Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

The Willoughby City Council acknowledges the traditional Owners of the lands on which we stand the Gamaragal people. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present.

The Gamaragal people (also spelt Cammeraygal) are the traditional owners of parts of the North Shore. It is likely that North Sydney and Willoughby Councils are within this clan area, however, the exact boundaries are not known. Wallumedegal clan territory is to the west, Darramurragal to the north and Borogegal to the east. European arrival brought armed conflict and a serious lack of cross-cultural understanding. With colonisation came disease, warfare, death and displacement and most of the creation stories and lore of this place were never recorded. When acknowledging the traditional owners, acknowledging the Aboriginal history of this place can be an act of reconciliation.

Acknowledgement of Country

The following Acknowledgment of Country wording is to be used for Willoughby City Council meetings and events:

'Willoughby City Council acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we meet today, the Gamaragal People, and their connections to land, waters, and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including those who may be in attendance today.'

Uluru Statement from the Heart

Willoughby City Councillors voted to endorse the Uluru Statement from the Heart in July 2018.