Reconciliation

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

Neporendi Aboriginal Community Centre

We provide activities, events and programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities with a focus of building cultural strength, self-determining practices and community development.

Reconciliation initiatives

Reconciliation in the South 2026

Come together for a free, family-friendly event celebrating Reconciliation!

Mayor’s Reconciliation Awards

The Mayor’s Annual Reconciliation Week Recognition Awards recognise a range of inspiring individuals, organisations and businesses demonstrating outstanding work in the area of reconciliation down south.

Reconciliation Action Plan

The City of Onkaparinga is committed to working with our First Nations communities to achieve a shared journey towards reconciliation.