Acknowledgement of Country

One of the changes that have occurred since we were last in Australia is the widespread use of the Acknowledgement of Country.  This is to pay respect to the original occupants of the land. The usual wording is "I'd like to begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet today, the (people) of the (nation) and pay my respects to Elders past and present."

Here the acknowledgement is at the bottom of the blurb about the painting. This work is on Junee railway station, New South Wales.

We saw it at the entries to towns, in public buildings and on information boards for nature reserves. I attended a tai chi class and the instructor began the session with the Acknowledgement of Country.

 

The Mount Majura Nature Reserve sign thanks visitors for caring for Ngunnawal country.

 

The Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve website says: "We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend recognition to all First Nations peoples who visit us."

 Batlow's town sign keeps it simple, with 'Welcome to Wiradjuri and Wolgalu country'.