Council strengthens commitment to reconciliation
Published on 26 September 2025
A review of the five-year City of Ipswich Indigenous Accord 2020-2025 has found Ipswich City Council strengthened its commitment to reconciliation, cultural inclusion and respect.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said she was pleased to see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives had been meaningfully embedded across council’s operations, public spaces and community engagement.
“The achievements outlined in the Indigenous Accord Outcomes Report are not isolated milestones and they reflect a sustained and strategic effort that has led to widespread change across the organisation,” Mayor Harding said.
Building on the foundations laid by the 1995 Accord and the subsequent 2015–2018 Accord, in 2020 council in collaboration with the Indigenous Accord Working Group, developed and adopted the Indigenous Accord 2020-2025.
The Accord is council’s strategic framework for reconciliation and community governance with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
“It has guided council’s engagement, operations and partnerships through targeted actions that promote collaboration, cultural recognition and inclusive leadership,” Mayor Harding said.
“The achievements outlined in the Outcomes Report are the result of contributions from across council. Every department has played a vital role in advancing the goals of the Accord whether through direct initiatives or by embedding culturally inclusive practices into everyday operations.
“Many initiatives from the Accord have evolved into embedded practices, shaping council’s culture, policies and community relationships in lasting and impactful ways.”
Some of the most significant achievements from 2020 to 2025 included:
- Naming of Tulmur Place and Incorporation of Cultural Artwork and Iconography - the naming of the new civic space in Nicholas Street as Tulmur Place serves as a prominent and permanent acknowledgment of First Nations culture within the heart of Ipswich.
- Establishment and Achievements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employee Working Group - the launch of the group in March 2022 is notable because it establishes an internal working group within the council specifically dedicated to ensuring a culturally safe and supportive workplace for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees.
- The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Engagement Guide - the endorsement of the guide by council in December 2024 is highly significant as it provides a strategic framework for respectful and culturally appropriate engagement.
- Launch of the Cultural Mentoring Program - the launch of the program in 2025 is aimed at increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and providing pathways for career and skill development at council. In addition to recruitment, the program is designed to support long-term retention by fostering a culturally safe and inclusive workplace, strengthening professional networks and offering ongoing mentorship and development opportunities.
- Improved community awareness and economic independence for indigenous businesses - through various platforms such as the First Nations Industry Yarns, Black Coffee network meetings, Murri Interagency, and NAIDOC Family and Cultural Celebrations, multiple indigenous businesses have been showcased to the broader community.
Community and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Jacob Madsen said council would continue to advocate for the community beyond 2026.
“A new iteration of the Accord will be developed, building on these achievements and the lessons learned. It will continue to strengthen existing initiatives while identifying new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and growth,” Cr Madsen said.
“Central to this process will be meaningful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to ensure their voices shape a shared vision for the future.
“This vision will guide ongoing reconciliation efforts and align with the opportunities presented with the significant growth forecast for Ipswich.
“The new Accord will serve as a living document reflecting both the progress made and the aspirations still to be realised.”