Our Path to Reconciliation

Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

Woollahra Council began its reconciliation journey in 2021 with the development of a Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan(PDF, 3MB) (RAP), laying the groundwork to embed reconciliation principles into our operations.

Building on this foundation, we proudly progressed to our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan(PDF, 9MB), endorsed by Reconciliation Australia on 14 November 2025. This plan was adopted by Council in October 2025 alongside our updatedAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Protocols and Guidelines. The Innovate RAP sets out practical actions to strengthen relationships, respect, and opportunities in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Both RAPs were developed collaboratively with La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council, Gujaga Foundation, Gamay Rangers, and our internal RAP Working Group comprising Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff. This group will continue to guide implementation and staff engagement throughout the Innovate RAP’s lifecycle (January 2026 - December 2027).

This work reflects our ongoing commitment to meaningful engagement and a more inclusive future with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

View The Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan(PDF, 9MB)

National Reconciliation Week

27 May - 3 June

National Reconciliation Week is an annual opportunity for all Australians to reflect on our shared histories, cultures, and achievements and to consider how each of us can contribute to reconciliation in our country.

This important week falls between two landmark dates in Australia’s history:

• 27 May - The anniversary of the 1967 Referendum, which removed discriminatory clauses from the Australian Constitution.
  
  
• 3 June - The anniversary of the High Court’s Mabo decision, which recognised the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the land.

These milestones were achieved through the tireless efforts of First Nations people and their allies, shaping a more just and inclusive Australia.

National Reconciliation Week is a time to celebrate the rich cultures and histories of First Australians and to join the conversation about reconciliation. It’s an opportunity for all of us to reflect on how we can help create a nation where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience equity and respect.

NAIDOC Week

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. Woollahra Council hosts events and programs to celebrate NAIDOC Week annually during the first week of July.

Learn about the Dharawal language with the Gujaga Foundation and the Gujaga App

Did you know the word "Naggangbi" means “Hello” in the Dharawal language (the language spoken by the traditional owners of Coastal Sydney)?

Discover more about our local Aboriginal culture by downloading the Gujaga App.

We have been offering Dharawal language classes at Woollahra Preschool, to give children the opportunity to learn the Dharawal language and their feedback and enthusiasm has been fantastic.

Dharawal language classes at Woollahra Preschool 

Our visit to IndigiGrow

Council staff and Bushcare volunteers headed out to IndigiGrow in La Perouse to hear about their work.

Indigigrow is a social enterprise that sustains Indigenous people and culture through the propagation of native plants, including bush foods and endangered Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub. The idea is to give local Aboriginal people employment and education opportunities; preserve traditional knowledge; and promote sustainability and biodiversity.

It’s great for us as a Council, because we can source native plants for our parks and reserves from an organisation that cares about the area, its history and its people. They also run a retail nursery, and it’s a great place to get your own plants.

"Everyone has a role in preserving endemic species," says founder Peter Cooley. "That might be as simple as planting a native plant in your garden or on your balcony."

IndigiGrow Founder, Pete Cooley

Recommended Reading

Our library team have put together a Reconciliation Week-themed collection of books and e-books that are available to borrow from our eCollection or off the shelf.

Have a browse here. 

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Enquiries

For more information, please contact:

Telephone: 9391 7000
Email: community@woollahra.nsw.gov.au