First Nations at the City

The Wadawurrung People are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Greater Geelong stands, with a continuing connection to Country spanning more than 25,000 years. Greater Geelong has the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of any local government area in Victoria, with 3,562 First Nations people representing 1.3 per cent of the population—higher than both the Victorian and Greater Melbourne averages.

The City’s role is guided by the Local Government Act 2020 (Victoria), which strengthens relationships with Traditional Owners and recognises them as essential partners in community planning, engagement and governance. The City works with Traditional Owners, Registered Aboriginal Parties and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to support cultural heritage, health, wellbeing, economic participation and self‑determination.

Reconciliation remains central to the City’s commitment to First Nations communities. Through its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (2021), the City continues to build internal capability, strengthen partnerships, expand cultural awareness training, support employment and apprenticeship pathways, and provide culturally inclusive workplace conditions, including cultural leave.

The City has also pledged support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart—Voice, Treaty and Truth—and recognises the importance of Truth‑telling, Closing the Gap and Treaty processes underway in Victoria. This work is supported by strong relationships with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, whose guidance and partnership continue to shape meaningful reconciliation outcomes.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the City

The City of Greater Geelong recognises that equitable access to opportunities and a fair, supportive workplace benefits staff, the organisation and the wider community. In 2025, the City adopted its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy, setting a clear framework to build a more inclusive, respectful and representative organisation.

The strategy positions diversity, equity and inclusion as central to how the City operates, delivers services and shapes the future of Greater Geelong. It focuses on culture, lived experience and action, embedding inclusive practices across the organisation and strengthening outcomes for both staff and the community.