Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

Northern Sydney Aboriginal Social Plan 2007-2011

The Northern Sydney Aboriginal Social Plan 2007-2011 is a regional plan to improve social outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Northern Sydney. It is the outcome of a regional project funded by eleven councils, which are Hornsby, Hunters Hill, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Manly, Mosman, North Sydney, Pittwater, Ryde, Warringah, and Willoughby.

A regional approach to planning was established in recognition of the benefits of a coordinated approach to improving service delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the area.

The plan includes an executive summary, review of the previous plan, demographic profile, and identification of themes arising from significant consultation with Aboriginal communities and other stakeholders in Northern Sydney. Each theme outlines the issues and provides specific recommendations to address these issues. The themes are Collaboration and Cooperation; Health and Wellbeing; Education and Training; Housing; Employment; and Culture and Heritage.

The Plan’s recommendations have already been or are in the process of being implemented by Mosman Council.

Mosman Reconciliation

Mosman Reconciliation is a voluntary group bringing together Indigenous and non-indigenous members of Mosman and neighbouring communities. The group works closely with Council and other relevant organisations to undertake a range of community initiatives to advance Reconciliation.

It was established in 1998 following meetings promoting Aboriginal reconciliation and Native Title, and support for social justice for Indigenous Australians. Activities include discussion of Aboriginal issues and events, guest speakers, film presentations, and working with other groups on relevant projects.
Mosman Reconciliation is part of the Northern Sydney Region Reconciliation Network, the NSW Reconciliation Council, and Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR NSW)

Every year during the Northern Sydney Guringai Festival and NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Day Observance Committee) Week, the group coordinates activities to promote an appreciation of Aboriginal culture and heritage and raise community awareness of Reconciliation issues.

New members are welcome and meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month (except January) at 6.30pm at the Mosman Senior’s Centre, Mosman Square, Spit Junction.

Meetings commence with an Acknowledgement to Country.

We would like to acknowledge that we are on traditional Aboriginal land and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

For further information please contact Frennie Beytagh on 9909 0203 or e-mail frennie@tpg.com.au

Guringai Festival

Founded in 2001, the Guringai Festival aims to raise awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the Northern Sydney region. The Festival runs from Sorry Day on the 26 May through to the end of NAIDOC week, the second week in July each year. The Festival involves 10 councils and numerous reconciliation and community groups.