Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Maitland City Council acknowledges Aboriginal peoples as the First Peoples of this Country and  the Wonnarua People as the Traditional Custodians, Owners and knowledge holders of the land and waterways within the Maitland Local Government Area. Council pays respect to all Aboriginal Elders, past and present and respects the unbroken deep cultural and spiritual connection Aboriginal people have with this Country.

We are committed to respecting and recognising the histories, rights, values and celebrating the cultures of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Please be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have passed away.

Reconciliation Action Plan

At a Council meeting in March 2020 the commitment was made to draft a Reconciliation Action Plan for the first time. The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) will clearly outline our strong commitment in working towards achieving reconciliation within our community, what we plan to do to achieve this, how we will do it and by when.  The development, implementation and reporting of the RAP will be overseen by the RAP Working Group, which is made up of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal internal Council representatives and external community representatives, including two of the Aboriginal Reference Group members.

RAP is a nationally recognised program of Reconciliation Australia, which has been designed for organisations and businesses to use as a practical tool for advancing reconciliation in our Country. RAPs help us to achieve shared values, goals and common language regarding reconciliation, and focus us towards collective action in creating a just and equitable community for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The RAP will be the strategic framework implemented to provide governance and guidance in helping Council to turn good intentions in to real and positive outcomes, to develop strong relationships and create meaningful opportunities with our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

For more information about the commitment to developing the draft Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), please contact the Community & Recreation Planning Team 4934 9700 or [email protected]

Role of the RAP Working Group

The responsibilities of the RAP Working Group are:

  • To oversee the development, implementation and reporting phases of the RAP. 

  • To help raise the profile of reconciliation as an organisational and community priority. 

  • To lead by example by advocating for the commitments in the RAP once developed and endorsed by the Aboriginal Reference Group, Council and Reconciliation Australia. 

NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is held annually in July to celebrate and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and peoples.  It is a celebration not only for Indigenous communities, but for all Australians.

To find out more about NAIDOC Week and to get involved, head to the NAIDOC Week Website or the NAIDOC Week Facebook page.