Each year, National Reconciliation Week is held from 27 May – 3 June, and this year's theme is More than a word. Reconciliation takes action.
The Shire is committed to reconciliation and has demonstrated a movement towards braver and more impactful actions. We're proud to be working with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to support meaningful social, cultural and economic outcomes. We know that to do this, strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities must be at the heart of our work.
Last year, our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, the lead body for reconciliation in Australia. This official approval puts the Shire among dedicated organisations who have formally committed to the reconciliation journey.
Since developing our RAP, the Shire has achieved a number of important actions against the Reconciliation Action Plan, including achieving a higher rate of Aboriginal children being enrolled in three-year-old kindergarten, Aboriginal Business procurement, and work.
We've also had many other achievements to celebrate including:
- Successfully worked with the Bunurong Land Council to name the new Rosebud pool 'YAWA' a Boon Wurrung word meaning 'to swim'
- Duel Boon Wurrung/English names at the new Mornington Community House
- A commitment to Aboriginal Business procurement
- Showing respect by changing the name of Black Camps reserve in Somerville, to 'Beek Beek' meaning earth (many lands) and the kindergarten to 'Tillerkite' meaning 'play'
- Naming of the Moonah woodland in Rye to 'Moonah Warren reserve' meaning 'Moonah by the sea'
- Showcased Aboriginal artists' works on 16 nbn nodes across our Peninsula
- Our unique approach to youth. The rap for RAP developed by our Youth Services, qualified for the Sustainable Communities –Tidy Towns Awards which celebrate positive actions taken by communities.
Willum Warrain will hold their annual Reconciliation Walk on Sunday 30 May. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the spirit of reconciliation from 11am at Pelican Park on the Hastings Foreshore. The walk will finish at Willum Warrain, Pound Road, Hastings with a flag raising ceremony, cultural activities, and a free family barbeque. COVIDSafe practices will apply.
