The cover of the Indigenous Accord 2026-2031 features artwork called Connecting Tulmur by Rhan Hooper.
“Ipswich City Council commissioned the artwork following a storytelling workshop to reflect local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, council and the broader Ipswich community,” Mayor Harding said.
“The artwork represents the traditional owners, historic trading routes and the ongoing connection of people to Country.
“It depicts Tulmur/Ipswich through its mountains, the Bremer River (Ngararar) and local flora and fauna.
“Yarning circles, gathering places, footprints and people symbols reflect community, cultural diversity, shared journeys and the community together of communities on Country.
“This piece tells a powerful story representing the people of Ipswich, our history and landscape.”
The cover of the Indigenous Accord 2026-2031 features artwork called Connecting Tulmur by Rhan Hooper.
“Ipswich City Council commissioned the artwork following a storytelling workshop to reflect local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, council and the broader Ipswich community,” Mayor Harding said.
“The artwork represents the traditional owners, historic trading routes and the ongoing connection of people to Country.
“It depicts Tulmur/Ipswich through its mountains, the Bremer River (Ngararar) and local flora and fauna.
“Yarning circles, gathering places, footprints and people symbols reflect community, cultural diversity, shared journeys and the community together of communities on Country.
“This piece tells a powerful story representing the people of Ipswich, our history and landscape.”
Mayor Harding said council had delivered a range of initiatives over the past five years that had strengthened reconciliation outcomes across the city, including:
- The establishment of Tulmur Place, recognising and celebrating Aboriginal cultural heritage in the city centre.
- The establishment of the Queens Park Ceremonial, Healing and Remembrance Place, providing a space for recognition, reflection and healing.
- The development and endorsement of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Engagement Guide to support culturally informed engagement practices across Council.
- Increased representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, creatives and cultural perspectives across Council’s arts and cultural programs.
- The establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employee Working Group to strengthen cultural safety and inclusion within Council.
- Support for the First Nations Youth Leadership Program, empowering young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through leadership and personal development opportunities.
- Introduction of the Cultural Mentoring Program, creating employment and professional development pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within Council.
- Delivery of initiatives such as First Nations Industry Yarns, Black Coffee networking events, Murri Interagency meetings and NAIDOC Family and Cultural Celebrations to support economic participation and community connection.
“Ipswich is proud to have one of the highest proportions of First Nations residents of South East Queensland cities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents make up 5.5 per cent of our population,” Mayor Harding said.
“Developed through extensive engagement and informed by community aspirations, the Accord provides a clear strategic framework to advance cultural recognition, strengthen partnerships with Traditional Owners, support economic participation and enhance community wellbeing.
“Our reconciliation journey is underpinned by enduring partnerships, cultural recognition and community connection, and responds to contemporary community aspirations and the evolving needs of a growing and diverse city.”
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