First Nations Community

Kiama Municipal Council is proud of the relationship with local First Nations Community and as a Council we are committed to Reconciliation. We would like to acknowledge Elders, Traditional Custodians with their continuing connections to Land, Waters, Sky, Culture and Community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians of the Dharawal Nation, their Elders past, present and future. We are committed to honouring First Nations History, Culture and Voices.

First Nation families have lived, worked and cared for this area for tens of thousands of years. Their knowledge, language and traditions remain central to Kiama’s identity today.

Kiama Municipal Council was established in 1859 and is located on Dharawal Country, part of the South Coast of New South Wales Illawarra region. The Municipality is comprised of the six townships of Kiama, Gerringong, Gerroa, Jamberoo, Kiama Downs and Minnamurra. The word ‘Kiama’ is believed to be derived from the Aboriginal word ‘Kiarama-a’ which, according to some sources, means ‘where the sea makes a noise’ and refers to the Kiama Blowhole.

The population of Kiama is approximately 23,000 people, of which about 520 or 2.2% of the population identify as First Nations.

Aboriginal Advisory Group

The Aboriginal Advisory Group, administered by Council, is a community-led advisory group that operates using a Traditional Owner-centric approach. It provides guidance and input on matters relevant to the local First Nations community.

First Nations guidelines & engagement

This is where you can find guidelines from Kiama Council about engaging with the First Nations Community.

Reconciliation Action Plan

Since 2006, Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) have enabled organisations to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation.

Acknowledgement of First Nations Country project

Council, in partnership with the Department of Communities and Justice and local Traditional Owners has delivered a Project to honour and promote local Dharawal heritage, culture and history.

Community Development Officer (Aboriginal)

Council's Community Developmnent Officer (Aboriginal) provides information, advice and support to our First Nations community.

First Nations Events

Learn more about upcoming First Nations events.

Local NAIDOC Awards recipients

Learn about the local recipients of the 2025 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards.

Kiama Municipal Council would like to acknowledge Elders, Traditional Owners and Custodians with their continuing connections to Land, Waters, Sky, Culture and Community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians of the Dharawal Nation, and their Elders past, present and future.