Aboriginal Services and Contacts

Our vision for Reconciliation

The City of Cockburn acknowledges that we meet on the traditional land of the Whadjuk Nyungar people who are the traditional custodians of this land, and we pay our respect to the people, country and continuing culture.

Nyungar is the name for people whose ancestors lived in the South West of Western Australia. Beeliar is one of the clans of the Whadjuk group of Nyungar. What we know today as the City of Cockburn is traditionally Beeliar Boodjar.

Cockburn vision for Reconciliation – English language

The City’s vision for reconciliation is to create an inclusive community with strong relationships across cultures. This vision is based on mutual respect and understanding. Our actions will contribute to the goal of closing the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.

This is so that all people can be valued and participate fully in the Cockburn community.

Cockburn vision for Reconciliation – Nyungar language

Nidja City Cockburn baal djinang dandjoo-koorl moort-al warn moorditj kenyak yambo boola-boola dudjarak koordoodjinyal wer kaadadjiny. Ngaalang warn boorder-be dandidin djit kardakor Nyungar wer Torres Strait Islander wer warma noonakutt wagbella ali bandang moort baalap booder-be yokiny wer banga Cockburn moort.

(Nyungar language translation by the late Reverend Garlett OAM & Charmaine Bennell)

Useful links and resources

• Advocare – Assistance for older Aboriginal People opens in a new window
• Aboriginal Community Funeral Plan opens in a new window
• Aboriginal Hostels Limited opens in a new window
• Aboriginal Alcohol and Drug Service opens in a new window
• Beeliar Boodjar Aboriginal History of Cockburn booklet
• Beyond Blueopens opens in a new window
• Black Dog Institute opens in a new window
• Centrelink – Indigenous Australians opens in a new window
• Close the Gap opens in a new window
• Creative Spirits opens in a new window
• Derbal Nara - Aboriginal information website opens in a new window
• Diabetes Australia opens in a new window
• Headspace opens in a new window
• Indigenous Business Australia opens in a new window
• Indigenous Community Volunteers opens in a new window
• MyGov opens in a new window
• Reconciliation Australia opens in a new window
• South West Aboriginal Land & Sea Council (SWALSC) opens in a new window 

Aboriginal Community Development Officer

The City’s Aboriginal Community Development Officer assists with building and strengthening relationships between the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and the City of Cockburn by:

• Promoting and encouraging community development programs and activities 
• Raising awareness of Aboriginal culture and history 
• ​Provision of information and support
• Developing  a high level of cultural competency across the organisation and the Cockburn community via training, events, projects and services
• Coordinating the City's Aboriginal Reference Group (ARG) ensuring administrative support and a cooperative working relationship to assist with areas of interest
• Playing a key role in the development and implementation of the City's Strategic Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and embedding the plan across the organisation and the broader community
• Developing cultural competency and understanding of aboriginal culture and history through culturally appropriate training, services and practices
• Strengthening and building the capacity of current and new local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, using a community development approach.

The City currently has 14 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees.

Connect with City Aboriginal Services

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can connect with the City’s Aboriginal Services through City run activities events and programs.

For a full list of events which may be of interest to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, please visit the Events and Workshops webpage.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can also participate in the City’s Events, Social Clubs and Support Groups.

More information and contact

Please contact the Aboriginal Community Development Officer for more information on 08 9411 3444 or at customer@cockburn.wa.gov.au.