We were thrilled to hear more about Dtharowal man and SSR committee member, Mark Rice, at our recent AGM. Conceived and raised on Noron-Gera lands (Black Rock, Woronora River) and Born on Gwea lands, Mark has been immersed in Aboriginal teaching sites since childhood. Initially guided by his father and now alongside his cousin and a full-blood Arnhem Land Elder, he continues to respectfully visit, record, and learn from these sacred places. Mark’s extended family includes Abo

This week, SSR hosted dedicated members at our Annual General Meeting at a venue of long-term supporters, Tradies, in Gymea. Locals demonstrated their solidarity with our organisation and shared their super powers as allies for reconciliation in the community Larrakia woman and SSR chair, Sonja Scherer, as well as Dtharawal commitee member, Mark Rice shared a beautiful Welcome to Country respecting Uncle Les Bursill. It was a privilege to hear Mark share his profound ancestra

Sutherland Shire Reconciliation (SSR) is a not-for-profit community organisation which will trade as Southern Shores Reconciliation from early 2026. Our organisation was originally formed in 1997 by local volunteers and became incorporated in 2022. We are an organisational member of the NSW Reconciliation, and as such are part of a broader people’s movement for Reconciliation. Reconciliation Australia states: At its heart reconciliation is about strengthening the relationshi

An Acknowledgement of Country is a simple important act. It recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the Traditional Custodians of the land, and that this connection to Country — land, waters, and skies — has been maintained for tens of thousands of years. It is not a just a script. It is an act of respect, truth-telling, and recognition. Acknowledgements are different from a Welcome to Country, which can only be performed by Traditional Owners or El

Sutherland Shire Council hosted the Sunset Cultural Ceremony in Burnum Burnum Sanctuary on Saturday evening to showcase First Nations culture and storytelling, featuring local Elders and performers. Connecting with Indigenous culture and country was a great way for the attendees to start the Australia Day long weekend. In wonderful weather, and amongst banskia, grass trees, she-oak and speargrass, First Nations dancers, musicians and elders moved the thousands of those who

Family and friends of Yes Sutherland Shire gathered in solidarity on the weekend to yarn about how we keep going forward together. On Sunday 12 October at Como Pleasure Grounds on Gweagal Country, over 30 people (many wearing YES or Uluru Statement tshirts) shared an informal picnic and BBQ lunch. Aunty Dolly Brown led us in a conversation about walking forward for reconciliation and making meaningful change for a better future. Connecting with other like-minded people is ke