Reconciliation Action Plan adopted

Published on 17 September 2024

Central Goldfields Shire Council’s first Reconciliation Action Plan(PDF, 2MB)  (RAP) was adopted at the September Council Meeting last night (16/09).

The RAP is an important step towards Council’s vision for an inclusive community that values and recognises First Nations cultures and heritage.

Our new RAP has been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia and will build relationships, respect and opportunities to advance reconciliation across Central Goldfields Shire.

Central Goldfields Shire General Manager Community Wellbeing Emma Little said the Reconciliation Action Plan was another step forward in a journey that began in 2020.

“We proudly acknowledge and extend our appreciation to the Dja Dja Wurrung People, the Traditional Owners of the land that we are on.

“We recognise and respect the deep and continuous connection the Dja Dja Wurrung people have for the land Central Goldfields Shire Council operates on.

“Council values its ongoing positive partnership with Djaara, with the principle of listening and working together with the Traditional Owners of the land at the heart of the recently opened garingilang gatjin wii.

“Our vision is to create a community where First Nations people feel culturally safe and supported with equitable access to opportunities and participation in community life.

“The RAP clearly articulates to staff and our community the actions we’re taking to advance reconciliation and provides a platform for further conversations and initiatives to take place.

“Whilst we know there is still much work to be done, as an organisation, we look forward to a continued active and engaged approach to reconciliation.”

Key actions of the plan include:

• Create culturally safe places and support self-determination.
• Promote and pursue improved engagement with First Nations Peoples.
• Work with Traditional Owners to develop ways of formalising Council’s commitment to reconciliation.
• Work with key stakeholders to close the gap in First Nations life outcomes, particularly through program delivery in the areas of maternal and child health and early childhood education.

Background - Council’s Reconciliation journey to date:

Council actively participates in National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week events and flies the Aboriginal flag outside the Council offices in Maryborough.

Other actions Council has undertaken include:

• Establishing working relationships with Traditional Owners and key First Nations community stakeholders through membership of the Central Goldfields Shire Aboriginal Engagement Group
• Participation in the Central Victorian Local Government Reconciliation Network
• Works with local First Nations Stakeholders to facilitate community NAIDOC celebrations
• Reviewing its procurement policy to include clauses that support engagement with First Nations businesses in the region
• Council worked closely with Djandak (the enterprises arm of Djaara) on the development of a Welcome Stranger digital animation for the Visitors Centre that builds awareness, respect and appreciation for the impacts of the gold rush on Djaara and Djandak
• The Central Goldfields Art Gallery’s Indigenous Interpretive Garden was designed collaboratively with Dja Dja Wurrung community representatives and artists, aiming to weave important cultural elements and references into the design. The Garden was completed and launched in August 2024.