Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
The Worimi are the traditional owners of the Port Stephens area. Our Council enjoys a strong relationship with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, collaborating on a range of projects which promote understanding of Aboriginal culture and celebrates their contribution to our community.
The Aboriginal Strategic Committee helps to direct Council's focus including the delivery of the Yabang Gumba-Gu or the Road to Tomorrow agreement.
The Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council provides information and opportunities to learn more about the local Worimi people and culture.
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Originally, NAIDOC stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’ — the committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has since become the name of the week itself.
Heal Country 2021
For NAIDOC Week 2021, we shared a series of Worimi Dreaming stories and Heal Country stories on our YouTube channel.
Watch our NAIDOC Week celebration videos
Council celebrates NAIDOC Week in partnership with the local Aboriginal community. An official flag raising ceremony is held at Council's Administration Building with an open invitation for the community to attend .
For more information on NAIDOC Week, please visit naidoc.org.au or for local information contact Council's Community Development and Engagement Unit.
Birubi Point Aboriginal Place
Birubi Point Aboriginal Place was an important burial and ceremonial site for the Worimi Aboriginal people.
The ceremonial site is believed to be associated with men's' ceremonies. A story about an important Worimi warrior is also associated with the site.
Today, Birubi Point Aboriginal Place is a site with extensive archaeological material important for teaching current and future generations about Birubi ancestors and local Aboriginal culture.
Port Stephens Council established the Birubi Point Cultural Heritage Advisory Panel to assist with the planning and management of this popular cultural, tourism and recreation place. The Panel includes representatives from Worimi Conservation Lands, Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council, Worimi Traditional Owners, Worimi Elders, NSW National Parks and Wildlife, NSW Crown Lands and the Anna Bay community.
For more information see the Birubi Point Aboriginal Place Management Plan page.
Soldiers Point Aboriginal Place
The Soldiers Point area played an important role in the history of the Worimi/Maiangal people and other Aboriginal families which settled on the southern harbour of Port Stephens.
For more information see the Soldiers Point Aboriginal Place Plan of Management page.
Aboriginal Women's Heritage
In this publication each woman talks about her life and growing up around Port Stephens. Their stories centre on Karuah and Soldiers Point near Nelson Bay. They describe living an idyllic existence where fishing, swimming and playing in the bush were everyday occurrences: