Our commitment

Bathurst Regional Council successfully delivered two Reconciliation Action Plan's (RAP), spanning 2015-2017 and 2019-2021.

In August 2022, Council adopted Bathurst Regional Council's inaugural Aboriginal Commitment Strategy, Ngumbaay - Version 1, to guide Council in working effectively and collaboratively on a local level with the Aboriginal community. For over three years, the Aboriginal Commitment Strategy, Ngumbaay - Version 1 guided Council in continuing its strong connection with Bathurst's Aboriginal community, and developing meaningful relationships with Aboriginal people, organisations and stakeholders. 

Following the second review of the inaugural Strategy, Council completed consultation throughout November 2024, yarning face to face with approximately 55 Aboriginal community members and received 20 anonymous consultation flag cards from community participants. Meaningful conversations were also held with Elders, stakeholders and Recognised Aboriginal Parties. From this consultation, Council have respectfully updated the Aboriginal Commitment Strategy. 

Council adopted Bathurst Regional Council's Aboriginal Commitment Strategy, Bula - Version 2 in February 2026. The Strategy reflects community voices and provides a strong foundation for continued collaboration, respect and meaningful outcomes with Aboriginal people across the Bathurst region. 

Bathurst Regional Council's Aboriginal Commitment Strategy, Bula - Version 2 can be downloaded here.(PDF, 32MB)

Bathurst Regional Council's Aboriginal Commitment Strategy, Ngumbaay - Version 1 can be downloaded here.(PDF, 14MB)

On 13 February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered a formal apology to Indigenous Australians for forced removals of Indigenous children (Stolen Generations) from their families by Australian federal and state government agencies.

Bathurst Regional Council held an acknowledgement of the Parliamentary Apology on Thursday 14 February 2008. Many people in Bathurst and surrounds attended the gathering to reflect on those who were taken from their families by past government policies. On the occasion, Laurie Crawford addressed the gathering.

Bathurst Regional Council have established protocols for communication with and engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community representatives. Any queries in relation to this matter may be referred to Council’s Manger Community Services.

Download Communications Protocol(PDF, 51KB)