Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Council has a commitment to strengthening relationships with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
In Maitland City, 4,087 residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, which represents 5.3% of the population. In comparison, 2.9% of New South Wales’ residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. The proportion of residents identifying as Indigenous has been increasing steadily over the three census periods, from 2.6% in 2006, 3.5% in 2011, to 5.3% in 2016.
Detailed demographic analysis of Maitland's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, and issues that have been identified in consultations, will be available in the Social Sustainability Strategy. The Social Sustainability Strategy is due for publication, and adoption by Council in late 2017.
Council is committed to strengthening relationships with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. A discussion paper with five recommendations was presented to Council in June 2017. An implementation plan, linked with the Social Sustainability Strategy, will guide how the five recommendations are acted upon.
NAIDOC Week is celebrated every year in the first week of July. Maitland's NAIDOC Week activities are coordinated by Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council which can be contacted on 02 4015 7000.