Media Response |

- City of Ballarat Community Development Director Neville Ivey

Is City of Ballarat happy to enter conversations about potentially moving Jan 26, or a change of council's roles in celebrations?

 The City of Ballarat welcomes the opportunity to enter into conversations in order to better understand the community’s expectations around this issue.

How is City of Ballarat dealing with issue this going forward? Have you contacted KEAG today?

 A regularly scheduled meeting was held earlier today with members of the Koori Engagement and Advisory (KEAG) Group and the Central Victorian Local Government Reconciliation Network.  The matter of Australia Day was placed on the agenda for discussion as Council seek input and direction as to what could be considered immediately and in to the future around this issue.

What are the problems with getting council officers and councillors to rounds of cultural sensitivity training? Is similar training something City of Ballarat is committed to? 

The City of Ballarat takes its relationship with KEAG and all members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community very seriously.

Therefore, today’s meeting also included discussions about an ongoing commitment to build the cultural awareness of both Councillors and officers, including ongoing training.

All senior officers at the City of Ballarat have already undergone cultural awareness training.

How will City of Ballarat ensure better attendance in future? 

 The City of Ballarat’s relationship with KEAG is highly valued and cultural awareness training will be scheduled for councillors and officers as part of our ongoing training and development commitment to our councillors and staff.