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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community

Byron Shire Council acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land, the Arakwal people, the Minjungbal people and the Widjabul people of the Bundjalung Nation, and pay our respects to elders past and present.

Byron Shire Council is committed to promoting mutual respect and harmony between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in the Shire.

In April 2019 the Federal Court recognised the Native Title of the Bundjalung of Byron Bay Arakwal People.

Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country protocols

A Welcome to Country acknowledges customary laws and has been a part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures for thousands of years. It provides visitors with an opportunity to enter country with safe passage and spiritual protection during the journey.

Local Aboriginal Land Councils

The purpose of Local Aboriginal Land Councils is to improve, protect and foster the best interests of all Aboriginal persons within the Council's area and other persons who are members of the Council.
There are three Local Aboriginal Land Councils whose boundaries overlap with the Byron Shire.

Aboriginal cultural heritage

Aboriginal places and objects are an important part of the rich heritage of Byron Shire, providing links to culture, environment and knowledge for local Aboriginal communities.

Native title and land rights

Native Title is the recognition by Australian law that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have rights and interests to their land deriving from their traditional laws and customs. Local Councils must act in accordance with processes outlined in the Native Title Act 1993.