Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community

Logan is home to people from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations and languages.

At the time of the 2016 census 9,813 of Logan’s residents identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, representing 3.2% of our population. The local community have advised that the actual figure is much higher.

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first peoples of Australia. We uphold their ongoing connection to the lands, waterways, cultures and languages.

We also acknowledge there is a gap in life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples compared to non-Indigenous Australians. This includes gaps in life expectancy, health, educational attainment and employment.

We commit to working towards reconciliation and contributing to closing the gap in Logan.

Reconciliation Action Plan

Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) support organisations to develop respectful relationships and create meaningful opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

We have delivered two RAPs since 2015. Through our RAPs we have:

  • Increased staff and public awareness about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples history, cultures and perspectives.
  • Delivered programs, services, exhibitions and public artworks in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
  • Worked within our sphere of influence towards closing the gap.

Progress snapshot

The following table outlines the status of our RAP deliverables as at December 2020. For more information see our Reconciliation Action Plan outcome report - June 2019 to December 2020 (PDF 3.5 MB).

Progress status of deliverables Number of deliverables Percentage
Achieved
(a deliverable that requires no further action or we have met the once off/annual target)
23 41.8%
Achieve and ongoing
(a deliverable that we have completed and will continue to deliver on a regular basis)
19 34.5%
Progress made
(a deliverable which is underway)
8 14.5%
Not commenced
(a deliverable that has not yet commenced)
5 9.1%
Total 55 100%

 

RAP development

Our RAP Working Group is responsible for developing and implementing our RAP. Work has begun to develop our third innovative RAP.

For more information about the national reconciliation framework visit Reconciliation Australia.

Significant dates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

There are a number of significant dates and events for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These dates present opportunities for learning about our shared history and progressing reconciliation. These include:

Date Event information
26 January

Survival Day January 26 has many meanings. It is Australia Day for some and it is also, for some, Survival Day. Our national day provides an opportunity to acknowledge and learn about our nation's past.

13 February 

Anniversary of Apology in 2008 for the laws and policies of successive parliaments and governments that inflicted grief, suffering and losses on Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

21 March

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination marks the beginning of a week of solidarity with the peoples struggling against racism and racial discrimination. We know this as Harmony Week in Australia. 

3rd Thursday in March National Close the Gap Day to bring people together to share information and take meaningful action in support of achieving health equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
15 April Anniversary of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody 1991. 
26 May 

National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities. We now know this as ‘The Stolen Generations’.

27 May   Anniversary of 1967 Referendum where Australians voted to count Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the census. It also gave the Australian Government the power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
27 May to 3 June  National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. It is also a time to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. 
3 June

Mabo Day on this day in 1992 the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision. This led to the legal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of lands. This decision paved the way for Native Title.

1 July    
 

Coming of the Light is a holiday celebrated by Torres Strait Islander peoples. It recognises the adoption of Christianity through island communities in 1871.

First week of July NAIDOC Week is a celebration of the history, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Every year NAIDOC Week celebrations are centred on a theme chosen by a national organising committee.  
4 August National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day is a time to celebrate the strengths and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
9 August International Day of the World's Indigenous People to promote and protect the rights of the world's Indigenous populations.
 

National Reconciliation Week 2024

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. National Reconciliation Week 2024 takes place between Monday 27 May to Monday 3 June.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2024, Now More Than Ever, encourages all Australians to continue the work in treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. Visit Reconciliation Australia to find out more about the theme and National Reconciliation Week.

NAIDOC Week 2024

The NAIDOC 2024 theme is Keep the First Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud. It celebrates the unyielding spirit of our communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.

NAIDOC Week 2024 will be held from Sunday 7 July to Sunday 14 July. Visit NAIDOC for more information about this year’s NAIDOC theme.

Library services and resources

Our libraries offer resources and services designed to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

We have also worked with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and communities to collect and present series’ of digital stories. Visit libraries for more information.

More information

To find out more about State and National reconciliation actions, see: