‘Not just words, but action’: Council champions reconciliation

Sunshine Coast Council has stepped up its commitment to reconciliation and fostering strong relationships with First Nations peoples, endorsing the Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan 2025-2028 (RAP).

This will ensure First Nations peoples and cultures will remain a central focus as Council strives to create a more equitable and inclusive future for our community.

Advancing to a Stretch RAP reinforces Council’s leadership and reflects almost 15 years of the organisation’s enduring commitment to reconciliation.

Sunshine Coast Council is now among a small number of local governments in Queensland who have reached this level.

The enhanced plan outlines how Council will work with First Nations peoples, communities and organisations to create social and economic opportunities. Increasing our cultural understanding, celebrating First Nations cultures and embedding reconciliation in all Council work, will be further outcomes.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli reaffirmed Council’s commitment to reconciliation, emphasising that the newly endorsed Stretch RAP was not just a plan but a guiding framework for meaningful action.

“Council’s RAP highlights its role in strengthening relationships with First Nations peoples, honouring the rich cultural heritage of the region, and contributing to the region’s broader journey towards advancing reconciliation,” Mayor Natoli said.

Making a tangible change

“We are dedicated to fostering meaningful connections with First Nations peoples and recognise the invaluable cultural heritage of the Jinibara and Kabi Kabi Peoples as a cornerstone of our region’s identity.

“Through ongoing collaboration with Traditional Custodians, First Nations community members and key stakeholders, Council is committed to making reconciliation a reality.”

Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said at the heart of this journey was the belief that reconciliation was not just about words, but about action.

“Council’s renewed RAP seeks to create tangible change by promoting inclusion in decision-making, increasing awareness of First Nations cultures and histories, and ensuring that First Nations people have access to opportunities that reflect their talents and contributions,” Cr Law said.

“By embedding these principles into everyday practices, the RAP sets a foundation for lasting change and a future where respect, partnership and equity thrive.

“This milestone is another solid step forward on our reconciliation journey and I would like to acknowledge the assistance of Reconciliation Australia in their collaboration to develop this renewed Stretch RAP that will guide our organisation over the next three years.”

For more information, visit Council’s First Nations Partnerships page on Council’s website or contact the First Nations Partnerships team at [email protected].

Council endorsed the Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan 2025-2028 (RAP) at its July Ordinary Meeting.

Fast Facts

• The Stretch RAP sits alongside Council’s Corporate Plan and three regional strategies as integral documents that work toward our vision to be Australia’s most sustainable region. Connected. Liveable. Thriving.
• The Stretch RAP demonstrates how Council will work with First Nations peoples, communities and organisations to:
  • improve social and economic outcomes
  • increase our cultural understanding
  • celebrate First Nations cultures
  • embed reconciliation in all our work.
• When Council launched its first RAP in 2011, it was the first local government in Queensland to have developed its plan in partnership with Reconciliation Australia. It is now one of only a few local governments in Queensland to have advanced to a Stretch RAP.