Aboriginal people
Aboriginal Communities
We recognise the traditional custodians of the land which makes up the MidCoast Council area - the Gathang-speaking (Biripi and Worimi) people. Council enjoys a strong relationship with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, collaborating on a range of projects to acknowledge and celebrate their contribution to the region, and is committed to strengthening those relationships.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 6.2% of our population, more than double the State and Australian Averages (2.9% and 2.8% respectively)*. These vibrant communities contribute extensively to the culture and society of our LGA.
* Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2016. Compiled and presented by .id, the population experts
Local Aboriginal Land Councils
There are four Local Aboriginal Lands Councils in the Local Government Area:
Forster Local Aboriginal Land Council
Area: Forster and Gloucester areas
Address: 10 Breckenridge Street, PO Box 384, Forster NSW 2428
Phone: (02) 6555 5411
Websites and Email: www.forsterlalc.org.au or info@forsterlalc.org.au
Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council
Area: a small area in the south of the LGA, around Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest
Address: 16 Mustons Road, PO Box 30, Karuah, NSW 2324
Phone: (02) 4997 5733
Websites and Email: admin@karuahaboriginal.com.au , www.karuahaboriginal.com.au
Purfleet-Taree Local Aboriginal Land Council
Area: Taree, Wingham and Harrington areas
Address: 5 Edwards Drive, Purfleet, NSW 2430
Phone: (02) 6552 4106
Websites and Email: admin@ptlalc.com.au , www.ptlalc.com.au
Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council
Area: a small area in the south of the MidCoast LGA
Address: 2163 Nelson Bay Road, Williamtown, NSW 2314
Phone: (02) 4033 800
Websites and Email: reception@worimi.org.au , www.worimi.org.au
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and support our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Council celebrates NAIDOC Week in partnership with the local Aboriginal community through a range of events across the LGA, details of which are published in the lead up to NAIDOC Week on our website and Facebook page.
For further information on NAIDOC Week, please visit www.naidoc.org.au or for local information contact us.
MidCoast Council Aboriginal Action Plan
We value our diverse community and recognise the opportunity to embrace indigenous cultures and enhance inclusiveness.
To help us do this, we are currently working on an Aboriginal Action Plan.
This plan is important to help strengthen our relationships and develop stronger partnerships with the Aboriginal MidCoast community.
We conducted a survey to help us develop a better appreciation of the way services are provided and get an increased understanding of the needs of the Aboriginal MidCoast community.
We'll be conducting focus groups to discuss feedback received through the survey.
Click here to read more about our Aboriginal Action Plan.