There are four main objectives of Kiama Municipal Council's draft Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) - Relationships, Respect, Opportunities and Governance.
Council endorsed the RAP for public exhibition at October's Ordinary Meeting and local residents are invited to review the document and share feedback by 23 November.
Mayor Cameron McDonald said Council was committed to learning about, honouring, preserving and sharing the histories, culture, stories and voices of First Nations people.
"This Plan has been shaped by the wisdom, guidance and generosity of the local First Nations Community," he said.
"Our municipality was founded in 1859, where this Land has been cared for and connected to Culture for tens of thousands of years. As a Council, we recognise the responsibility to listen, to learn, and to reflect that history in how we serve and support the Community today.
"We as a Council are determined to build stronger relationships, to embed cultural respect in our work and walk alongside First Nations people with honesty and purpose.
"The four objectives will strengthen relationships, increase our understanding, value and respect for First Nations culture, create opportunities for employment and social outcomes, and drive governance of the RAP."
The draft Reflect RAP is a strategic framework to strengthen relationships with First Nations people, outlining priorities and actions that help to build a community founded on mutual respect, truth-telling, cultural understanding and shared responsibility through meaningful partnerships, culturally safe practices and a commitment to self-determination.
It was developed from a close partnership between the RAP Working Group, local Traditional Owners, the Aboriginal Advisory Group, Elders and First Nations community members.
Deputy Mayor Stuart Larkins, a Wodi-Wodi and Yuin man as well as being a member of Council's Aboriginal Advisory Group, was proud to see a plan in place to work with the local First Nations community to address gaps and challenges.
"I remember when I first attended the meeting of the then recently established Aboriginal Advisory Group in 2024, that this plan was going to be a focus of the group and of Council. I'm so proud to see this work almost completed," he said.
"This plan has not only been something that Council staff have worked on for some time now, but it has been co-designed by many members of the local Aboriginal community, including our Elders. I encourage those interested in Reconciliation to provide support and feedback."
To share your feedback on the draft Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, visit Council's Your Say website via https://yoursay.kiama.nsw.gov.au/reconciliation-action-plan or attend the community pop-up session at Kiama Farmers' Market on Wednesday 4 November from 3pm-6pm.
