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Acknowledging Country in infrastructure proposals

Written by Stephanie De Leon, Principal Consultant, Frontrunner Communications

A small paragraph. Big impact. Your Acknowledgment of Country sets the tone for respect, collaboration, and professionalism, before anyone reads a single word of your proposal.

Your Acknowledgment of Country sets the tone for your whole proposal

It’s one of the first impressions your proposal makes — before the executive summary, before the methodology, before the CVs. Too often, it’s treated as a formality: a line inserted at the front and forgotten. But for projects that physically engage with land, water, and communities, this small paragraph carries real weight. Done well, it signals to the panel, and to the community, that your team has taken the time to understand the Country the project sits on.

Why acknowledgment matters

In Australian infrastructure projects, including an Acknowledgment of Country has become standard practice. But standard practice and genuine practice aren’t the same thing. A generic paragraph, dropped in because it’s expected, tells a panel — and a community — exactly how much thought went into the rest of the document.

For projects that engage directly with land, water, and communities, the acknowledgment should carry meaning. It’s not just about recognising history; it’s about acknowledging the ongoing connection that Traditional Custodians have with the land and waters where we work. Get it right, and it does real work for your proposal before a single technical page is turned: it signals respect, awareness, and a commitment to working responsibly with the community.

Knowing the Country

A meaningful acknowledgment starts with understanding the Country your project occupies. Don’t settle for generic terms like “local Aboriginal people.” Identify the correct Traditional Custodians, including Nation, people, and language groups. Where appropriate, mention local waterways or landscapes. Accuracy matters, not just as a professional courtesy, but as a signal that your team has taken the time to understand the context in which the project will unfold.
Key resources for identifying Traditional Custodians include the AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia and guidance from Reconciliation Australia on Acknowledgment of Country.

AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia

Crafting sincere language

The wording of an acknowledgment should be simple, clear, and genuine. Recognise the enduring connection of First Nations peoples to land, water, and culture. Pay respect to Elders past and present, and, when relevant, acknowledge emerging leaders. Keep it concise! Brevity paired with sincerity often has more impact than a lengthy paragraph. Avoid generic statements, over-claiming relationships, or including political commentary. Guidance from official sources emphasises that there is no “one-size-fits-all” wording and that sincerity and context are more important than formulaic language.  Use respectful, contemporary terminology such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, First Nations peoples, or the specific Nation or Traditional Custodian group where known. Avoid outdated or generic terms, and always use the preferences of the relevant community where they are known. This aligns with the Australian Government Style Manual’s guidance on inclusive language.

Integrating the acknowledgment with your proposal

For proposals, the acknowledgment can do more than recognise Country; it can reflect your team’s approach to engagement, cultural heritage management, or Indigenous participation. A brief, thoughtful statement shows that you understand the importance of working respectfully with communities, without turning the acknowledgment into a full policy or consultation statement. Where you place the acknowledgment is important. Include it in the introduction or inside the front cover to ensure it’s visible. Avoid burying it deep in the proposal or treating it as an afterthought. It should feel naturally integrated, not tacked on.

Accompanying imagery

Accompanying imagery can strengthen an Acknowledgment of Country by adding depth, clarity, and cultural respect. The most effective visuals help readers connect with place and context — whether that’s through photographs of the construction site or infrastructure referenced in the proposal, images of significant natural landscape landmarks in the region, like shots of local waterways and surrounding vegetation. Cultural elements can also be incorporated thoughtfully, such as traditional motifs, symbols of land and water, or artwork created by local First Nations artists. Where artwork is used, it’s important to properly acknowledge the artist and respect any cultural usage guidelines they specify. Photographs of genuine engagement  including Welcome to Country or smoking ceremonies, meetings with Elders, Indigenous participation, or cultural heritage assessments  can add authenticity, provided they are taken and shared with appropriate permission.

The bigger picture

A well written Acknowledgment of Country does more than honour tradition. it sets the tone for collaboration and responsibility. Infrastructure is built in relationship with Country and communities. When approached with intention, this simple statement signals your organisation’s values, professionalism, and respect for the people and land involved in the project.


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Make your projects meaningful and respectful. Frontrunner Communications can help integrate cultural awareness, Indigenous engagement, and community collaboration into your proposals and communications. Get in touch today to see how we can support your team.

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