“We commit to walking together with the traditional custodians of this land, Australia’s First Nations people, on the road to reconciliation,” Mr Bull said.

“First Nations peoples have a strong social, spiritual and cultural connection with Country and have made use of complex systems of traditional land management for many thousands of years,” he said.

“At Local Land Services, we recognise the unique, diverse and enduring cultures of our First Nations peoples which have enriched our lives and we will continue to provide our staff with opportunities to learn about these important aspects of Australia’s past, present and future,” he said.

Launched as part of the Northern Tablelands Aboriginal Reference Advisory Group (ARAG) meeting, representatives from the local Aboriginal communities were in attendance. 

Northern Tablelands Local Land Services Aboriginal Communities Officer Harry White was delighted that Inverell was the launch pad for this next step on the reconciliation path.

“It is a privilege to have Mr Bull launching the Reconciliation Statement in our region because the Northern Tablelands ARAG is very proactive in developing relationships based on mutual respect, collaboration and communication between Local Land Services and the Aboriginal community across the region,” Mr White said.

“I’m delighted to be launching the Reconciliation Statement in Inverell and with members of the Northern Tablelands ARAG, who recently celebrated their 10th birthday,” Mr Bull said.

Mr Bull said the Reconciliation Statement outlines Local Land Services’ commitment to improving reconciliation within the organisation and was unanimously endorsed by the Local Land Services Board.

“It’s great to be on Kamilaroi country, the second largest Aboriginal Nation in NSW,” he said.

“As an organisation with nearly 1,000 staff operating from more than 90 locations throughout NSW, we are well aware that we are working on and helping others to care for Country partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

While the Reconciliation Statement identifies the intent to improve reconciliation, the Reconciliation Action Plan clearly outlines practical actions that build respectful relationship and create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Reconciliation Action Plan was developed with input from more than 2,700 individuals and local Aboriginal groups across NSW and will be launched at Warragamba Dam on May 28.