Reconciliation
We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation as the traditional custodians of this place we now call Sydney.
Our vision for reconciliation
Our vision for reconciliation is a Sydney that values the living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, embraces the truthful reflection of the histories and experiences of First Nations peoples, and is dedicated to equity, opportunity and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
In taking action, we strive to reflect the needs and aspirations of Sydney's First Nations communities and recognise their impact and contribution. We’ll listen to and elevate the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Why we’re doing this
By acknowledging our shared past, we lay the groundwork for a future which embraces all Australians based on mutual respect and shared responsibility for our land.
In 1788, the British established a convict outpost on the shores of Sydney Harbour. This had far reaching and devastating impacts on the Eora Nation, including the occupation and appropriation of traditional lands.
Despite the destructive impact of this invasion, Aboriginal cultures endured and are now globally recognised as the world’s oldest continuous living cultures.
Action areas
Cultural support & funding
Eora Journey: Recognition in the public domainCelebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.Strategies & action plans
Eora Journey economic development planA dynamic 10-year plan to contribute to sustained prosperity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.Published 30 November 2016Building new infrastructure
Creating a local Aboriginal knowledge and culture centre in RedfernWorking with our communities to share First Nations cultures.Planned · RedfernStrategies & action plans
Reconciliation action planOur plan to build and strengthen meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.Published 23 November 2020Policies
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocolsObserving customs demonstrates respect for cultural traditions and histories.Published 12 November 2012Policies
Busking and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practice policy – local approvals policyAims to support and promote busking culture while balancing the expectations and needs of all users of public space.Published 13 May 2019
Programs and initiatives
We support and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and communities with a range of projects and events.

Advisory panels
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel
Important dates and events
Below is a summary of formal and informal dates that correspond to milestones in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history. We encourage the entire community to celebrate and commemorate Indigenous culture on these days.
City of Sydney News
News
Ways to celebrate NAIDOC Week in SydneyThere are plenty of ways to get involved in NAIDOC Week. Here are our picks of the program, which runs from 3 to 10 July.27 June 2022News
Promote your NAIDOC Week event free onlineThe week celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is on from 3 to 10 July.21 June 2022News
Video: ‘bara’, a monument to the traditional custodians of Gadigal Country‘bara’ by Aboriginal artist Judy Watson is a major new permanent artwork to celebrate the First Peoples of Sydney.16 June 2022News
In pictures: Celebrating National Reconciliation WeekPeople came together at Redfern Community Centre for dancing, a hearty lunch and film screening.3 June 2022News
7 ways to engage with First Nations culture and community Make an impact beyond National Reconciliation Week.3 June 2022News
Monument to First Nations people unveiled on Gadigal Country At a headland ceremony overlooking Sydney Harbour, dancers unveiled 'bara', one of Sydney’s most significant public artworks.30 May 2022News
In pictures: ‘bara’ unveiled on Sydney HarbourA soaring 6-metre high monument honours the clans of the Eora nation and the traditions of their fisherwomen.28 May 2022News
Artwork points the city centre to a greener wayLearn the meaning behind ‘Ancient Tracks’ by Kungarakan graphic designer Toby Bishop.6 April 2022News
NAIDOC in the City event management tenderWe invite tenders for management services for NAIDOC in the City 2022.10 January 2022News
Blak Douglas: curating the 9pm Welcome to Country fireworks display First Nations artist Blak Douglas talks about what to expect as part of the 9pm Welcome to Country fireworks display23 December 2021
Welcome to Country
As a mark of respect to the traditional custodians of Sydney, the City incorporates ‘Welcome to Country’ and ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ proceedings for appropriate events, functions and meetings.
We encourage other organisations in the local area to do the same and, as we receive many requests, we have put together a guide to organising a Welcome to Country.
Every year before Sydney’s world-renowned New Year’s Eve celebrations get underway, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land.
The 2018 New Year’s Eve fireworks featured a harbour-wide ceremony embracing and honouring the Dreaming of this place and our relationship to it.
Signs in the City's parks now welcome people with the words bujari gamarruwa, which means ‘good day’ in the language of the Gadigal. Hear the pronunciation of bujari gamarruwa and find out more about the Aboriginal language of Sydney.
