Hawkesbury City Council's commitment to reconciliation is enshrined in its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2026 – 2028, which was approved at the December Council meeting.
This important document sets a clear path for strengthening relationships with and amplifying the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, across the Hawkesbury Local Government area (LGA).
Developed in close consultation with local First Nations community, the RAP reflects a shared vision for a more inclusive and respectful future. It outlines a strategic framework built on four key pillars: Relationships, Respect, Opportunities and Governance, each designed to guide Council's actions and ensure meaningful contributions to Reconciliation.
The Hawkesbury LGA contains the Countries of the Dharug and Darkinjung peoples who have been custodians and caretakers of this land for over 65,000 years. There is an ongoing and continuous connection to Country for these people. Since European settlement, many other First Nations peoples now call the Hawkesbury home. Europeans named the main waterway the Hawkesbury River but for traditional custodians it was and always will be, Dyarubbin.
According to the 2021 Census, approximately 3,252 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people live in the Hawkesbury equating to 4.8% of our population, 1.4% higher than the NSW average.
The RAP is a vital step in acknowledging our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, celebrating their history and culture, and building a shared future.
To view the Reconciliation Action Plan, visit
www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/for-residents/community/community-plans
