Acknowledgement of Country
The City of Casey proudly acknowledges the traditional owners, Casey's Aboriginal communities and their rich culture and pays respect to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia's first peoples and as the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we work and live.
About the Acknowledgement of Country
For Aboriginal people land has a profound spiritual value. Land is a source of life to which Aboriginal people belong by virtue of their birth into a region and group of people. Our Acknowledgement of Country recognises that we value the unique status of Aboriginal peoples as the original owners and custodians of this land and waters. It is one step on the path to reconciliation.
This Statement – as with all Acknowledgements – differs significantly from a ‘Welcome to Country’ which is delivered by Traditional Owners to welcome visitors to their Country. Note that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples not of a particular Country can be given permission from Traditional Owners to deliver a Welcome to Country.
Casey Council adopted the Acknowledgement of Country in April 2019.
Using the Acknowledgement of Country
This statement is used at Council meetings and civic and community functions as part of the introduction or opening. The Statement is also read internally at large meetings and engagements with external stakeholders.
The City of Casey encourages organisations, groups and people to consider using this Statement of Acknowledgement at their formal occasions as a mark of respect and step towards reconciliation with the Traditional Owners of this land.
Organisations are welcome to insert their name in place of ‘The City of Casey’ in the statement and have a representative read the passage at the start of an occasion. Alternatively, organisations and groups can develop their own Statement.
