Latrobe City Council has taken another step towards further developing relationships with the City's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Council recently endorsed the Reconciliation Action Plan 2020-2022 which focuses on relationships, respect for culture, opportunities and governance.
The plan was developed in partnership with Reconciliation Australia, Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC), and Latrobe City's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
"There are 1188 people in Latrobe City who identify as being Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and as Council aims to be inclusive of all residents, it's vital we have the Reconciliation Action Plan in place," Latrobe City Council Mayor Cr Dan Clancey said.
"Latrobe City Council values the First Nations people and their Elders and Ancestors, and recognises their long and continuous history prior to colonisation.
"We look forward to our ongoing commitment to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are an important part of our City."
GLaWAC CEO Roger Fenwick said, "GLaWAC supports Latrobe City's journey through reconciliation, provision of opportunities and respect of the Aboriginal people's culture.
"I encourage people to read the Gunaikurnai Whole of Country Plan that is available from Council."
The action plan has four key focus areas: relationships, respect for culture, opportunities and governance.
Council is building relationships with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community by working with them and the GLaWAC, celebrating Reconciliation Week, promoting reconciliation in the community, promoting positive race relations and continuing to employ an Aboriginal Liaison Officer.
Council is respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture by undertaking cultural learning, celebrating and promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, implementing public cultural education initiatives, observing cultural protocols and celebrating NAIDOC Week.
Council is creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to improve social and economic outcomes. This will be achieved by improving employment outcomes for Indigenous people, supporting initiatives that improve the health, wellbeing, economic and educative position of Indigenous people, providing culturally relevant services and programs, and increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity to support improved economic outcomes.
Council will ensure that appropriate governance, including the Braiakaulung Advisory Committee, is in place to oversee the implementation of this plan.
The plan was developed in consultation with the community, Braiakaulung Advisory Committee members and GLaWAC, which represents the clans of the Gunaikurnai nation. The Braiakaulung Clan is the Traditional Owner of Latrobe City.
The plan aligns with Council's Statement of Commitment to Reconciliation. That statement aspires to improve the social, educational, health, cultural, economic and environmental outcomes for Indigenous people.
