In celebration of National Reconciliation Week 2026 and this year's theme All In, Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) has launched its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), reinforcing its commitment to fostering a workplace and a community that values and respects the rich cultures, histories and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
PMHC General Manager Robert Fish said, "We recognise that reconciliation is not something we do once. It is ongoing and it takes time. It's about strengthening our relationships with local communities, building cultural understanding among our staff, and ensuring that our work is inclusive, respectful and responsive.
"Through this plan, we commit to listening, learning and working in partnership with the Birpai and Bunyah communities, and with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in our region."
During the launch, local artist Rachel Cross presented her artwork, One Place, Many Paths, which features throughout the RAP booklet and reflects stories of culture, connection and Country.
A Dunghutti artist who grew up and lives in the Port Macquarie area, Rachel draws inspiration from her surroundings. "I am inspired by my family, growing up on a property in the bush, having a river running through the backyard, to now living on the beautiful Mid North Coast surrounded by beaches," she said.
Her design captures the natural beauty of the region - the circles representing water, rivers and oceans.
She added, "The ribbon is the red earth found throughout Port Macquarie Hastings. It also shows the strong connections we have to our surroundings and how we are linked with the water and earth."
As part of its ongoing commitment, Council has also opened an Expression of Interest (EOI) for an original design by local Aboriginal artists to be applied to select uniform items.
