Why More Australian Websites Are Including an Acknowledgement of Country (And How to Do It Respectfully)

In recent years, more Australian businesses, organisations, and creatives have added an Acknowledgement of Country to their websites. This small but powerful statement recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land and shows respect for their continuing connection to land, culture, and community.



Let’s explore why this matters, how to get the wording right, where to place it on your website, and how we can help you include it in a respectful and professional way.

What Is an Acknowledgement of Country?

An Acknowledgement of Country is a formal recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of the land. It is typically spoken or written at the start of events, meetings, or public communications to show respect for Elders past and present.

Unlike a Welcome to Country, which must be delivered by a Traditional Custodian or Elder, an Acknowledgement can be made by anyone, including business owners and community leaders.

When added to a website, it becomes a public and lasting statement that reflects your awareness of First Nations peoples and your respect for their role in Australia’s history and future.

Why Include It on a Website?

Your website is one of the most visible and permanent representations of your business. Including an Acknowledgement of Country on your site shows that your business:

• Respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures
  
• Recognises the importance of reconciliation
  
• Supports inclusivity and cultural awareness
  
• Aligns with modern business values and community expectations
  
• Understands its place on unceded Aboriginal land
  
  

For businesses operating in government, education, not-for-profit, or healthcare services, having an Acknowledgement is often expected. But even for small businesses or sole traders, it can help establish trust with socially conscious customers and present your business as thoughtful and community-minded.

It’s not a political statement. It’s a respectful acknowledgement of truth.

How to Write the Right Acknowledgement

There is no one correct version of an Acknowledgement of Country, but it should be sincere, specific, and accurate. Here are some tips for crafting the right message:



1. Identify the Traditional Custodians of Your Area

The first step is to find out which Aboriginal Nation or language group your business or office is located in. You can start with:

• AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia
  
• Your local Aboriginal Land Council or local council
  
• The Welcome to Country website
  
  

It’s important to get this information right, as different areas are connected to different Nations and communities.

2. Use Respectful and Appropriate Language

Here are two commonly used examples:

General National Acknowledgement:

“We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.”

Location-Specific Acknowledgement:

“We acknowledge the [Nation name] people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our business is located. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

Some businesses go a step further by including the local language name for the land or by consulting a local Elder for guidance. If you are unsure how to phrase it, reach out to a local Aboriginal organisation or cultural liaison officer for support.

3. Make Sure It Reflects Your Brand’s Voice

An Acknowledgement of Country should sound genuine. Avoid copying and pasting it just to tick a box. While the message itself is serious, you can still make sure it reflects your brand tone—whether that’s formal, warm, community-focused, or educational.



Where to Place It on Your Website

You don’t need to build a new page to include your Acknowledgement. Most businesses choose one of the following options:

• Website Footer: This is a common choice as it makes the message visible across your entire website without distracting from your main content.
  
• About Page: If your story or values are part of your brand messaging, this is a great place to include the Acknowledgement alongside your business journey.
  
• Contact Page: If your address is listed, this is a natural place to acknowledge the land you operate on.
  
• Homepage Banner: Some businesses choose to include a short version on their homepage to make a clear statement up front.
  
• Dedicated Reconciliation or Community Page: For organisations involved in advocacy, health, education, or social work, a full page may be suitable.

Flags That Often Appear with Acknowledgement of Country

Many inclusive websites choose to display cultural and diversity flags alongside an Acknowledgement of Country. These flags are meaningful symbols of respect, identity, and belonging. Including them on your site signals your commitment to cultural safety, inclusion, and community values.



Below are some of the most commonly used flags, along with their respective meanings. You can download each individually or grab the complete set for use across your website or social media.