Reconciliation

The City of Unley recognises that the Kaurna people are the traditional owners and occupiers of the land that now comprises the City of Unley.

We apologise for the pain, the grief and suffering experienced by Australian Indigenous people as a result of past laws, government

policies, actions and attitudes. The City of Unley expresses deep sorrow that these actions and attitudes have occurred and has determined that such occurrences will not be repeated.

The City of Unley commits itself to an ongoing process of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and recognises the historical and environmental significance of Kaurna sites within the City.

We recognise the significance and richness of the Kaurna culture and language.

Signed by Kaurna Elders Lewis O'Brien and Doris Graham with City of Unley Mayor Michael Keenan on 30 November 2001.

Reconciliation Action Plan

Welcome to the City of Unley’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP(PDF, 6MB)). We are proud to present this whole of organisation plan which builds upon the positive initiatives and relationships already fostered, strengthens our sense of inclusion and shared histories, and reflects the diversity of our community.

Our work towards reconciliation is done with respect and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures. We further appreciate the ongoing contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to our shared community.

The practical actions outlined in our Reflect RAP will make important improvements to Council’s services and operations, and our engagement, understanding and commitment towards a just, equitable and reconciled Australia.

Implementing our Reflect RAP is a responsibility shared between Elected Members, staff and volunteers - working alongside and with guidance from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, representatives and organisations.

In 2022, Council resolved to develop a Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan aligned with our Cultural Plan 2021-2026. In July 2024, the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan was endorsed by Council and subsequently approved by Reconciliation Australia in October 2024.

The City of Unley invited and commissioned Kaurna artist and local resident Michelle Joy Magias to share her creative vision of Country and place from her perspective. Michelle created an original artwork which is proudly on display in our Civic Centre.

This artwork, entitled Grounded awakening, is featured on the cover and throughout our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.

Cultural Mapping

Council acknowledges that we have limited documentation of the history and traditions of First Nations peoples on our shared land, both before and after European settlement. As we move into the future, we will continue to undertake cultural mapping projects to research the Indigenous significance of the land in the City of Unley. This research and documentation could assist in future projects, strategies and plans to recognise and celebrate Kaurna culture and language.

“Of Desert and Sea” Reconciliation Week 2023 Unley Town Hall Photo: Ben Liew

National Reconciliation Week is held every year May 27-June 3. 

The City of Unley has in recent times made significant steps towards Reconciliation. We take Reconciliation and ongoing dialogue with our Indigenous community very seriously as part as of our rich and progressive cultural agenda.

Since 2009, every year we have celebrated Reconciliation Week with our community in the Town Hall and in our Libraries and Community Centres with our local schools, Elected Members, staff and wider community.

We have now had many Aboriginal and Torres Strait representatives who have led us in music, dance, Indigenous languages, weaving, murals, stories and a greater understanding about what it means to walk together along the path of Reconciliation.

We also fly the Aboriginal flag and Torres Strait Island permanently in front of the Unley Library, one of the few Councils to do so in South Australia.

Reconciliation Week Events

Reconciliation Week events will appear here in the lead up to week.