Ku-ring-gai Celebrates 25 Years of the Aboriginal Heritage Office Partnership

Protecting Aboriginal Culture and Sites Through 25 Years of Collaboration

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Ku-ring-gai Council has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Aboriginal culture and heritage through its ongoing partnership with the Aboriginal Heritage Office (AHO), a unique collaboration between five Northern Sydney councils.

Established in 2000, the AHO works with Ku-ring-gai, North Sydney, Lane Cove, Northern Beaches and Willoughby councils to deliver Aboriginal site management, education, training and advisory services. This shared approach is one of the only models of its kind in Australia, bringing together local councils, the NSW Government and the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council to care for Country.

Ku-ring-gai plays an important role in this partnership, with the area home to some of Sydney’s most significant Aboriginal sites. Local council staff and volunteers are trained to help monitor over 800 Aboriginal sites across the region, including those within Ku-ring-gai’s bushland reserves.

Aboriginal Culture Education at Aboriginal Heritage Office

Education is central to the AHO’s mission. Through cultural walks, talks, and school programs, Ku-ring-gai residents have had opportunities to connect with Country and learn about the area’s deep Indigenous history. Tens of thousands of people have participated in these initiatives, with the AHO Museum in Freshwater further strengthening public awareness.

Ku-ring-gai Mayor Christine Kay said: “Ku-ring-gai has some outstanding items of cultural heritage and our Council is very committed to working with the Aboriginal Heritage Office to protect them and raise community awareness of our Indigenous history.”

Among the AHO’s achievements are the protection of the ‘Whale Rock’ engraving at Balls Head, the museum’s development, and a logo symbolising its mission — a shield for protection, shellfish hook for connection to Country, boomerang for education, and circle of dots for community.

For Ku-ring-gai, this partnership is more than heritage management; it’s a living commitment to keeping Aboriginal voices and stories at the heart of the community.