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 Elders of the land....

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 gathered....

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 key. Our friends at...