Acknowledgement of country
The ACT Government acknowledges the Ngunnawal people, the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and conduct our business. We pay our respects to Ngunnawal Elders past, present, and emerging. We recognise the continuing culture and connection to country of the Ngunnawal people, and of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia. When we talk about Canberra becoming a restorative city, we also recognise that in many different ways, these principles have been – and continue to be – practiced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this continent.
What is a restorative city?
A ‘restorative city’ is based on the principles of ‘restorative practice’. Restorative practice is all about recognising that relationships are central to our wellbeing, community and society. Restorative practices can be used as a shared approach to problem solving based on respect, accountability and support.
A restorative city operates by using restorative practices. Of course, this can happen in many different ways. It’s up to all of us to decide what this means for Canberra.

Ultimately, it’s what matters to our community that will shape Canberra’s values as a restorative city.
Our progress

Within the ACT Government, there are a number of programs and initiatives underway to work towards making Canberra a restorative city. There are also many more examples being undertaken by community groups, non-government organisations, and individual citizens. This is a snapshot of the ACT Government work to date.
You can read more about initiatives underway in the ACT Government here.
Looking ahead
