Acknowledgement of Country

Sutherland Shire Council acknowledges the Dharawal people as the Traditional Custodians of the land within Sutherland Shire. We value and celebrate the Dharawal culture and language, and acknowledge the Dharawal people’s continuing connection to the land, the sea and the community. We pay respect to the Elders and their families, past, present and emerging, and through them, to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Aboriginal Dancers at sunset ceremony
Dharawal history
Before the arrival of the Endeavour, the area that is now known as the Sutherland Shire was populated by clans of the Dharawal language group. Learn more about the history of the Dharawal speaking people.
Aboriginal Handprints on a rock face
Dharawal heritage and artefacts
Guidelines on how you can help protect and preserve our Dharawal sites and respecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage in the landscape.
Aunty Deanna and Mayor Cr Carmelo Pesce landscape
First Nations partnerships
We partner with a range of organisations and groups to continue education and connection with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples in Sutherland Shire.
Amy Hill artwork SSC RAP cover
Reconciliation Action Plan
The development of our Reconciliation Action Plan February 2022 – April 2023 was a collaborative and inclusive process drawing on the deep knowledge and cultural understanding held by local Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Aboriginal dancers on the sand at Cronulla Beach.
First Nations events
We partner with local organisations and community to bring people together in recognition of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples history and culture and to build reconciliation.
Fire Stories event at Cronulla Beach taken from the air
Sharing culture
Previous cultural events and exhibitions.