Council is continuing to make progress towards reconciliation, with several key highlights being achieved in partnership with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations, over the first 18 months of implementing the Reconciliation Action (RAP) Plan 2019-2021.
Actions around the three key themes of relationships, respect and opportunities, are reported on in the Council's Community Report Card, which can be read on Council's website.
Some key highlights are:
Winning the 2020 Susan Grace Benny Award for two Women in Leadership Programs
The win was for the successful delivery of The First Nations Women's leadership through art program facilitated by Salt Studio Consultancy and for the Muslim Women's Leadership program, facilitated by SistrV8.
The First Nation Women's Leadership program is a core program of Salt Studio Consultancy's 8 Ways of Knowing cultural training.
The program supported First Nation women to develop cultural leadership understanding through the process of art; building leadership knowledge based on the fundamentals of cultural and community development, empowerment and healing.
Salt Studio Consultancy is a First Nation business based in Victoria providing cultural consultancy and creative workshops. The First Nations Women's leadership through art training was delivered as part of Council's Community Leadership program, in partnership with Salt Studio Consultancy.
The Susan Grace Benny Award is part of the State Government's National Awards for Excellence in Local Government, and recognises female leaders and initiatives in local government which support women in community decision making and management.
Hosting the Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee
Brimbank's current (and second) Reconciliation Action Plan (2019–2021) was developed in consultation with the Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee, Traditional Owners groups, and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
This helped Council get advice on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues and has supported the implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan.
Engaging Narrap ('Country') Team
Wurundjeri natural resource land management organisation Narrap ('Country') Team was engaged as Council's contractor for conservation reserves in Brimbank.
Quotes to be attributed to Brimbank Mayor Cr Ranka Rasic:
"Nurturing meaningful relationships with Traditional Owner groups, local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and other stakeholders to build a more inclusive community is a key focus.
"Council values and respects the knowledge and expertise of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and seeks more ways to enhance their contribution to the community.
"It is important that we create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across our many programs and services, including business opportunities, community development projects, and employment and professional development."
