Reconciliation

Whitehorse City Council has a long-standing commitment to reconciliation and encouraging respectful relationships between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians.

Whitehorse City Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the land. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. Wurundjeri connection to this land dates back more than 40,000 years, and evidence of this connection still exists today.  

On this page:

National Sorry Day

In honour of National Sorry Day, Whitehorse City Council hosts an annual Flag Raising Ceremony each year. National Sorry Day is held in May every year to recognise and acknowledge members of the Stolen Generations, as well as the historic apology speech given in 2008 to members of the Stolen Generations. National Sorry Day also marks the start of National Reconciliation Week.

Whitehorse Sorry Day Flag Raising Ceremony  

When: Tuesday 26 May 2026 – details to be confirmed closer to the date.  
Where: Whitehorse City Council  
Nangnak Garden (rear of the Council offices)  
379–399 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading  

Join us for this special event to acknowledge the impact of Australian historical policies, practices and attitudes have on First Nations people.

Reconciliation Week

Details to be advised.

Contact

For more information about these events and activities, contact: Maureen D’Arcy, Community Strengthening Officer, Maureen.D’Arcy@whitehorse.vic.gov.au. 

Reconciliation in Whitehorse Action Plan

Council is committed to inclusiveness, equity and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. The Reconciliation in Whitehorse Action Plan 2025 -2029 ( PDF 874.02KB) responds to this commitment. Download the Plan here.

We have long embraced the importance of reconciliation and the significant role we can play in it. Council is committed to fostering respect for and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, and histories across Australia

Whitehorse City Council’s reconciliation journey commenced in 1997, where along with other Eastern Region Councils a “Statement of Commitment to Indigenous People” was signed. It is an affirmation of respect and recognition of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of Whitehorse. 

The commitments in the Reconciliation in Whitehorse Action Plan allow us to gain a deeper understanding of our sphere of influence and establish the best approach to advance reconciliation. 

The Reconciliation in Whitehorse Action plan has key actions that we will deliver of the next four years, focused on Respect, Relationships, Opportunities and Governance.

Whitehorse Reconciliation Advisory Committee

The Whitehorse Reconciliation Advisory Committee is a Council committee that oversees the development and implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan. The Whitehorse Reconciliation Advisory Committee consists of Aboriginal people, service providers, community representatives, government departments, and other organisations.

The Whitehorse Reconciliation Advisory Committee provides Council with strategic advice on recognition and reconciliation issues relating to initiatives, services, activities, functions and facilities.

For more information contact the Community Strengthening Officer: Maureen.D'Arcy@whitehorse.vic.gov.au