Georges River Council is inviting the community to have their say on the Draft Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy, which is now on public exhibition.
The Draft Strategy was developed in close collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and Council staff, led by Ngurra Advisory, to inform the content and design of the Strategy. It was created to respond to the needs and aspirations of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
The Strategy aims to help Council and the community to learn about, value and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. It also seeks to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through fostering employment and economic opportunities.
The priorities and action items in the strategy were developed with Bidjigal Traditional Owners and Council's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee will also actively guide and advise Council as it continuously implements the Strategy.
The artwork featured in the Strategy was created by Darren Charlwood, a Wiradjuri artist and educator living in Sydney The artwork named 'Gurawal' represents a map of the Georges River as well as the surrounding area. With the advice from Bidjigal Traditional Owner, Aunty Barb Simms, Darren also included representations of tools collected from the mangroves, the shoals of the annual silver mullet run, cobra worms (an important food source amongst the mangroves and Gurawal, the whale.
The artwork is proudly displayed within the customer service area of the Civic Centre in Hurstville.
Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said: "Hand in hand with the community, our vision is to support, celebrate and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities living, working, and learning in the Georges River area.
"Council has created a Strategy that demonstrates its commitment to supporting and empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, ensuring it is shaped by their voices, perspectives and aspirations.
"I encourage our community to get involved and provide their feedback on the Strategy by Friday 31 January 2025," added the Mayor.
