Acknowledgement of Country

What does our Acknowledgement of Country mean

It’s our promise to show respect and act with care. It guides how we work in Wollongong every day.

Our acknowledgement and respect

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands where we live and work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging. We recognise sovereignty was never ceded. It always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

Truth-telling and the impacts of colonisation

We recognise the genocide, dispossession, and policies that have harmed First Nations peoples. We acknowledge that colonial structures still affect daily life. We understand that healing needs truth, memory, and action. We commit to learning, listening, and improving.

Standing with First Nations justice movements

We support the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its call for truth, justice, and respect. We accept the invitation to walk together in a movement for a better shared future. We commit to work that reflects dignity, self-determination, and accountability.

How we embed respect in daily practice

Our projects start with listening. We seek guidance on history, Country, and community priorities.
We respect cultural protocols when engaging with stories, images, and places that carry meaning.

Everyday actions that matter

  • Begin meetings with a spoken Acknowledgement of Country

  • Use place names and Country where appropriate in Wollongong

  • Check language and spelling for correct usage and capitalisation

  • Seek consent before sharing stories or imagery

Using correct names and language with care

We use First Nations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and Traditional Owners with accuracy and respect.
We capitalise these terms to show respect. We avoid language that generalises or erases diverse Nations and cultures.

Ways we listen and learn from community

We value local knowledge. We welcome guidance from community organisations, Elders, and knowledge holders.
We understand that building trust takes time, care, and consistency.

Practical listening tools

  • Ask open questions and wait for answers

  • Offer drafts for review when content relates to culture

  • Keep records of permissions and acknowledgements

Practical steps we take on projects in Wollongong

We consider Country, heritage, and environmental factors at planning stages. We assess how a project may affect sites, stories, and access.

Our project checklist

  • Identify Country and local language groups early

  • Map cultural considerations into project timelines

  • Include accessibility and translation options for community updates

  • Provide contact points for feedback on materials

How you can engage with Acknowledgement of Country

If you’re hosting a meeting, start with a personal acknowledgement. Keep it authentic and specific to place.
If you’re writing, include a clear Acknowledgement of Country near the top of your page or document.

A simple written example

  • We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land in Wollongong and pay respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.

  • We recognise sovereignty was never ceded.

Accessibility of language and alternate formats

We aim for plain English so more people can engage with this content. We’ll provide alternate formats if you need them.
If there’s a better way to present this page, tell us. We’ll make adjustments where possible.

Our commitment in Wollongong

We live and work on Dharawal Country in and around Wollongong. We honour the custodianship that continues today.
Our goal is simple. Keep improving how we recognise, respect, and care for Country.

Quick reference: key terms

  • Acknowledgement of Country A public statement of respect for Traditional Owners

  • Sovereignty was never ceded Recognition that Aboriginal sovereignty continues

  • Uluru Statement from the Heart A call for truth, justice, and a better future

  • Elders Respected knowledge holders who guide culture and community

How we keep this page current

Language and expectations evolve. We review this page and update content to reflect community guidance.
If you spot an error, please let us know. We’ll fix it quickly and learn from it.

Contact CKS Projects

CKS Projects
Unit 45/7 Waynote Place, Unanderra NSW 2526
Builders Licence Number: 258735C
0483 908 669
info@cksprojects.com.au
CKS PROJECTS AUST PTY LTD
ABN 33 162 570 596