Aboriginal Reference Group

About the Aboriginal Reference Group

Strengthening cultural awareness and engagement in the City of Cockburn

The Aboriginal Reference Group (ARG) is a community-led initiative dedicated to helping the City of Cockburn enhance its cultural awareness and engagement with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

Meeting every Nyungar season, the ARG is composed of members who live, work, or are actively involved in the Cockburn community. These members provide valuable insights into traditional landmarks, concerns, and aspirations of their communities.

ARG objectives

The objectives of the Aboriginal Reference Group (ARG) are to:

  • Facilitate communication, participation, and sharing of information and knowledge between the City of Cockburn and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
  • Provide leadership, advocacy, and advice to the City of Cockburn on issues that affect the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
  • Enhance understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history, and achievements among the broader community.

By striving towards these objectives, the ARG plays a crucial role in fostering cultural awareness, understanding, and respect in the City of Cockburn.

Meeting times

The ARG meets six times a year, coinciding with the Nyungar seasons:

  • Birak (December - January)
  • Bunrur (February - March)
  • Djeran (April - May)
  • Makuru (June - July)
  • Djilba (August - September)
  • Kambarang (October - November).

Become a member

Membership nominations for the ARG are currently open. 

An Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held every year to consider the nominations and elect the next ARG. 

The membership terms are for two years, with 50% of the membership coming up for election each year to ensure continuity. If vacancies occur during the year, new nominations may be considered.

If you are interested in becoming a member, contact the City of Cockburn.

More information and contact

For more information on the ARG, please contact the Aboriginal Community Development Officer on 08 9411 3444 or at [email protected].

Related Pages

Contact

Address

City of Cockburn
Whadjuk Boodja
9 Coleville Crescent,
Spearwood 6163

PO Box 1215, Bibra Lake DC,
Western Australia, 6965

Office opening hours:
8.30am to 4.30pm
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

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Cockburn Nyungar moort Beeliar boodja-k kaadadjiny. Koora, yeyi, benang baalap nidja boodja-k kaaradjiny.
Ngalak kaadatj dayin boodja, kep wer malayin. Ngalak kaadatj koora koora wer yeyi ngalang birdiya.

City of Cockburn acknowledges the Nyungar people of Beeliar boodja. Long ago, now and in the future they care for Country.
We acknowledge a continuing connection to land, waters and culture and pay our respects to the Elders, past and present.