Cultural recognition in the city
Tulmur Place and cultural design A major civic space named and designed to reflect local culture, storytelling and shared respect for place—recognising Traditional Owners at the heart of Ipswich.
Project updates
The Indigenous Accord 2026-2031 was adopted by Ipswich City Council on 27 August 2026, marking the next chapter in council’s reconciliation journey and reaffirming our commitment to working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to create a more inclusive and connected Ipswich.
You can read how your input helped shape the Accord below under the What you shared tab.
Consultation opened
7 July 2026
Consultation closed
28 July 2026
Contributions received
210+
⭐ Project background
Ipswich City Council has developed the Indigenous Accord 2026–2031, a shared commitment to strengthening relationships, recognition and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Accord was developed through conversations across our region, including community workshops, youth leadership programs, NAIDOC week events and online feedback here on Shape Your Ipswich. Council recognises the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples, culture and experiences and know that no single perspective represents all voices.
The Indigenous Accord is more than a document - it’s a shared commitment to:
- strengthening reconciliation
- building culturally safe and inclusive communities
- supporting opportunity, participation and connection
- embedding community voice into council decision-making.
Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback. Your input directly shaped the Indigenous Accord 2026-2031 which will guide how council delivers outcomes over the next five years.
You can see how your feedback was captured and incorporated in the What you shared tab.
For further updates please visit the Ipswich City Council website.
Our Accord journey
Council's reconciliation journey spans three decades, evolving from early recognition to organisation-wide action.
What we’ve achieved together (2020–2025)
Over the past five years, council has strengthened its approach to reconciliation—moving from commitment to visible, on-the-ground action through leadership, partnership and cultural inclusion. Outcomes from the last Indigenous Accord can be viewed in the Indigenous Accord Outcomes Report 2020 - 2025.
Which includes the below:
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Stronger, respectful engagement
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Engagement Guide
Adopted in 2024, providing a consistent framework for culturally informed, respectful engagement across council and with community.
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Cultural voice within council
Employee Working Group Creating a culturally safe space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to share lived experience, guide decision-making and strengthen practice.
Cultural Mentoring Program Launched in 2025 to support recruitment, retention and professional growth through culturally safe mentoring and development.
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A place for healing and connection
Queens Park Ceremonial and Remembrance Space
Co-designed with community, this space supports reflection, healing and cultural connection, acknowledging history and Country.
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Growing Indigenous business and opportunity
Economic participation initiatives
Programs like First Nations Industry Yarns, Black Coffee and NAIDOC events have increased visibility, connection and opportunity for Indigenous businesses.
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Stronger creative and cultural presence
First Nations arts and culture Expanded representation across exhibitions, programs and collections - supporting cultural authority and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives.
The artwork used for the Accord
"Connecting Tulmur" was commissioned by council to reflect council, the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and the broader Ipswich community.
Ipswich Aboriginal artist Rhan Hooper drew on the stories, knowledge and connections to Country shared by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Working Group, alongside conversations about what Ipswich means to its people.
"Connecting Tulmur" artwork by Rhan Hooper
You can read more about the artwork by downloading the Accord below.
Thank you for helping shape the Indigenous Accord 2026-2031
🗣️What you shared
Who participated
The Accord has been informed through a phased and collaborative engagement process involving community and stakeholder groups, youth leadership programs, NAIDOC Week activities and the Shape Your Ipswich engagement platform.
We received over 210 contributions, and we thank each and every one of you for your time throughout the process.
Community aspirations
From earlier engagement we heard that community wanted:
✅Stronger cultural visibility and recognition
- Culture reflected in public spaces, events and storytelling
- More opportunities to celebrate and learn throughout the year
✅Meaningful involvement of Traditional Owners
- Early and ongoing involvement in decisions about land, culture and community
- Stronger recognition of Elders and cultural leadership
✅More economic opportunities
- Better pathways to jobs, training and careers
- Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses
- Culturally safe workplaces
✅Improved wellbeing and inclusion
- Safer, more welcoming community spaces
- Better access to council programs and services
- Stronger responses to racism and exclusion
- Opportunities to connect to culture, identity and community
The themes
The Accord is structured around four interconnected themes that guide council's commitment to reconciliation, partnership and improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The themes, priorities and commitments contained within this Accord directly respond to the feedback received through this engagement process.
The following summary outlines the key priorities identified through this engagement process, which are now reflected in the Accord. Some of the priorities relate to multiple themes.
Ensuring culture, stories and voices are visible, respected and embedded across the city.
- Stronger visibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures across public spaces, communications and community life
- Increased opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to contribute their voices, perspectives and leadership to decisions that affect them Theme 1 & 3
- Greater emphasis on listening to community members, valuing lived experience and demonstrating how community feedback influences decisions and outcomes Theme 1 & 2
- Culturally safe, accessible and welcoming facilities, public spaces and community environments Theme 1 & 4
- Increased opportunities for cultural programs, events, learning and engagement activities throughout the year Theme 1 & 4
Strengthening partnerships, governance and decision-making with Traditional Owners.
- Meaningful involvement of Traditional Owners and Elders in decision-making, particularly relating to land, environment, culture and heritage Theme 2
- Ongoing, relationship-based engagement beyond formal consultation processes Theme 2
- Greater recognition, visibility and celebration of Elders as cultural leaders and knowledge holders Theme 2 & 4
- Greater integration of Traditional Owner knowledge and Caring for Country practices in environmental management and land stewardship
- Strengthening intergenerational relationships and opportunities for cultural knowledge sharing Theme 2 & 4
Supporting employment, business growth and economic opportunities.
- Meaningful employment opportunities that empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and support long-term economic participation
- Culturally safe workplaces and inclusive organisational cultures. Theme 1 & 3
- Stronger pathways into employment, including mentoring, apprenticeships, education partnerships and school-to-work transitions
- Increased support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, suppliers, entrepreneurs and enterprises .
Promoting inclusion, cultural connection and safe and healthy communities.
- Addressing experiences of racism, exclusion and barriers to participation
- Improved access to services, information and support through more coordinated and responsive approaches
- Strong cultural identity, connection to Country, belonging and community pride as foundations for wellbeing
- The need for culturally significant and welcoming spaces, culturally inclusive programs and community-led responses that support connection, participation and wellbeing Theme 2 & 4
- Strong partnerships that support coordinated responses to social issues and community wellbeing.
Thank you for helping shape Ipswich's Indigenous Accord 2026-2031
📣 How you shared
The community was able to share their feedback on this project using one of the engagement channels below:
- Complete our online survey
- Attend a pop up event and speak to us in person
- Submit a hard copy survey
- Email us directly at communityengagement@ipswich.qld.gov.au
- Call our Contact Centre at (07) 3810 6666
- Speak with a Community and Sport Team member in person by visiting reception at 1 Nicholas Street Precinct, or call us to arrange a time to meet at a community centre
Your feedback helped to:
- confirm or refine the Accord themes
- strengthen alignment with community priorities
- ensure the final Accord reflects lived experience and aspirations.
Speak to the project team in person and share your feedback on this project.
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Ipswich NAIDOC - concluded
Tuesday 7 July 2026
Free family event.10am - 2pm
Tulmur Place, Nicholas Street Precinct, Ipswich QLD 4305
