Strathfield Council’s resolution to cover and then remove the acknowledgement of Wangal Country from its gateway signs is deeply disappointing and should be rescinded.

The official minutes of the Council meeting on 25 August confirm that Liberal councillors John-Paul Baladi, Sandy Reddy and Esther Kim, together with independent councillors Benjamin Cai and Matthew Blackmore, voted to remove the words “Wangal Land” and “Always Was Always Will Be” immediately—or cover them if they could not be removed.
The result is the disturbing sight of an acknowledgement of First Nations history covered with black plastic on a prominent public sign.

Identifying this area as Wangal Country is not a radical or partisan act. It is a recognition of historical fact and continuing cultural connection.

Petition organised by ANTaR Inner West Reconciliation Group