Aboriginal Advisory Committee - 01/09/2026

Topics

• Council committee considers overhaul of Aboriginal community consultation
  The Aboriginal Advisory Committee is exploring a more flexible membership and governance model after concerns about vacant and inactive representative positions.
  Changes could affect who participates in Aboriginal consultation, how Elders and community members contribute, and how advice reaches Council.
• JBBG memorial project to return to Elders before Council report
  Plans for an interpretive walk, reflection spaces, signage, garden elements and burial-ground recognition are to be tested with Elders before formal Council consideration.
  The project could change how the site is interpreted and provide new public spaces for remembrance, truth-telling and education.

Decisions

• Review Aboriginal Advisory Committee membership and governance
  Members supported examining ways to replace inactive members, broaden participation, reduce reliance on quorum requirements and create a more sustainable membership structure.
  A revised structure could make Aboriginal community advice to Council more consistent, representative and effective.
• Explore alternative consultation arrangements
  Staff outlined options including smaller or fluid membership, stronger Elder involvement through culturally appropriate engagement, partnerships with existing community groups, nominated Councillors and dedicated staff support. Any new arrangement should retain the ability to make formal recommendations to Council.
  Residents may see changes to how Aboriginal community views are gathered and reported to Council.
• Develop JBBG recognition and memorial concepts with Elders
  The committee expressed a preference for presenting draft concepts, including an interpretive walk, reflection points, signage, garden elements and recognition near burial grounds, to Elders before a formal Council report.
  The approach is intended to maintain community support and guide improvements at the JBBG site.

Discussion

• Aboriginal consultation model
  The committee identified vacant or inactive representative positions and considered more flexible participation, Elder engagement, community partnerships, Councillor involvement and dedicated resourcing.
  The proposed changes could affect future consultation opportunities and the pathway for Aboriginal advice to influence Council decisions.
• JBBG site memorial and truth-telling project
  Discussion covered storytelling, QR codes, quiet reflection space, a memorial garden and a visible record of people buried at the site, including those whose names are not recorded. Members also called for the project to address historical land-management and administrative actions affecting the site's integrity.
  The project may improve public recognition, education and respectful access to an important local heritage and remembrance area.

Impacts

• Aboriginal residents and Elders may have more flexible and culturally appropriate ways to participate in Council consultation.
• Future consultation arrangements may include practical support or compensation and stronger Council reporting pathways.
• The JBBG site may receive new interpretive, memorial and reflection features, subject to further consultation and a future Council report.
• The committee encouraged practical improvements to proceed progressively as funding and opportunities become available.

Places

• Nowra (town)
  Meeting location and local area connected with the committee's work.
• City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road (facility)
  Venue for the meeting.
• JBBG site (project area)
  Proposed location for interpretation, memorial, reflection and recognition initiatives.

Next

• Review membership and governance options for a more active and sustainable Aboriginal consultation structure.
  Future committee and Council consideration; no formal deadline stated.
• Continue developing JBBG interpretive, memorial and recognition concepts and present draft concepts to Elders before a formal Council report.
  Before a future Council report; no date stated.
• Consider dedicated staffing, practical participation support and broader community involvement in consultation and JBBG project stewardship.
  As future arrangements and project planning progress.

Extract

Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF THE ABORIGINAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Meeting Date: Tuesday, 1 September 2026 Location: Osprey & Orchid Training Rooms, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Rd, Nowra Time: 6:00 PM The following members were present: Clr Jemma Tribe Clr Debbie Killian Ms Natalie Lloyd (Remotely) - Community Representative Ms Sharlene Cruickshank - Community Representative Mr Allen Bloxsome - Community Representative Uncle Sonny Henry Simms - Nowra LALC Others present: Mr Andrew Constance - Chief Executive Officer Ms Katie Buckman - Director City Performance Ms Lauren Buckingham - Manager Customer and Community Services Ms Jessica Richardson - Lead Vibrant Communities Mr Colin Moore - Ab...