A Local Reconciliation Group (LRG) is a collection of people who have formed into a group to support the reconciliation process and advance it within their area. Hundreds of LRGs have been formed throughout Australia in recent times. Some groups consist of a handful of people while others have hundreds of active members.

Currently NSW has over 60 local reconciliation groups dispersed throughout the State. Many of these groups evolved from Reconciliation Learning Circle groups, or interested people in churches, workplaces, educational and professional institutions, and State and local community organisations.

LRGs played a key role in Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation’s public consultation process during the 1990s and contributed greatly to the draft documents for reconciliation. LRGs are active in negotiating local agreements, hosting Reconciliation Week activities and events and contributing to the NSWRC monthly e-newsletter.

NSWRC works hard to support LRGs and build their capacity to advance the reconciliation process in their communities. A 'toolkit' for local groups is available here.

Local Reconciliation Groups:

• Provide a model of reconciliation in action by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and other Australians working together.
• Appreciate the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians;
• Undertake reconciliation action within local communities and continue to lead the community by, for example:
  •  encouraging the sharing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on Australian history for example, through Reconciliation Learning Circles
  •  holding reconciliation events particularly during Reconciliation Week 27 May - 3 June; Australia Day (Survival Day), and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week;
  •  acknowledge the traditional owners of the region at events (see ‘acknowledgement of country’);
  •  promote and develop local symbols of reconciliation;
  •  develop local agreements between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and the wider community; and
  •  address racism, injustice and inequality in our communities.
• Affirm support for the Australian Declaration Towards Reconciliation;
• Make commitments to the Roadmap for Reconciliation; and
• Donate to the NSW Reconciliation Council;
• Lead upwards:
  •  support and inform your NSW Reconciliation Council;
  •  support and inform Reconciliation Australia; and
  •  directly influence the manner in which governments, and private and community sector organisations advance reconciliation in Australia.

What Is Reconciliation