A new First Nations Strategy from City of Parramatta is promising to turn words into action, as the local Council continues to build on its relationship with Dharug and the First Nations community.
Launched at Parramatta Town Square last week, the new five-year strategy intends to drive understanding, recognition, and respect of Dharug and other First Nations people across the City of Parramatta.
It’s a first for a Council within greater Sydney beyond a Reconciliation Action Plan.
The strategy will work towards First Nations people having better access to local services and programs, grant funding, and greater input into Council’s work and decision-making processes.
Council said it will also build on its ongoing efforts to acknowledge Dharug history and celebrate their rich culture.
The strategy has been developed in consultation with the First Nations community, service providers, staff and the wider community for almost two years.
City of Parramatta First Nations Committee chair Jayne Christian said consultation with Dharug and the First Nations Indigenous community was key.
“The First Nations Strategy is the result of a process informed by the Aboriginal Community that distils what’s important to the Aboriginal Community connected to Parramatta,” she said.
“It allows for the cohesive functioning of the whole community and it embeds these principles and objectives into how the City of Parramatta measures success.”
For Parramatta Lord Mayor Pierre Esber, the strategy sets an example with the First Nations community that they can all move forward together.
“We want to centre Dharug and all First Nations people at the heart of what Council does,” Esber added.
“We are moving past a reconciliation plan and taking the next step towards practical outcomes – I am proud Council is stepping up and delivering this strategy.”
Esber said this new strategy allows for a bigger vision to become a reality.
“Our goals and actions must also reflect the needs and aspirations of Dharug and other First Nations people who have a connection to this Country,” he said.
“Parramatta has always been an important gathering place for Dharug and other First Nations people, and we want to ensure it continues to be.”
City of Parramatta said the strategy is focused around five pillars: social justice, cultural leadership, social cohesion, celebration and accountability.
It intends to build on the legacy of Council’s Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan, which increased spend in procurement from First Nations businesses and delivered greater incorporation of First Nations culture into programming.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.