We would like to acknowledge the Bundjalung Nation, part of the First Peoples of this land, who looked after this beautiful country in a sustainable way for at least 65000-80000 years.  They kept the waters and air pristine, they didn’t chop down trees or drag tonnes of minerals from the land. They demonstrated a custodial role towards all the flora and fauna species around them and that in itself deserves our respect. I acknowledge Elders past, present and future and any Indigenous people with us today.

NB:  There is only coastal evidence of occupation for 6,000 years in this area due to the rise in sea level.  Earlier evidence of Aboriginal settlement is now under the ocean near the edge of the current continental shelf.