Cultural Protocols refer to the customs, lore and codes of behaviour of a particular group. Protocols are an important part of all cultures and exist to ensure that people behave and interact in an appropriate manner.

Showing respect for the cultural protocols of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community demonstrates acceptance of the cultural traditions, history and diversity of that particular community. It also acknowledges that the processes and procedure of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are equally valid and should have the same respect as one's own cultural protocols.

By incorporating Aboriginal cultural protocols into official events, we are able to:

• Recognise and pay respect to Aboriginal peoples, cultures and heritage.
• Communicate Aboriginal cultural practices to the wider community to promote respect and understanding.
• Demonstrate recognition of Aboriginal people's unique position which can assist in building relationships and partnerships.

Traditional Custodians are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people who have a deep cultural and spiritual connection to a particular place. They are the descendants of apical ancestors who have maintained a cultural, spiritual connection with the land over many generations. The Traditional Custodians of the eastern Sydney coastal area are known as the Bidjigal and Gadigal peoples.

There are two ways in which you can recognise the Traditional Custodians of the Randwick City Council area:

Welcome to Country Ceremony

A 'Welcome to Country ' or 'Traditional Welcome' ceremony is where an Aboriginal descendant or elected representative of the local Aboriginal group welcomes people in attendance to their land prior to a meeting, event or function. Recent Welcome to Country ceremonies are a modern version of a traditional ceremony that enables the Custodians of the land to give their consent for the activity to take place on their lands and is a mark of respect from the organisers to the local Aboriginal community.

Acknowledgement of Country

Acknowledgement of Country is where non-Indigenous people or an Aboriginal person who is not from the local area performs an Acknowledgement to Country to acknowledge and show respect to the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land. Like a Welcome to Country, this is conducted prior to meetings, events and functions.

The following is considered an example of the appropriate wording for an Acknowledgement of Country, as endorsed by the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council:

'I would like to acknowledge that we are here today on the land of the Gadigal and Bidjigal peoples who traditionally occupied the Sydney Coast. On behalf of Randwick City Council, I acknowledge Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people attending today, and I pay my respects to Elders past and present.

Information on how to book a Welcome to Country/Acknowledgement of Country can be found on the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council website or calling their office on 02 9311 4282.