The ASG started in 1979 as a treaty organisation and later developed into a group of people committed to supporting Indigenous Australians in their broader struggle for justice. Located on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, members of the ASG share a passion to see right relationships forged between Indigenous and settler Australians.

Working in our local area, we seek to change the way non-Aboriginal people understand and relate to Aboriginal Australians. We never speak on behalf of Aboriginal people and are committed to 'be there' for Aboriginal people with effective, informed support. The ASG meets regularly to discuss issues, causes and events, to plan actions, to share friendship and experiences. Work is shared by trusted volunteers.

The group recently helped publish a fantastic local knowledge project, The Story of Bob Waterer and his Family 1803 - 2010

This book is the story of one family who can trace its heritage back to Sarah (Biddy) Wallace, c.1803-1880. Sarah is believed to have been a member of the Broken Bay clan led by Bungaree. She settled on Marramarra Creek in the Hawkesbury with her husband John (Ferdinand) Lewis, a convict who was a German soldier sentenced to transportation to NSW for life.

It is both a family and local history covering the early days of the Lower Hawkesbury River, Scotland Island, Pittwater and Brookvale. Bob Waterer's great grandmother Catherine Bens, 1838-1920, was known as The Queen of Scotland Island. Brookvale was home to Bob for more than 80 years and the book follows his school and working years, his passion for Rugby League and his love for his family.

The Group aslo hold a number events and activities in their local area including:

• Keeping the group and the wider community informed about Aboriginal issues and upcoming events.
• Organising monthly Information Nights, including guest Aboriginal speakers and film/discussion nights.
• Producing a quarterly newsletter, Elimatta, which is circulated in Australia and overseas.
• Supporting the Northern Sydney Guringai Festival by organising and participating in events.
• Producing programs for Radio Northern Beaches.
• Monitoring the media and consulting with local, state and federal politicians about issues of concern.
• Networking with other social justice movements, especially those concerned with Aboriginal issues.
• Maintaining and supporting relations with Aboriginal organisations & Koori friends through involvement with:

- Biala Aboriginal Girls Hostel, Allambie Heights
- Guringai Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG)
- Manly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Guringai Festival) Committee
- Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC)
- Northern Sydney Aboriginal Social Plan
- Northern Sydney Region Reconciliation Network
- NSW Reconciliation Council
- Reconciliation Network
- Tranby Aboriginal Co-operative.

If you're interested in coming along to one of our events or joining our group please visit our website or contact NSWRC.

For more information on The Aboriginal Support Group - Manly Warringah Pittwater (ASG) you can visit theirwebsite. It is regularly updated and includes all of our recent activities and other resources.

The Convenors of the reconciliation group are Anna Bell and Lizzie Landers.

Local Reconciliation Groups