Getting started on your reconciliation journey

Reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal people and the wider community, for the benefit of all Western Australians. To create lasting change and progress, reconciliation must be based on authentic, trusting and respectful partnerships.

The implementation of cultural awareness programs, community engagement initiatives, and Welcome to or Acknowledgments of Country demonstrates a commitment to recognising and valuing Aboriginal histories and cultures. Embracing reconciliation not only enriches the community but also lays the groundwork for more inclusion and equity.

History of reconciliation

Reconciliation Australia was formed in 2001 as the national body on reconciliation in Australia. Reconciliation Australia leads national reconciliation initiatives, including National Reconciliation Week.

Reconciliation WA is the state reconciliation peak body and is part of the Australian Reconciliation Network along with other State and Territory Bodies.

Reconciliation is based and measured on Reconciliation Australia’s five dimensions: historical acceptance; race relations; equality and equity; institutional integrity and unity.

The five dimensions are interrelated and positive reconciliation outcomes weave all of the dimensions together. More information on utilising the five dimensions of Reconciliation can be found in the Reconciliation Action Plans and Reconciliation Strategies section.

Building understanding

Reconciliation Australia has information on getting involved in reconciliation, and the Reconciliation WA’s Learning Hub provides self-paced and supported learning modules. Other ways to build organisational understanding include attending online or in-person reconciliation events and learning opportunities and talking to other Local Governments. Reconciliation WA hosts learning opportunities that can connect you to the broader reconciliation community – you can find out more on their website under the Attend, Learn and Act pages.

WALGA facilitates a Local Government Reconciliation Network which offers peer-to-peer advice and learnings and provides opportunities for partnerships and collaborations across the sector.

Developing buy-in

Reconciliation is a long-term commitment to equity and may require time to embed and bring about change. Organisational and community buy-in is crucial and can be created through developing clear intentions, outcomes and timeframes based on available capacity and resourcing. It is important staff feel ownership and investment within the process. Reconciliation should not place additional responsibility on Aboriginal staff, refer to our Cultural Load section. Establishing a working group with both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff members can be an effective way to create buy-in.

Central to the reconciliation journey is building trusting relationships with the Aboriginal members of the community including Traditional Land-owners, Elders and local Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations. Information on groups across the State can be found on the interactive map and also the AIATSIS map.

Reconciliation actions

Reconciliation should be embedded across organisational processes and services. Below are some reconciliation actions to consider:

Support local Aboriginal businesses. Supply Nation and Aboriginal Business Directory (WA) provide a database of verified Indigenous businesses
Partner with local Aboriginal Art Galleries on community artwork
Include an Acknowledgement to Country at council meetings and internal staff meetings and a Welcome to Country for significant community events
Take part in National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC week activities and activate your Local Government as a banner host in the Reconciliation Street Banner Program
Develop a Reconciliation Action Plan, with support from Reconciliation Australia
Develop an Aboriginal procurement strategy or process
Join the movement and become a member of Reconciliation WA

Reach out to Reconciliation WA for support and guidance.

Case studies

Walyalup Bidi, Fremantle’s Journey- Video

The City of Fremantle shares it’s reconciliation journey, Walyalup Bidi

Who We Are: People – Video

Who We Are: Brave New Clan follow the lives of six exceptional young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who share stories about their communities, history and cultures in contemporary Australia.

Who We Are: Culture – Video

Who We Are: Country/Place – Video

Journey of Health and Wellbeing – Video

A useful video produced by the Department of Health (WA Health) that we recommend for viewing.

Links and resources

The following information has been provided by our partners and other key agencies. Please click on these to review current information and resources to support your learning and queries.

What is reconciliation?

Reconciliation Australia

Reconciliation WA

WALGA Aboriginal Affairs

Racism.It Stops with Me Campaign

Supply Nation

Aboriginal Business Directory WA

NAIDOC Week

National Reconciliation Week

Aboriginal Art Centre Hub Western Australia

Join the Movement – become a RWA member

Map of Indigenous Australia – AIATSIS