First Nations

The Traditional Custodians of the Clarence Valley area are the Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl nations.

There are 6 Aboriginal communities represented within the local government area, at Baryulgil, Malabugilmah, Grafton, South Grafton, Maclean and Yamba.

Acknowledgement of country

We acknowledge the Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr, and Yaegl people as the Traditional Owners of the land.

Our statement of reconciliation

We declare a public commitment to work towards achieving genuine reconciliation between our Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people of the Clarence Valley.

Our aim

Our aim is to protect the interests and further the aspirations of Aboriginal people of the Clarence Valley.

Clarence Valley Aboriginal community profile

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Census population of Clarence Valley Council area in 2021 was 4,394, living in 1,797 dwellings.

First Nations groups and services

Connect with First Nation groups and services within the Clarence Valley.

Local Aboriginal Land Councils

There are eight Local Aboriginal Land Councils whose boundaries overlap with the Clarence Valley Council LGA.

Native title

Native title is the recognition by Australian law that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have rights and interests to their land deriving from their traditional laws and customs.

Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024 - 2026

Since 2006, Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) have enabled organisations to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation.
Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, RAPs provide tangible and substantive benefits for First Nation and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting self – determination.