Central Coast Council is proud to support National Reconciliation Week 2026, a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to reflect on how each of us can contribute to reconciliation.
This year’s theme, All In, calls for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every day, and reinforces that reconciliation is not a spectator activity – it requires action, participation and genuine commitment from everyone.
Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said that while the Central Coast community has made meaningful progress, National Reconciliation Week reminds everyone that there is still work to be done.
“This year’s Reconciliation Week theme, All in, reminds us all that advancing the rights and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is our shared responsibility as Australians,” Mayor McKinna said.
“Reconciliation Week is a time to learn about our shared local history, culture and achievements and explore how we can continue to build relationships that acknowledge the deep historical connection of First Nations people on the Central Coast.”
“I encourage everyone in the community to participate in Reconciliation Week activities.”
Beyond Reconciliation Week, Central Coast Council remains firmly committed to meeting the NSW State Government’s ‘Closing the Gap’ priority reform targets. These targets are as follows:
- Priority Reform One: Formal Partnerships and Shared Decision Making
- Priority Reform Two: Building the Community Controlled Sector
- Priority Reform Three: Transforming Government Organisations
- Priority Reform Four: Shared Access to Data and Information at a Regional Level
- Priority Reform Five: Employment, Business Growth and Economic Prosperity
Year-round, Council works to meet these priority reform targets by strengthening relationships with First Nations communities through the Central Coast First Nations Accord and the Aboriginal Advisory Committee (AAC). Council’s formal partnerships with Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council and Barang Regional Alliance help to guide Council’s ongoing collaboration with the broader First Nations community.
Other Council-led programs and initiatives include:
- Ngura Program
- Elders Reading Program
- Intercultural residency program
- Our annual National Reconciliation Week banners installed across the Coast featuring artworks created by local First Nations students through Council’s Maliga program
- Recognition of National Sorry Day on 26 May
Council Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said Council remains committed to advancing meaningful reconciliation on the Central Coast.
“Council acknowledges that reconciliation is an ongoing journey – one that we are firmly committed to both in principle and in practice,” Ms Smith said.
“Central Coast Council’s recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Barang Regional Alliance means the Central Coast is the first region in NSW to have formal agreements between First Nations communities and all three tiers of government: local, state and federal. This is something we are deeply proud to be a part of.”
To learn more about National Reconciliation Week, the Accord or Council’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee, search ‘National Reconciliation Week 2026‘ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au