We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Toowoomba Region whose songlines traverse our lands and pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the knowledge, rich traditions and bold ambitions of Australia’s First Peoples.

As a mark of respect to the Traditional Custodians, we have put in place cultural protocols that acknowledge the important contributions Indigenous communities have and continue to play in the development of our country’s cultural identity.

We would like to gratefully acknowledge the contributions, knowledge and guidance provided by the Toowoomba Region Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee through the development of these protocols. We are committed to continuing to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples into the future. We consider this a part of a much longer journey.

At the opening of significant meetings and group gatherings and events, we commence with a Welcome to Country or an Acknowledgement of Country. Including a Welcome to Country and/or Acknowledgement of Country, demonstrates recognition and respect to the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples whose country it is where the meeting is taking place. It promotes a mutual respect and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their cultures to the wider community.

A Welcome to Country is where an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian welcomes people to their land at the beginning of a meeting, event or ceremony.

Welcome to Country enables Traditional Custodians to give their blessing. It is an important mark of respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

A non-Indigenous person or an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person from a different language group (Nation) cannot conduct a Welcome to Country when it is not their country.

An ‘Acknowledgment of Country’ is where non-Indigenous people, and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples from another Country acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of the land which an event or activity is taking place.

We encourage the practice of Acknowledgement of Country at group events including conferences, seminars, workshops, formal meetings and gatherings, team meetings, forums, community and civic events.

An acknowledgment is usually performed at the beginning of a meeting, event or other official ceremonies.

More information on appropriate wording for the Acknowledgement of Country in speeches can be found in our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Information and Cultural Protocols.

The Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag were proclaimed as flags of Australia under Section 5 of the Flags Act 1953, in July 1995.

The Aboriginal flag

The Australian Aboriginal flag was first raised on 12 July 1971 at Victoria Square in Adelaide. This is now well recognised as the flag of Aboriginal peoples.

The top half of the flag is black to symbolise the people. The red lower half symbolises the earth and the colour of ochre, which has ceremonial significance. The yellow in the centre of the flag represents the sun.

Mr Harold Thomas, the Aboriginal person who designed the flag also holds the copyright for the flag. Permission is not required to fly the Australian Aboriginal flag.

You can find further information on the Flag Protocols at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet website.

Torres Strait Islander flag

The Torres Strait Islander flag was adopted in May 1992 during the Torres Strait Islands Cultural Festival.

The green panels at the top and bottom of the flag represent the land and the central blue panels represents the sea. The black line dividing the panels represents the Torres Strait Islander people. The centre of the flag shows a white Dhari (traditional headdress) and is a symbol for all Torres Strait Islanders. Underneath the Dhari is a white five-pointed star. The star is an important symbol for navigating the sea. The points of the star represent the island groups in the Torres Strait and white symbolises peace.

Permission is not required to fly the Torres Strait Islander flag. The Torres Strait Island Regional Council holds copyright to the Torres Strait Islander flag.

You can find further information on the Flag Protocols at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet website.