Our First Nations community in Lismore
Our plan to increase Aboriginal employment and cultural awareness
Lismore City Council adopted the Northern Rivers’ first local government Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in 2013, developed in collaboration with Aboriginal stakeholders and endorsed by Reconciliation Australia. It aimed to promote equality and set goals such as increasing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce to 6% and improving cultural awareness.
The second RAP, launched in 2017, focused on community engagement, cultural competency and employment and procurement.
The third RAP (2022–2026), launched at NAIDOC Day celebrations in August 2022, builds on this foundation and is guided by Council’s values: Communicate, Respect, Strive, and Passionate. It is not registered with Reconciliation Australia, as their two-year cycle and six-month approval process did not align with Council’s requirement to deliver a new RAP by 30 June 2025.
The fourth and current RAP (2025-2029) features local Bundjalung artist Tywana Caldwell, who was selected to feature her artwork, Nguliboo, throughout the document, symbolising the RAP’s vision.
This four-year plan aligns with Council’s Delivery Program and budgets and is centred on three key focus areas: People, Culture, Country; Heritage and Language; and Partnerships and Cultural Celebrations. It includes 17 measurable actions designed to deepen reconciliation, embed culturally safe practices and ensure Council’s workforce reflects the community’s diversity.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workers Directory
The Northern Rivers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workers Directory contains a full list of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services in our region. It is produced bi-annually and maintained by Lismore City Council.
All information was correct at the time of writing.