Acknowledgement of Country on Australian Websites: Why It Matters and How to Do It Right

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. It 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 respectfully and professionally.

What Is an Acknowledgement of Country?

An Acknowledgement of Country is a respectful statement that recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and ongoing custodians of the land. It honours their enduring cultural and spiritual connection to Country.

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



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 past, present, 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:

• Shows respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures
• Recognises the importance of reconciliation and truth-telling
• Supports inclusivity and cultural awareness
• Aligns with modern business values and community expectations
• Acknowledges your presence on unceded Aboriginal land



Even if you're a small business or sole trader, this simple gesture helps present your business as thoughtful, socially aware, and community-minded.

How to Write an Acknowledgement of Country for Your Website

There is no single way to deliver an Acknowledgement of Country; what matters most is that it’s respectful and meaningful. 



To help you begin, we’ve provided some practical steps below. However, if you want to ensure your wording is appropriate, we also encourage you to connect with local Elders, Aboriginal Land Councils, or First Nations community organisations.

1. Identify the Traditional Custodians of Your Area

There is no one correct version, but it should be sincere, accurate, and appropriate to your location and context. Here's how to start:

Use resources like:

• AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia
• Your local Aboriginal Land Council or local government

Knowing the correct Nation or language group shows genuine respect.



For deeper understanding, consider exploring these organisations:

• Reconciliation Australia
• Australians Together
• Creative Spirits

2. Use Respectful and Appropriate Language

When crafting your statement, consider acknowledging both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, past, present and emerging and use capital letters for Elders, Country and Nation as a mark of respect. Your wording should reference both the people and the land, and if you don’t know the Traditional Owners, a general acknowledgement is appropriate. 

General Example:

"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 Example:

"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."



If possible, personalise your Acknowledgement and avoid copying generic text without meaning.

3. Make Sure It Reflects Your Brand’s Voice

While it should always be respectful, your Acknowledgement can still align with your tone — whether it’s warm, educational, professional, or community-focused.

Where to Place It on Your Website

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 carry deep cultural significance and should always be presented with care and consideration.

At Love My Online Marketing, we share this information with humility and a genuine commitment to cultural respect. If you choose to include these flags on your website, we encourage you to do so in a way that honours their meaning and maintains their integrity.

Below are some commonly used flags, available to download individually or as a complete set for your website design.