Moira Shire Council and Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation have celebrated the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, with the official launch of Council's Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and the unveiling of a commemorative artwork.
Speaking at the launch on Thursday 22 October were Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM, Moira CEO Matthew Morgan, Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation CEO John Kerr, Yorta Yorta Elder Greg James, and Yorta Yorta artist Troy Firebrace.
Dr Emonson said the Reflect RAP was an important part of Council's MOU with Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation, and both were the result of years of building relationships.
"Reconciliation isn't a one-off statement or action - it's a long-term commitment that calls for honesty, listening and meaningful change," Dr Emonson said.
"Council's Reflect RAP marks an important milestone in our shared journey toward truth, healing and a more inclusive future.
"It sets the foundation for stronger relationships with First Nations communities, greater cultural understanding, and a commitment to walk alongside the Yorta Yorta Nation peoples as equal partners."
Mr Kerr and Mr James also emphasised the importance of the MOU and the Reflect RAP, saying it provides a framework to turn good intentions into favourable and measurable results.
"The launch of a Reconciliation Action Plan is an opportunity to recognise the past as well as the present, and take meaningful steps towards a better future," Mr Kerr said.
"This is a foundation for us to continue strengthening our relationships and working together, however, we know that reconciliation cannot be achieved by a document alone.
"A plan is only as strong as the actions that follow. This is about building a genuine relationship, listening to all people to develop a cultural understanding and ensuring our community translates this into real outcomes."
Dr Emonson and artist Troy Firebrace unveiled Mr Firebrace's artwork that was commissioned for the RAP, and which now hangs proudly in the foyer at Moira's Cobram Service Centre.
Titled Country's Foundation, the artwork reflects the contours and waterways that intersect on Country, painted in rich colours that echo the landscape.
Mr Firebrace is a passionate champion of unity and reconciliation, which he captures in his work.
"This work is asking you - what is Country to you," he said.
"When you look at the work, do you see the turtle shell, do you see the contours, do you notice the river, do you notice the clay formations, do you recognise the plantation, do you see your township, do you see your home there?
"I ask that when you engage with this artwork, you engage with it as custodians of this Country. If you call it home, you indeed are part of this story.
"Country is our foundation, and this work is asking you, what that foundation is for you."
To read the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, go to the Moira Shire website.
