About one-third of Australia’s 983,700 Aboriginal people live in NSW, making our state home to the largest Aboriginal population of any state or territory in Australia.

These 339,700 First Australians have an enormous cultural, social and economic contribution to make, and a vital first step in unlocking this potential is for councils to work to achieve reconciliation with Aboriginal Australians.

This website, developed by Local Government NSW in partnership with the Office of Local Government, is designed to support the inclusion of Aboriginal communities in council decision-making, service development and delivery.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Nominating for council is one way you can Stand for your community.

We need more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders on councils. In exchange for your passion, commitment and time you will help build a stronger, safer and more cohesive community in your region, as well as giving a powerful voice to your mob.

Aboriginal people can use Collaborate NSW to get information on why and how to be become a local councillor.

For councils

Councils can use Collaborate NSW to help create common ground and strengthen productive partnerships with Aboriginal people and communities.

An understanding of local Aboriginal culture and ways of doing business is critical for councils committed to involving Aboriginal communities in decision-making and service development and delivery.

This knowledge will help councils promote the cultural and economic development of Aboriginal people, and access the potential contribution of Aboriginal peoples to the development of sustainable local communities.