Introduction to the Central Coast’s Aboriginal experiences

"Aboriginal cultures are the oldest continuing cultures on Earth. Their nations are as separate as the nations of Europe and Africa. Every plant and every animal are their family; they are their ancestors. Such an interconnected perspective is radically different to the West where the landscape is seen as separate, or literally outside of the human experience as we know it. In Aboriginal cultures, people and the land merge; they are part of each other."

_{- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Reference Guide 2023}

This article was originally authored by Shaney Hudson, as part of a Love Central Coast grant project brought to you by Destination Central Coast, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund. To maintain accuracy, some editorial changes may have been made since publication.

Destination Central Coast understand it’s vital that we work collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to portray an accurate, inclusive and authentic representation of Indigenous Australia, informed by best practice cultural guidelines provided by Tourism Australia. Due to any sensitive cultural content, we wish to acknowledge this as a 'living article' created in ongoing, open consultation with the Indigenous peoples it aims to represent.

If you're an Aboriginal-owned or Aboriginal-run business on the Central Coast, we'd love to hear more about it. Simply get in touch with us here, create a free Love Central Coast business listing here, or tag us when sharing your local story on Instagram and Facebook.