Council proud of HART Award recognition
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East Gippsland Shire Council’s reconciliation video received a Highly Commended award in the Local Government category at the HART Awards, held in Melbourne recently.
Now in their fifth year, the HART Awards recognise local governments and community organisations that are advancing reconciliation in Victoria.
Organised by Reconciliation Victoria, HART stands for ‘Helping Achieve Reconciliation Together’.
The 15-minute film, ‘Our Commitment to Reconciliation’, will be shown at staff inductions and other events.
Mayor Cr Joe Rettino said the film follows on from the cultural awareness training held for all Councillors and council staff a couple of years ago.
“As part of our Reconciliation Action Plan, council is committed to providing cultural awareness training for all staff and councillors.
"East Gippsland Shire covers nearly ten per cent of the state, which presents challenges in organising face-to-face training.
"Developing this film gives council the flexibility to deliver the training online,” Cr Rettino said.
The film will help educate staff and the wider community on the history and culture of local Aboriginal people and their communities.
Council engaged local Aboriginal people to make the film and incorporated local Aboriginal landmarks in the vision used.
“The presentation is designed to provide an understanding of Aboriginal people and their community, and the effects of historical events that carry through to today.
“Council is grateful for the assistance of Aunty Doctor Doris Paton, Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place coordinator Rob Hudson and Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation’s Grattan Mullett Snr, who all played important roles in the making of the short film,” Cr Rettino said.
Council is happy to share this resource with other Gippsland organisations to help improve understanding of local Aboriginal history and culture.
Receiving the Highly Commended award at the HART Awards were East Gippsland Shire Council’s Manager Organisation Development Rebecca Aston, Mayor Cr Joe Rettino, and Learning and Development Officer Jamie Lynch.