Sutherland Shire Council acknowledges the Dharawal speaking people, Traditional Custodians of the land, and pays respect to elders past and present. Council extends this respect to all Aboriginal people living in or visiting Sutherland Shire.
April 2020 marks the 250th anniversary of first contact between members of the Gweagal clan and the crew of the His Majesty’s (HM) Bark Endeavour on the southern shores of Kamay Botany Bay in 1770.
Marking 250 years after this event is an opportunity to reflect on all perspectives of our shared history. Reflection on this pivotal moment in history will enable meaningful discussion and learning.
This significant historical event also represents a local story and Council has partnered with La Perouse Land Council and local elders to develop a special range of programs, expanding on our annual event of The Meeting of Two Cultures with the aim to share culture, truth and come together as a community.
Read more about how Council is marking this significant historical anniversary below and visit these links for more information about State and Federal Government programs:
The Meeting of Two Cultures 2020 Programme
Due to current public health directives from the Federal and State Government, Council is unable to proceed with The Meeting of Two Cultures 2020 events, which were planned to commemorate the 250th anniversary of first contact between the Gweagal community and the crew of the HM Bark Endeavour on the southern shores of Kamay Botany Bay in 1770.
In addition to the planned community events, the Meeting of Two Cultures 2020 Programme includes additional ways to observe this important moment in our shared history.
Read More
Historical Significance
Sutherland Shire has a long-standing and significant history. The original inhabitants of this area, which is now known as the Sutherland Shire, were clans of the Dharawal language group. There is evidence of Aboriginal settlement dating back between 8,000 and 9,000 years ago.
Then, on 29 April 1770, Lieutenant James Cook sailed into Kamay Botany Bay and landed at Kurnell.
Read More
Looking Back, Moving Forward
The 250th anniversary while an opportunity to reflect, is a moment in time and Sutherland Shire Council is committed to continuing a range of programs, services and initiatives that continue to bring our community together.
Read More
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this website contains images and voices of people who have died. Their involvement and achievements in our local history would not be as it is today if it weren’t for them. In some Aboriginal communities, seeing the names and photographs of dead people may cause sadness and distress, particularly to relatives of those people. Do you wish to proceed?
More information
Enquiries
or