Cultural and creative life

City of Sydney employees share what makes our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce strategy important

How we support and increase economic equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce strategy supports us to progress and increase economic equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The strategy is a key deliverable of our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan and demonstrates our commitment to our shared responsibility in the Closing the Gap agreement.

It sets out 4 key objectives:

  1. Make the City of Sydney an attractive workplace where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel welcome and encouraged to apply for roles.
  2. Recruit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and ensure jobseekers can access employment opportunities.
  3. Invest in ways to develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, and increase retention, promotions and mobility within the organisation.
  4. Create a culturally aware and skilled workplace where employees respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, customs and cultures.

It’s important our work to increase employment outcomes are Aboriginal led and informed. This work was shaped by the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, community members and our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel. 

Embedded content: https://youtu.be/gsaOZd09t6A

Hear what this strategy means to our employees

Zacharia, Public Space Liaison Officer. Image by Abril Felman
Zacharia, Public Space Liaison Officer. Image by Abril Felman

“Having an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce strategy is crucial in creating a culturally safe place for mob to have long careers with the City of Sydney.”

– Zacharia, Public Space Liaison Officer

Christie, Recreation Officer. Image by Tanisha Lafiani
Christie, Recreation Officer. Image by Tanisha Lafiani

“I’m proud that I get to make a positive impact on the community and improve the lives of visitors and residents. It’s great to be part of an organisation that actively promotes and encourages diversity and strives to create a welcoming and inclusive working environment.”

– Christie, Recreation Officer

Jordan, HR Officer. Image by Abril Felman
Jordan, HR Officer. Image by Abril Felman

“This strategy encourages other Aboriginal people to join the organisation and shows them that they will be supported here.”

– Jordan, HR Officer

Raymond, Crew Member. Image by Katherine Griffiths
Raymond, Crew Member. Image by Katherine Griffiths

“I’ve been with the City of Sydney for 21 years; there are many opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and I’m glad to see the organisation continuing their support.”

– Raymond, Crew Member

Sara, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Advisor. Image by Nick Langley
Sara, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Advisor. Image by Nick Langley

“Having an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce strategy benefits everyone. It is good for business and for community. I am proud that the City of Sydney has listened to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and has committed to this important work. I look forward to seeing how it transforms our workplace and the community we serve.”

– Sara, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Advisor

Interested in a career at the City of Sydney? Take a look at our current open opportunities.

Published 1 June 2023, updated 13 May 2024