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Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people

National Reconciliation Week 2024 public banner art, designed by Waverley College students of the Walawaani program.

Waverley Council acknowledges the Bidiagal, Birrabirragal and Gadigal, who traditionally occupied the Sydney Coast. We acknowledge all Elders past and present and extend this respect to all Aboriginal people living, working in 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 Australia>This 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 Torres 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 the Dawn Reflection event on the 26 January, 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 First Nations culture and heritage collection in our LibraryThis external link will open in a new window

Our community

There are around 275  people (self-identified in the 2021 census), in Waverley who identify as being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (ATSI).

Want to know more?

Aboriginal Community Development Officer
Email: matilda.brown@waverley.nsw.gov.au