Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander information

Australia’s First Peoples

Australia’s First Peoples have walked these lands for more than 60,000 years. We know that First Nation Aboriginal people are the oldest surviving culture in the world. Mackay Regional Council respects the traditional custodians of the lands that make up our region, the Yuwibara people. We also acknowledge all other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who call our region home.

Council’s Commitment to Reconciliation

Council, through our Reconciliation Action Plan, acknowledges the values, history and culture of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Our aim is to develop stronger relationships with the Traditional Custodians of our land, relationships that are firmly anchored by mutual respect. We will work with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to protect and promote our region and celebrate our histories.

In 2014, Mackay Regional Council was one of the first Queensland local governments to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). With the guidance and support of Reconciliation Australia, council’s second RAP was endorsed in May 2019. In 2023 we begin the journey of our third RAP. While this plan is yet to be endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, Mackay Regional Council continues its commitment to improve our relationships while creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our region.

Council’s RAP Working Group comprises of Traditional Custodian representative, council staff (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff members) and external stakeholders (community and State Government). The purpose of the working group is to operate as a key reference group to council and create opportunities for increased understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as support for the reconciliation process.