Walgun Cape Byron was an impressive backdrop to the recent formalisation of a partnership between the Bundjalung of Byron Bay Arakwal People (Arakwal) and Byron Shire Council.
The Chairperson of the Arakwal Corporation, Cassandra Kelly, and Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, signed the Arakwal Statement of Commitment, signalling Byron Council’s strong desire to support reconciliation and ensure Arakwal aspirations are embedded in Council’s planning and reporting frameworks.
The Statement of Commitment reflects the strong and long-running partnership between Arakwal and Council which was formalised through the 1998 Heads of Agreement, the 2012 Statement of Commitment and the 2013 Memorandum of Understanding.
These agreements, and the 2026 Statement recognise the Arakwal People as the traditional owners and custodians of the Byron Shire and establish a framework for ongoing consultation, cultural heritage protection and mutual respect.
Mutual understanding
‘Our ongoing relationship has built trust and strengthened mutual understanding and now our voices will be embedded in Council-decision making processes particularly in areas relating to land, culture and community outcomes,’ Cassandra Kelly, Chairperson of the Arakwal Corporation, said.
‘This Statement is about striving to make sure the Arakwal People are considered thoughtfully and respectively in Council processes and planning,’ Ms Kelly said.
‘I’m honoured to sign this Statement with the Arakwal People,’ Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said. ‘It marks the next important step of our ongoing partnership; it strengthens what already runs deep.
‘Our task now is to turn these words into real outcomes, for culture, for Country, and for community,’ she said.
Key themes
The Statement of Commitment identifies six key themes to be reflected in Council’s work:
- Collaboration and partnership.
- Cultural respect and identity.
- Economic empowerment.
- Education and skills development.
- Closing the Gap priority areas and health and well being.
- Caring for Country.
On social media, Mayor Ndiaye added, ‘Standing there today, signing something that carries decades of partnership forward, that acknowledges a connection far deeper and longer than I can really imagine, and will hopefully last far into the future – that’s huge.’
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