Orange City Council has launched its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), setting out practical actions to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and embed reconciliation across Council's workplace and business practices.
Formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan sets out Council's actions to March 2027, with a focus on relationships, respect, opportunities and governance, while laying the groundwork for Council's next RAP.
Actions include increasing cultural learning and understanding of cultural protocols, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment and professional development, investigating procurement opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned businesses and recognising significant events including National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.
Orange City Council Chief Executive Officer Scott Maunder said the plan was an important step in turning Council's commitment to reconciliation into clear and measurable action.
"This is our first Reconciliation Action Plan, but it builds on relationships, programs and partnerships that have developed over many years" Mr Maunder said.
"It gives us a clear direction for strengthening that work, identifying where we can do more and making sure reconciliation is considered across our organisation, from the way we engage with community to employment, cultural learning and the services we deliver.
"A key part of this process is listening. Our approach is grounded in the Wiradjuri concept of Yindyamarra, respectful listening, and continuing to build genuine and respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our community."
The RAP also formalises existing Council initiatives including Aboriginal employment and training pathways, partnerships with local schools, NAIDOC celebrations, engagement with local Elders, youth cultural programs and collaborations with Aboriginal artists.
The plan was developed by Council's Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, which includes Aboriginal and non-Indigenous employees from across the organisation, with feedback from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Orange.
The RAP features Yuga Mawang (Moving Together), an artwork created by Wiradjuri artist Mitchell Groat.
The artwork centres on Gaanha bula (Mount Canobolas) and Guriyan Gaanha bula (Lake Canobolas), surrounded by symbols representing Culture, Connection, Community, History, Storytelling, Water, Totems and Gathering Places.
Mr Groat said the work represented the relationship between Country, culture and community.
"Gaanha bula and Guriyan Gaanha bula are at the centre of the work, with the colours, symbols and patterns representing the cultural connections that are unique to our region," Mr Groat said.
"The artwork begins and ends with people because everything in our community starts and ends with people.
"For me, Yuga Mawang is about moving together while recognising the stories, culture and connections that make this place what it is."
Council's Reflect RAP is the first stage of Reconciliation Australia's RAP framework for organisations and lays the foundation for Council to continue developing its reconciliation commitments over time.
The Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan can be viewed at: https://www.orange.nsw.gov.au/yuga-mawang/
