“The Shoalhaven is faring well when it comes reconciliation,” said M Moore, who is also the managing director of Habitat Personnel which provides employment services and support to the Indigenous community.

“When you see how far things have come, I think we are doing pretty well.

“We have such a great community, such a strong and healthy business community and we’ve got a lot people in the community with goodwill.

“And they are all great ingredients for a healthy community in general.”

However, he said nationally more work was required.

“I think we do pretty well nationally but there is still more to be done,” he said.

“We need to trust each other a bit more - build trust on both sides.

“We want an Australia full of Australians who recognise there was an indigenous past.”

To coincide with the reconciliation week a number of events are being staged locally, including a day of activities at Stockland Nowra on Thursday, including performances by local Aboriginal dancers and an art exhibition.

“We will have people talking about reconciliation and goodwill in the community,” he said.

“It is great to have a big business like Stockland Nowra doing its bit for the community and ensuring reconciliation is being recognised locally.”