Indigenous Services

Noongar people of the Meananger (or Mineng) group are the traditional landowners in the City of Albany and have occupied this area for at least 18,000 years. Aboriginal people represent 3 per cent of Albany’s population. Recognising the need to enhance the social and economic well being of its indigenous community, the Council has identified Aboriginal issues as a key priority area in its Community Development Strategy.

Representatives of the City of Albany, the Albany Aboriginal community and the wider Albany community jointly developed and signed a Statement of Understanding and Commitment. The statement in part contained a commitment “to establish an Accord which will promote a greater understanding throughout the community of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people’s history and culture.”

The City of Albany Aboriginal Accord is an agreement between the City and its indigenous community. The Accord recognises Noongar people as the traditional owners of the land, raises awareness of their history and culture, and encourages reconciliation. The Albany Accord, signed on 27 March 2003. It is the first such agreement in Western Australia and has proved to be a catalyst for similar agreements across the State. A detailed Accord Action Plan was also developed to ensure the strategies outlined in the Accord were effectively implemented.

The Aboriginal Accord Advisory Committee has acted as the primary reference group in the development of the Aboriginal Accord and Action Plan. The committees role is to oversee implementation of the Accord Action Plan and to make recommendations to the Council in relation to the accord and other indigenous issues.

The City of Albany Aboriginal Education Scholarship Scheme encourages local young Aboriginal people to continue with their education and training. Scholarships extend over a two-year period and the scholarship funds are used to offset the cost of books, fees and other student expenses.