Aboriginal Community

Tamworth Regional Council acknowledges the Kamilaroi/Gomeroi people as the traditional custodians of this land. We recognise that Australia is a country of which the members and Elders of the local Aboriginal communities have been custodians for many centuries, and on which these people have performed age-old ceremonies.

We also acknowledge their living culture and unique role in our vibrant community.

The traditional Aboriginal groups of the Tamworth Regional Council area are the Kamilaroi/Gomeroi peoples of the Kamilaroi Nation.

How to acknowledge the traditional custodians in our community

There are two ways in which you can acknowledge the Aboriginal traditional custodians of the Tamworth Regional Council Area:

  • Welcome to Country
    A Welcome to Country can only be given by an Elder of the local Aboriginal community, unless permission is given to another member of that community. An Elder generally is an Aboriginal person who has the cultural knowledge of their people, either traditional or contemporary knowledge, and has the respect of their community. To make contact with an appropriate Elder or contact the Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council.

  • Acknowledgement of Country
    An Acknowledgement of Country can be performed by any non-Aboriginal person or any Aboriginal person who is not originally from that area. When giving an Acknowledgement of Country you should ensure that you acknowledge the Aboriginal clan and/or country for where you are meeting and to acknowledge the descendants of those people who are with us today. Please refer to the Tamworth Local Aboriginal Council protocol. (PDF 533.5KB)

Our Region’s vision for Reconciliation

Tamworth Regional Council’s vision for reconciliation is to create a region that is moving forward, responding to the changing needs of the community. A place everyone can be proud to call home.

Council’s “Innovate” Reconciliation Action Plan 2018-2020 (PDF 7.6MB) was developed after extensive community consultation and with the guidance of Reconciliation Australia. The plan outlined steps to create clear and tangible outcomes, ensuring that our region developed a shared future between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader community.

Council is currently in the progress of updating the Reconciliation Action Plan to encourage greater understanding, acknowledgment, respect, inclusion and opportunities for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of the Tamworth Region. The new Plan will ensure that Councillors, staff and members of the community have an ongoing opportunity to contribute to the Reconciliation process.

Working together with the community, Council hopes the renewed Reconciliation Action Plan will continue to operate as an important tool in creating respectful communities, social inclusion and equality while strengthening the ability of Tamworth to be a safe, healthy, connected and respectful place to live.



Indigenous events and Aboriginal Culture in our Community

NAIDOC WEEK

Each year, over 2000 people come together to celebrate the history, culture and achievement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our community during NAIDOC Week.

The NAIDOC activities include the NAIDOC March and Family Fun Day with workshops, performances, craft exhibitions, children’s activities and more.

NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK

Each year, Tamworth Regional Council hosts a number of activities relating to Aboriginal culture. These include a formal flag-raising ceremony held during May to celebrate National Reconciliation Week.
Tamworth Regional Council organises a ‘long ’short’ walk with the Elders and a Flag Raising ceremony….
For more information on the Reconciliation Week flag raising ceremony, please contact Council’s Cultural Development Officer on (02) 6767 5205.

For more information on NAIDOC March, and NAIDOC Week Family Fun Day please contact the Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council on (02) 6766 9028.

Aboriginal Art

Tamworth Regional Gallery regularly exhibits the work of local indigenous artists throughout the year. More information is available from the Gallery on (02) 6767 5459.

There are also numerous Aboriginal sculptures and statues throughout the region as well as dedicated Indigenous art galleries. 

NAIDOC Week Activities 2023

Date & Time

Event

Where

Organiser

Tuesday 27 June

10:30am

Barraba Health Service NAIDOC Morning Tea Helipad behind Barraba Health Service Barraba Health Service - RSVP on 02 67822500
All week   Dhurranmay-gal Dhirrabuu Exhibition  Tamworth Regional Gallery Tamworth Regional Gallery
 All week 

Dhiriyagu: For Our Elders

Artists: Gomeroi Culture Academy Students and Mentors 2023

 Tamworth Regional Gallery Gomeroi Culture Academy, Tamworth Regional Gallery

Sunday 2 July

10:30am

Tamworth NAIDOC Week Opening Ceremony

Oxley Scenic Lookout, Tanworth

NAIDOC Committee

Monday 3 July

10:30am

Flag Raising and brunch

Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital

Monday 3 July 

Following the flag raising

Elders' Fun Crafternoon of Pampering

Mara Mara, 18 Kathleen Street  

Monday 3 July 

10am - 1:30pm

Legacy Torch Relay    Legacy Tamworth

 Monday 3 July

4:00pm

Pool of Reflection Waler Memorial  Legacy Tamworth

Tuesday 4 July

10am-12pm

Elders Playgroup

Children 0-6 and Elders

Tamworth City Library Tamworth Family Support Service and 2 Rivers

 Tuesday 4 July

11am

POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER

 Touch Day at the Youthie (inc. lunch) The Youthie  

Wednesday 5 July

9:30am-2:30pm

POSTPONED TO FRIDAY 14 JULY

Cultural Burn Demonstration

Locks Lane

Local Land Services

Thursday  6 July

10am - 3pm 

Elders Long Lunch

Bookings Essential

Mecure Events Centre

For bookings contact

Kylie Taylor - 0431 706 083

or Natalie Briggs - 0411 017 470

Friday 7 July

9:30am for 10am start

NAIDOC March

Assemble at Viaduct Park along Peel St to Bicentennial Park

 NAIDOC Committee

Friday 7 July

11:00am-2pm

NAIDOC Family Fun Day

Bicentennial Park

 NAIDOC Committee

Friday 7 July

4:30pm

Mungo - Red Carpet Premiere

 
UNE, Fitzroy Street  NAIDOC Committee

Saturday 8 July

10am-1pm

Arts North West Gather and Trade NAIDOC markets

Fitzroy St Plaza 

Arts North West Tamworth NAIDOC. Stallholder enquiries to Will Keogh on 0458 885 189

Saturday 8 July

3pm-11:30pm

NAIDOC Debutante Ball

TRECC 

NAIDOC Committee