Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

The traditional custodians of the Singleton area are the Wonnarua, Wanaruah people, and their lands extend throughout the Hunter Valley. The Wonnarua, Wanaruah people have occupied the Upper Hunter for at least 30,000 years, with traditional knowledge holding that occupation extends back to the early stages of the Dreaming.

Today 8.3% or 2,033 people in Singleton identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander in the 2021 Census. 

Council is committed to strengthening relationships with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, utilising the Aboriginal Reconciliation Committee and implementing the Aboriginal Reconciliation Action Plan and the Community Development Strategy 2022-2026.

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The dates for National Reconciliation Week remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

For more information on National Reconciliation Week visit the National Reconciliation Week website.

NAIDOC Week

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

Singleton's NAIDOC Week activities are coordinated by the Singleton NAIDOC organising committee.