Hornsby Shire Council has reaffirmed its strong partnership with First Nations peoples by appointing 11 new members to the Hornsby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee (HATSICC).
The committee, which has been a vital link between Council and the local Aboriginal community since 2006, continues to play an important role in ensuring Aboriginal voices are heard in decision-making and cultural initiatives across the Shire. The committee also places a strong emphasis on Caring for Country, ensuring that respect for land, water, and cultural heritage is embedded in Council's work.
This latest appointment reflects Council's ongoing commitment to meaningful engagement, cultural respect and collaboration with Traditional Custodians and Aboriginal residents.
"Recognising and respecting Traditional Custodians is vital – we never owned the Country. When councils and communities work together with mutual respect, it fosters stronger relationships and a more inclusive environment for everyone," said Uncle Neil Evers, GuriNgai Traditional Owner.
"It is an important step towards building genuine understanding and collaboration, which can help create a more harmonious and unified community."
"The Hornsby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee plays an important role in strengthening the relationship between Council and our community," said Brandon Etto, Darug Traditional Owner.
"It creates a space where Aboriginal voices can guide decisions that affect our people, our culture, and our connection to Country. I look forward to continuing to work together to build respect, understanding, and shared outcomes across our lands."
The committee's advice has led to a range of important initiatives including the development and adoption of a Statement of Reconciliation in 2008; inviting Traditional Custodians to give a Welcome to Country at all Council meetings and Citizenship Ceremonies; the re-naming of the Pennant Hills Community Nursery to Warada Ngurang Community Nursery; the installation of Aboriginal artwork across the Shire reflecting Aboriginal culture; and adopting the Uluru Statement from the Heart in April 2019.
Mayor Warren Waddell said the committee's work is essential to building a stronger, more inclusive community.
"Hornsby Shire Council is proud to continue working closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through this important committee," Mayor Waddell said. "The knowledge and perspectives shared by HATSICC members help us make decisions that respect culture, strengthen community connections and celebrate the rich heritage of this area."
Also at last night's meeting, Council:
- Determined the Councillor representation and invited seven volunteers to participate on the Hornsby Heritage Advisory Committee
- Determined the Councillor representation on the following external committees and working parties for the period October 2025 to September 2026:
- Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Bush Fire Management Committee
- Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Rural Fire Service Liaison Committee
- Local Transport Forum
- NSW Public Libraries Association
- Hornsby Shire Dementia Alliance
- Adopted the draft Code of Meeting Practice for public exhibition
- Received and noted the contents of the Director's Report on investments and borrowings for the period ending 31 August 2025
- Adopted the 2024/25 General Purpose Financial Statements and associated Auditor's Report
- Resolved to investigate ways to support a bicentenary event in 2027 of the Wisemans Ferry river crossing.
The full agenda of the meeting, along with details of each item discussed, can be found at hornsby.nsw.gov.au. The video recording of the meeting will be available from Friday afternoon.
