Council seeks community feedback on Draft Reconciliation Action Plan

Thursday, 9 July 2026

Penrith City Council is inviting the community to have their say on its Reconciliation Action Plan, following endorsement to place the draft plan on public exhibition.

The draft Reconciliation Action Plan sets out Council’s structured approach to building stronger relationships with First Nations peoples, while growing organisational understanding, cultural capability and meaningful opportunities across the City.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the draft Reconciliation Action Plan represents an important milestone in Council’s reconciliation journey.

“This is Penrith City Council’s first Reconciliation Action Plan and it reflects our commitment to respectful engagement, understanding and unity with First Nations people,” Cr Carney said.

“The Reconciliation Action Plan focuses on building strong foundations — strengthening relationships, improving cultural awareness and ensuring Council is better equipped to work in partnership with First Nations communities into the future.”

Penrith’s First Nations community continues to grow, with the 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics Census showing that 5 per cent of Penrith residents (more than 10,900 people) identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. This is above the national average and represents a significant increase over the past decade.

Penrith has a rich First Nations history, with 757 Aboriginal Heritage and Information Management Sites recorded across the local government area.

The draft Reconciliation Action Plan has been developed in line with Council’s Penrith 2041+ Community Strategic Plan, which commits Council to respecting, engaging and celebrating First Nations people through reconciliation.

It also aligns with Reconciliation Australia’s national RISE Framework and reflects the requirements of a ‘Reflect’ Reconciliation Action Plan — an 18‑month action plan designed for organisations at the early stages of their reconciliation journey.

The draft Reconciliation Action Plan has been shaped by engagement with First Nations community members, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, local stakeholders and Council staff.

The draft Reconciliation Action Plan is on exhibition until Friday 7 August. To view the draft and to provide feedback visit yoursaypenrith.com.au/RAP

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Thursday, 9 July 2026.