Reconciliation
Consultation has concluded
Acknowledgement of Country
Adelaide Hills Council would like to acknowledge that the land we conduct our business on today is the traditional lands of the Peramangk and Kaurna peoples and that we respect their spiritual relationship with their Country. We also acknowledge the Peramangk and Kaurna peoples as the traditional custodians of the Adelaide Hills and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to those living today.
Reconciliation
Reconciliation is about Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians talking, walking, and working together to overcome the reasons that there is division and inequality between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.
Reconciliation has both symbolic and practical elements. A spirit of goodwill, mutual respect and recognition of the effects of colonisation on Australia's first people are the symbolic cornerstones of the reconciliation effort.
On the practical side, working towards an improved quality of life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—particularly in areas such as health, education and employment—is essential for achieving equity for all South Australians. (Reconciliation SA)
Adelaide Hills Council is committed to embarking on this journey in order to build stronger relationships with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of our district and identify meaningful actions to achieve this goal.
Our partnerships/current activities
We have organised activities and supported joint activities with the District Council of Mount Barker and Alexandrina Councils for Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC. We are proud to be a significant supporter of the Just Too Deadly Awards and the Adelaide Hills Aboriginal Services and Community Initiatives network
The Aboriginal flag is proudly flown alongside the Australian and Adelaide Hills Council flags outside all Council service centres. With input from Aboriginal Elders, the Norton Summit Community Centre has recently created a 'Welcome Garden' that includes sculpture and symbols inspired by Aboriginal culture.
Our staff have recently completed training around Legislative Awareness of Aboriginal Culture and Heritage, facilitated by Aboriginal Affairs.
We are committed to building opportunities to broaden the level of participation by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Council run services and programs, and will encourage and support engagement by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Hills community at all levels.