The City of Sydney's new three-year stretch reconciliation action plan aims to strengthen partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, deepen understanding of First Nations cultures inside and outside the organisation, and increase economic opportunities with the local community.
Developed in consultation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel and staff network, the plan outlines how the City of Sydney will foster relationships, respect and opportunities to promote inclusion and equality.
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said the City of Sydney must be a leader when it comes to reconciliation and is committed to seeing through the actions in this plan.
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' histories, cultures and contributions are central to Sydney's community," the Lord Mayor said.
"Reconciliation is a shared responsibility and takes all of us, working together, to bring lasting change.
"This plan codifies our commitment to reconciliation and will further guide this important work to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel valued, heard and represented.
"The plan promotes inclusivity, cultural understanding and collaboration in the way we work and the services we provide. Specifically, it focuses on supporting First Nations community initiatives and nurturing economic opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples."
Key areas of focus in the plan include:
- Strengthening meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by listening to and working in partnership with community.
- Promoting the economic prosperity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through our employment and procurement processes and grants programs. We've included targets to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment and our spend with First Nations businesses.
- Deepening understanding and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and customs through programming, events, education and protocols.
La Toya Pinner, proud Gomeroi woman and co-chair of the City of Sydney Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel, said the plan is a chance to build something led by community and held up by accountability. "The City of Sydney's stretch reconciliation action plan holds significant meaning for our community. It tells us that the City of Sydney is sincere in continuing its journey with us, walking beside us, and recognising our culture, our people and our place in this land," Pinner said. "This isn't just about policies or paperwork. It's about respecting the world's oldest living culture – one that's still here, still strong, and still evolving. It's about walking the talk, with real support for Aboriginal businesses, for community-led organisations, and for our grassroots mob already out there doing the work. "It's about listening more, continuing meaningful partnerships, and making sure Aboriginal voices are not just heard, but valued, in everything from decision-making to cultural events and employment. "For me, it's also about creating a workplace where our people feel safe, respected and seen. Where cultural awareness runs deeper, and there's real curiosity to learn and connect. That kind of change can only happen if the whole organisation takes ownership of it – every single person, at every level, every day." Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine said as the local government authority for the place of one of Australia's first sites of contact, the City of Sydney plays a vital role in advancing reconciliation. "This stretch reconciliation action plan builds on the City of Sydney's longstanding commitment to reconciliation demonstrated in previous plans. The City of Sydney has focused on creating economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, more than doubling its procurement spend. "With its focus on self-determination and strong relationships, the City of Sydney has the potential to drive considerable reconciliation outcomes across its sphere of influence." The City of Sydney stretch reconciliation action plan was adopted by Council on Monday 12 May. Some highlights of action taken under the City of Sydney's previous reconciliation action plan (2020–2024):
- Launched our first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce strategy and employed a dedicated Workforce Advisor which has helped to increase and retain our First Nations workforce.
- Developed a cultural awareness strategy with training mandated for all staff.
- Renovated the beautiful local Aboriginal knowledge and culture centre at 119 Redfern Street, which has become a new space for communities to gather, share knowledge and practice culture. We are also assisting the Aboriginal community to determine the future use of another important community space at 107 Redfern Street.
- Unveiled bara by artist Judy Watson, which stands tall in the Botanic Gardens overlooking the harbour. We began delivering Yananurala, a 9km harbour walk celebrating Aboriginal sites, culture and heritage. Artist Lucy Simpson's sculptures are currently in development.
- Introduced Calling Country, a now established part of Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations displaying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture to millions of people worldwide.
- And we started a new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collaboration fund, a program of grants to support projects that meet the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the local area.
