Council acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of these municipal lands and waterways, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Getup Outwest
Getup Outwest is a community organisation through which local people can participate in genuine reconciliation between Indigenous and non Indigenous people. Following the Prime Minister's apology in February 2008, Getup Outwest has committed to:
- raising awareness of Hobsons Bay residents to Aboriginal history and culture particularly that of the first peoples of Hobsons Bay
- supporting Aboriginal people as we close the gap in health and education opportunities across Australia
If you would like to be involved, Getup Outwest meets locally in Hobsons Bay, works across a range of activities and events, and can be contacted by email: jbmitch@westnet.com.au.
Yarrabah Shire Council
In 2003 the Towards Reconciliation Working Group initiated a friendship with Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council with the aim of enhancing learning and understanding of each other's cultures.
In December 2006 the two councils formally established this friendship and signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote understanding and links between the two communities. The MOU was renewed in October 2012.
The alliance focuses on education, arts and culture, infrastructure, environment, business and reconciliation.
Yarrabah Shire is an independent Aboriginal community situated in north Queensland approximately 7km from Cairns. The area has a population of around 4000 people.
You can find more information at Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council Friendship Alliance.
National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
During National Reconciliation Week 2022, we invited the Hobsons Bay community to take self-directed actions towards reconciliation and develop better awareness and knowledge of our First Nations People. ‘More than a word. Reconciliation takes action’, asked people to take this awareness and knowledge, and use it as springboard towards more substantive action, and becoming a braver community that actively and collaboratively addresses issues of inequality, systemic racism and rights.
This is a critical time in Reconciliation where there is greater awareness of issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
While we see greater support for reconciliation from the Australian people than ever before, we must be more determined than ever if we are to achieve the goals of the movement — a just, equitable, reconciled Australia.
Find out more about National Reconciliation Week
Special events
For more information about NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation events, go to the First nations Cultural Programs page or the events calendar.