Indigo Shire Council has strengthened its commitment to reconciliation with a number of initiatives undertaken this week as part of National Reconciliation Week (NRW).
The initiatives, part of Council's NRW acknowledgements and undertaken in support of its newly adopted Reflect Reconciliation Acton Plan, included Cultural Awareness Training for a number of Council staff on Monday, followed by a flag raising ceremony on Tuesday.
Over 25 staff members participated in the training, conducted by The Koorie Heritage Trust and the moving and insightful all-day session saw participants report a significantly increased understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage and determination to work together and with the community on the journey towards reconciliation.
Mayor Gaffney raised the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags in Tuesday's flag-raising ceremony, with Councillors, staff and special guests from Bushfire Recovery Victoria, Victoria Police and the Hume Heritage Programs for First Peoples, Department of Premier and Cabinet in attendance.
Mayor Gaffney spoke of building relationships with indigenous people within the community and the significance of Council's first flag raising ceremony in 2015.
Indigo Shire CEO Trevor Ierino spoke of the meaning of NRW and reiterated Council's commitment to recognising the traditional owners of Indigo Shire and to creating cultural awareness within the organisation and community.
This year's NRW theme is "Be Brave, Make Change" – a time for all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how everyone can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
Reconciliation themed Storytime sessions were also run across the Shire at Council libraries and entries for its NRW colouring-in competition close today.
The winners will be announced next week.
