Bayside Council has an entry in the 2026 National Awards for Local Government and is encouraging everyone to vote before voting closes on Monday 4 May 2026.
Bayside's entry, Seeing, Hearing and Living Culture: Bayside Council's Celebration of First Nations Diversity, is in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People's Recognition category.
Since adopting its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), Bayside Council has strengthened community awareness of First Nations culture through locally led initiatives.
Council's community-endorsed program has helped elevate culture in public spaces, including storytelling murals, Aboriginal place naming, and expanded Dharawal language use across the LGA.
Other initiatives include expanding Reconciliation and NAIDOC Week programs with First Nations partners and supporting cultural events in Kamay Botany Bay.
Council's Wuri Rise dawn ceremony at Botany Bay, now in its fourth year, respectfully acknowledges the grief and loss January 26 represents for many First Nations peoples. This event continues to grow and provides a respectful, community-supported space for reflection and recognition.
Council childcare centres embed Dharawal language learning for preschoolers, delivered by qualified educators from an Aboriginal early learning organisation. Children from these centres can now deliver Acknowledgements of Country in Dharawal at Council events, supporting language revitalisation and reconciliation.
With Traditional Custodians, Council delivers walks on Country with Elders to improve understanding, and also supported a Local Aboriginal Land Council's release of White Seahorse hatchlings into Botany Bay.
Council's sustained leadership and genuine partnership with Traditional Custodians has strengthened community understanding and created an enduring legacy across Bayside.
The National Awards are an annual celebration to recognise innovative and future-focused projects of excellence that local governments are delivering in communities across Australia. The winner of each category will be the eligible initiative that receives the highest number of votes during the voting period, with honourable mentions recognised where applicable.
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