Strathfield Council’s resolution to cover and then remove the acknowledgement of Wangal Country from its gateway signs is deeply disappointing and should be rescinded.

The official minutes of the Council meeting on 25 August confirm that Liberal councillors John-Paul Baladi, Sandy Reddy and Esther Kim, together with independent councillors Benjamin Cai and Matthew Blackmore, voted to remove the words “Wangal Land” and “Always Was Always Will Be” immediately—or cover them if they could not be removed.
The result is the disturbing sight of an acknowledgement of First Nations history covered with black plastic on a prominent public sign.

Identifying this area as Wangal Country is not a radical or partisan act. It is a recognition of historical fact and continuing cultural connection.

Strathfield Council’s own website states that the local government area is located on the lands of the Wangal people. Only last year, Council published a major report it had commissioned, Strathfield: Enduring Stories of Wanne, to restore knowledge of the area’s Aboriginal history and continuing culture.
Acknowledgement of traditional custodianship has also been practised by governments of both major political traditions. The NSW Constitution recognises Aboriginal people as the State’s first peoples and nations and as the traditional custodians and occupants of the land. That recognition received Labor, Liberal and National support.
Successive NSW Coalition governments routinely acknowledged Traditional Custodians at official events and in government institutions. Similar recognition appears on gateway signs maintained by councils including Burwood, Bayside, Sutherland Shire, Shellharbour, Cowra, Yass Valley and Wollondilly.

People may hold different views about the expression “Always Was, Always Will Be.” But that cannot justify removing “Wangal Country” as well. 

Covering these words does not change the history of this place. It only sends a message that Council is uncomfortable acknowledging it.

Strathfield is one of Australia’s most culturally diverse communities. Our civic identity should be broad enough to recognise the First Peoples of this land while welcoming every person who has subsequently made this area their home. These principles are complementary, not competing.

We call on Strathfield Council to uncover the acknowledgement immediately, rescind the removal provision. You do not strengthen community unity by covering up the first chapter of our shared history.

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