Reconciliation

Onkaparinga River (Ngankipari) mouth

The name Onkaparinga comes from the traditional Aboriginal place name Ngankiparinga, meaning “women’s river place”.

We acknowledge the Kaurna Nation and its people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the Land in the ancient area that has only recently become known as the City of Onkaparinga.

We recognise that this local living culture has developed over tens of thousands of years and that in today’s contemporary context, Kaurna and other Aboriginal people are actively engaged in community life and bring their rich cultural heritage to the connected community and sustainable future to which we aspire.

We are mindful of Kaurna people’s spiritual relationship with country when we make decisions about this region and that protecting places of importance to Kaurna culture has an impact on the wellbeing and prosperity of Kaurna and other Aboriginal people.

We recognise our important opportunity to facilitate positive change in the way the community works together across Aboriginal communities, non-Aboriginal communities, local businesses, and service agencies, by actively engaging in a shared journey towards reconciliation.

What is reconciliation?  

“At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.” - Reconciliation Australia 

For the City of Onkaparinga, this means listening, learning and taking responsibility for how we work - embedding respect, fairness and accountability into the council’s everyday decisions, services and partnerships. Through this work, we recognise our opportunity to support positive change in how our community works together across First Nations communities, non-Indigenous communities, local businesses and service agencies, as part of a shared – and ongoing - journey towards reconciliation. 

“Reconciliation is an opportunity to celebrate our rich cultural history, and a connection to an ancient culture that defines Australia as a country that embraces diversity.”  - Reconciliation SA 

Local Aboriginal Community

Reconciliation initiatives

Connect with Kaurna country

Learn more

 

Upcoming events

Nunga Screen 2026

27 May 2026 Nunga Screen returns for its 15th year of powerful storytelling, celebrating First Nations culture, language and creativity through film. Presented annually between Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week, free community events bring together audiences of all ages to experience stories of history, humour, community and connection to Country.

Hopgood Theatre, Ramsay Pl, Noarlunga Centre,  5168

2 more dates

Tagged as: , Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Arts, Community events & fundraisers, Kids & family, Multicultural

Southern Embrace Culture

28 May 2026 Join us for a meaningful cultural experience with Petiola Wilson, a proud descendant of the Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna nations.

Petiola a proud descendant of the Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna nations, will guide us through a special Reconciliation Celebration event that celebrates and deepens our understanding of Aboriginal culture.

Mitchell Park Sports and Community Centre, 139 Bradley Grove, Mitchell Park, Outside Onkaparinga 5043

Tagged as: , Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

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