City of Coffs Harbour Council has released its draft Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy for consultation, with the plan identifying 38 local actions.
The Council says the draft strategy 2026 – developed in partnership with the Yandaarra Aboriginal Advisory Committee – is a comprehensive umbrella document “which recognises the cultural, historical, and ongoing contributions of Aboriginal people as well as past injustices that continue to shape present-day disadvantage”.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 5.7% of the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area population – significantly more than the NSW average of 2.9%.
The local Aboriginal community has a median age of 23 years, and experiences higher rates of housing stress, single-parent households, long-term health conditions, and lower employment participation compared to the broader population.
“Together with acknowledging the past, the draft strategy has a clear focus on a shared path ahead, where the City will strengthen respectful relationships with the Aboriginal community,” said Mayor, Nikki Williams.
“It is a particularly relevant piece of work as local context is woven through the pages.”
The draft strategy includes key actions to:
- Deliver Aboriginal cultural awareness training for Councillors and City staff
- Promote Aboriginal culture and language through signage, artwork, public spaces, and City communications
- Support cultural events such as NAIDOC Week, National Reconciliation Week, and significant commemorative dates
- Strengthen relationships with Aboriginal organisations and provide access to meeting spaces, grants, and networks
- Improve Aboriginal employment outcomes through targeted recruitment, culturally safe onboarding, professional development, and career pathways; and
- Increase Aboriginal supplier diversity through procurement practices and promotion of Aboriginal businesses.
City Planning and Communities Director, Ian Fitzgibbon said the draft strategy recognises the standing and contribution of the local Aboriginal community to Coffs Harbour and the broader Gumbaynggirr Nation which stretches from the Nambucca to Clarence rivers and west to the Great Dividing Range.
“Most of the initiatives in the City’s action plan are ongoing commitments while there are some which can be achieved in the short-term,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“Many of the deliverables speak to improved engagement between the City and the local Aboriginal community. It’s about building even better relationships.
“There are also a number of internal organisational goals designed to enhance diversity and inclusivity in the City’s workforce.”
The draft strategy can be viewed here and submissions are encouraged through to 30 June.
