TRC seeking nominees for Regional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is calling for nominations to fill positions on the Toowoomba Region Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee (ATSIAC).

TRC Deputy Mayor and ATSIAC chair Cr Geoff McDonald said 10 community members would be selected to serve on the voluntary committee.

“Council is keen to draw on the ideas and expertise of residents who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders to help inform Council on issues that directly affect and concern Indigenous residents,” Cr McDonald said.

“I encourage eligible residents to nominate by 5pm on Friday, October 30. (see full details below)

“The advisory committee was initiated in the previous term of Council and will continue to offer advice around fostering leadership and direction on Indigenous issues to Council.”

Cr McDonald said ATSIAC had offered valuable input which contributed to Council initiatives such as advocating for cultural awareness training for all Council staff and a recommendation that led to the inclusion of an acknowledgment of Country on all TRC email signatures.

“It is important for Council to listen to ideas and recommendations from our Indigenous communities, as we do with all TRC advisory committees.”

Fellow TRC ATSIAC member Cr Bill Cahill said there were opportunities to further work on building positive partnerships across the community.

“I see the committee as a vehicle for promoting a better understanding of Indigenous issues to the wider community and upholding the human rights of everyone involved in these communities,” Cr Cahill said.

Cr Cahill said he was pleased to note Council’s approval of the advisory committee’s revised Terms of Reference at the September Ordinary meeting.

He said advice from the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships had led to the inclusion of representatives from all the Aboriginal Parties across the region.

“The new Terms of Reference ensure we are consistent in our engagement and acknowledgment of our region’s Aboriginal Parties. This has been reflected by provisions to include up to five representatives from the Western Wakka Wakka, Barunggam, Jagera, Yuggera Ugarapul and Bigambul peoples on the committee, in addition to the 10 community members,” Cr Cahill said.

“The advisory committee will continue work on establishing protocols for working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, developing and implementing the TRC Reconciliation Action Plan and exploring opportunities to promote the region’s rich Indigenous history for tourists.”

Enquiries and/or submission of expressions of interest can be emailed to [email protected] or posted to Toowoomba Regional Council, PO Box 3021, Toowoomba, Qld, 4350.

Please outline your previous experience. Applications close at 5pm on Friday, October 30.

The term of the Regional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee will end in March 2024.

Applicants are encouraged to read through the Terms of Reference. Please refer to www.tr.qld.gov.au/advisorycommittees

Enquiries can be directed to 131 872.