The practice of acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land and seeking their permission to enter their territory has only recently begun to re-emerge in modern Australia; it is an ancient custom of great significance to many Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Incorporating Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country into official events:

• Recognises Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians.
• Promotes awareness of the history and culture of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Formally acknowledges Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people's ongoing connection to the land.

What is the difference between a Welcome to Country and an Acknowledgement of Country?

Welcome to Country is a ceremony performed by an Aboriginal Elder to welcome visitors to their traditional land. Depending on the culture of the traditional owners, it can take many forms, including singing, dancing, smoking ceremonies, or a speech.
 

Your Local Government Agency will be able to provide contacts for local Aboriginal Elders and Aboriginal groups.

An Acknowledgement of Country involves visitors acknowledging the original Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander custodians of the land and their long and continuing relationship with their Country. It is a way of showing awareness of and respect for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander custodians of the land on which an event is being held. An Acknowledgement of Country can be formal or informal and, unlike a Welcome to Country, can be delivered by a non-Indigenous person.
 

An example of a Standard Acknowledgement of Country:

We/I would like to acknowledge the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation (or replace them with the appropriate group if the event is held outside of Perth or interstate), who are the traditional custodians of the land on which this event is taking place. We/I would also like to pay respect to the Elders of the Noongar nation (or replace them with the appropriate group if the event is held outside of Perth or interstate), both past, present and emerging on land we gather and extend that respect to other Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous Australians who are present.