Draft Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy

Yandaarra – go as a group, traveling together, shifting camp together

The City of Coffs Harbour has worked in partnership with the Yandaarra Aboriginal Advisory Committee to develop the Draft Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy.

This is the first Strategy of its kind for our City. It is a living document that represents our commitment towards reconciliation, respect, and renewal.

“Yandaarra” means to go as a group, travelling together, shifting camp together. This Strategy is about walking together towards a shared future with the Aboriginal Community.

What's this Strategy about?

The Strategy commits to strengthening respectful partnerships, recognising and celebrating Aboriginal culture, promoting employment and training opportunities, embedding Aboriginal voices in decision-making, and taking action to address racism and disadvantage.

The Strategy is guided by four key focus areas:

1. Understand – Building strong relationships through meaningful engagement, cultural learning, and mutual respect. This includes improving understanding of Aboriginal histories, cultures, knowledge systems, and rights.
2. Embrace – Embedding reconciliation into the City's everyday practices. This focus area aims to create a culturally safe, inclusive organisation where accountability and shared responsibility are part of "business as usual".
3. Govern – Ensuring aboriginal voices are represented in the City's decision making. This includes working closely with the Yandaarra Aboriginal Advisory Committee and reporting transparently on progress, challenges, and outcomes.
4. Embed – Supporting long term social and economic outcomes through employment, procurement, education, and leadership opportunities for Aboriginal people, and working collaboratively with aboriginal organisations and businesses.

How you can Have Your Say

The City is committed to undertaking authentic consultation with the Aboriginal Community and the broader community on the vision, focus areas and initiatives within this draft Strategy.

We are now seeking community feedback. Your voice will help shape the final Strategy and ensure it reflects the aspirations of our community.

You’re invited to take a look at the Draft Strategy, along with a Summary and FAQs to help you understand what’s proposed.

📅 Submissions close Tuesday 30 June 2026.

What Happens Next

All feedback will be reviewed and summarised which will be presented to Council with the final Strategy. Once adopted, the Strategy will be implemented through an Action Plan, monitored through Council’s reporting framework, and reviewed within five years.