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Celebrating 25 years of the Aboriginal Heritage Office: Councils reaffirm commitment to caring for Country

Willoughby City Council

Five northern Sydney councils – North Sydney, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Northern Beaches and Willoughby – are proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Aboriginal Heritage Office (AHO), a pioneering partnership that has protected and promoted Aboriginal heritage since 2000.

To mark the milestone, the councils have signed a renewed five-year agreement to support the AHO’s vital work, including Aboriginal site management, education, and training and advisory services for partner councils.

Established in the late 1990s by North Sydney Council, the AHO was created to take a more respectful, proactive approach to Aboriginal heritage. Sharing the expertise of a team of dedicated Aboriginal Heritage Officers across multiple councils, the model remains rare and potentially one of a kind in Australia. It works together across local government, the NSW Government, and the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council in a collaborative effort to care for Country.

Over the past quarter century, the AHO has achieved many significant milestones, including:

• relocating the road near the ‘Whale Rock’ engraving at Balls Head, preserving a site of high cultural significance
• opening the AHO Museum in Freshwater
• training council staff and volunteers to monitor more than 800 Aboriginal sites across the northern Sydney region
• delivering a program of cultural walks, talks and education for schools, community groups and the broader public.

Tens of thousands of people have engaged with AHO programs, visited the museum, or participated in cultural walks to learn more about Aboriginal heritage.

New AHO Manager Brent Emmons said the AHO provides a critical service for partner Councils and the community.

“This partnership has always been about doing things differently – working together to care for Country and ensure Aboriginal voices are central to heritage management.”

To commemorate the anniversary, the AHO has unveiled a new logo symbolising its mission: a shield for protection, a shellfish hook for connection to Country, a boomerang for education, and a circle of dots representing community.

As the AHO enters its next chapter, the invitation remains open to all: visit the museum, join a cultural walk, or simply spend time in your local reserve and connect with Country.

 

Comments from partner councils

North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker said:

“North Sydney Council is proud to have played a founding role in establishing the AHO. For 25 years, the Office has been a vital force in protecting Aboriginal sites, educating our communities, and deepening our collective understanding of Country. This renewed agreement reflects our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and protecting cultural heritage.”

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said:

“Congratulations to the AHO and their volunteers on their 25-year anniversary. The partnership with Council has delivered incredible outcomes in the protection and education of First Nations heritage and culture locally and we are fortunate to have the AHO Museum and Keeping Place on our doorstop in Freshwater. “

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.”

Lane Cove Mayor Merri Southwood said:

“Lane Cove Council is proud to have partnered with the Aboriginal Heritage Office for 25 years. Together, we’ve worked to protect Aboriginal heritage, care for Country, and deepen community understanding of the world’s oldest living culture as we connect with one another on Cammeraygal land. We look forward to continuing this important partnership for many years to come.”

Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor said:

“In Willoughby, we’ve seen first-hand the genuine impact of the AHO in deepening our community’s connection to Aboriginal culture and Country. Through cultural walks, education programs and heritage site care, the AHO helps us understand the deep meaning behind the places we know so well. This work supports truth-telling and reconciliation by fostering greater understanding and respect for Aboriginal culture and history. We’re proud to stand with our partner councils in supporting this unique partnership and continuing to learn together.”

Contact details:

Media at Willoughby City Council
E: [email protected]
P: 0459 915 293