Wednesday, 22 April 2020
Griffith City Council has reinforced its long-standing commitment to reconciliation with the development of its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
The Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2019-2021 was adopted at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 24 March 2020 following months of development in collaboration with Reconciliation Australia and extensive input from the local Wiradjuri community.
Griffith Mayor, Councillor John Dal Broi said the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan provides a framework to demonstrate Council's commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
"It's unfortunate that due to the Coronavirus and the disruptions it has caused we haven't been able to officially launch this important document in the way we would have liked," Mayor Dal Broi said.
"Council's RAP builds on and strengthens the existing relationship with Griffith's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population and showcases Council's dedication and commitment to reconciliation.
"This is a strategic document involving all departments within Council. Implementing it across such a large and diverse organisation presents challenges but Council is ready and committed to putting the initiatives into practice."
The RAP includes four standard elements relating to relationships, respect, opportunities and governance with a commitment to reconciliation by fostering an inclusive community that supports the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Griffith Aboriginal Community Working Party (CWP) took a strong interest in creating the document. The RAP was a standard agenda item over 18 months working closely with Council's Community Development Officer - Aboriginal Liaison to develop mutually acceptable outcomes.
A number of discussions regarding the RAP were held with the Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service, the Local Aboriginal Lands Council, Dyirri-Bang-Gu and the NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs.
Reconciliation Australia supported the development of this document by giving the RAP conditional endorsement in late 2019 to ensure all sections of the document aligned with their guidelines. They gave their full endorsement of Council's Innovate RAP on 21 February 2020.
The RAP includes local history, an overview of significant activities and events along with identified deliverables and timeframes to be undertaken across all Council departments over the coming two year period.
