Working towards reconciliation

The Central Highlands Regional Council has reaffirmed its commitment towards greater reconciliation across the region, officially adopting the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan 2019-2020 recently.

The plan is part of council’s work to develop strong, vibrant communities that preserve and promote the heritage and cultures of the region.

Mayor Kerry Hayes said council strongly values the cultural diversity in the Central Highlands and is committed to closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

‘All members of our community should feel welcome, included and proud of their heritage,’ he said.

‘This plan outlines actions to develop respectful, meaningful relationships and sustainable opportunities to improve socioeconomic outcomes for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, which make up 6.4% of the population.

‘It is about understanding, unity and harmony.’

Mayor Hayes said the plan builds on council’s indigenous development program, instigated in 2010 with the support of the BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance, as well as work already started during the plan’s development phase.

‘From July last year, council has undertaken a number of activities as part our reconciliation journey,’ he said.

‘These have included workshops in aboriginal art, cultural intelligence and Native Title, as well as NAIDOC and National Reconciliation Week celebrations.’

The plan will help council to continue to:

Actively support and strengthen an understanding of reconciliation within council and throughout communities. Identify steps to increase trust, reduce prejudice and strengthen relationships between council and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and support equity in the region’s workforce. Identify actions to demonstrate an inclusive, supportive and appreciative attitude toward Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island histories, cultures and contributions to the community.

For more information on the plan head here.