This is an important public display of reconciliation and recognition of our indigenous community.

As this week is National Reconciliation Week it is timely for all Australians to reflect on our shared histories, cultures and achievements.

Right around Australia schools and communities are gathering to participate in local reconciliation events and I encourage you to get involved.

Newcastle council strongly supports reconciliation and has had its own Reconciliation Action Plan since 2013, made under the auspices of Reconciliation Australia.

This plan outlines actions the organisation can take to promote reconciliation in the workplace, including training non-indigenous employees in indigenous culture, employing indigenous people in the organisation and supporting important activities like National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.

To celebrate National Reconciliation Week this year the council is launching a special publication, Guidelines for Acknowledgement Aboriginal Custodians and Welcome to Country.

By making these guidelines publicly available, the council hopes to encourage more people and organisations to meaningfully consider paying respect to local Aboriginal and cultural traditions and history and to position this recognition within their day-to-day business.

Every step we can make to foster a more cohesive community is worthwhile.