Council urges action during National Reconciliation Week

Redland City Council is encouraging residents to take action during National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June 2021).

Mayor Karen Williams said this year’s theme – ‘More than a word. Reconciliation takes action’ – is aligned with Council’s commitment to advance reconciliation, both internally and across Redlands Coast.

“Council has already undertaken significant work to advance our reconciliation process, but there is still much to do,” she said.

“In late 2019 Council launched its first internal Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), Kanara Malara – One People 2019-2021, which formalised a vision and set of principles to guide us in our reconciliation efforts.

“The RAP also included an agenda of actions outlining the practical things we can do to advance reconciliation within our organisation.”

Actions completed as a result of the RAP include:

Implementation of employee cultural awareness training. Commissioned Indigenous artwork – reproductions of Kanara Malara, by Quandamooka artist Joshua Walker, are displayed throughout all Council facilities as a permanent reminder of our reconciliation journey. Acknowledgement of Country signs are displayed in prominent Council meeting rooms. All staff are encouraged to commence meetings with Acknowledgement to Country as standard meeting procedure. Acknowledgement of traditional custodians the Quandamooka people appears in major Council strategies and publications including Corporate Plan, Operational Plan and Annual Report. A Kanara Malara – One People artwork wrap on a library van. The dual-naming of 10 Council meeting rooms to include the Jandai language. Kanara Malara shirts available to staff members.

“Council is committed to growing awareness and knowledge of our Quandamooka People in particular and, more generally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture,” Cr Williams said.

“We see our RAP as a stepping stone to future reconciliation action plans, setting in place a framework for broader external reconciliation activities.

“Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and a nation.

“During National Reconciliation Week, I encourage everyone to consider what action they can take on that journey as they connect with and enjoy local cultural opportunities.”

Council events held during and around National Reconciliation Week include:

Redland City Council Libraries

2 June – More than a Word: Brett Nutley in Conversation with Margie Kennedy, Cleveland Library, 12-1pm. Council’s Indigenous Partnerships and Programs Coordinator Brett Nutley chats with COOEE Indigenous Family and Community Education Centre’s Margie Kennedy about this year’s theme and what reconciliation means for Indigenous Australians. Bookings are essential.

3 June – Quandamooka Dance with Matt Burns, Capalaba Library, 9.30am-10am. This free event is part of the First 5 Forever program. Bookings are essential.

Redland Art Gallery

16 May to 18 July – Response: Carol McGregor, RAG Cleveland. The artist, of Wathaurung and Scottish descent, reflects on what was here, looked after and used as a resource before colonisation.

16 May to 18 July – Fragments: A Printed Environment by Tamika Grant-Iramu, RAG Cleveland. The artist uses printmaking to reimagine natural forms that exist within diverse urban and suburban contexts.

19 May to 11 July – First Nations textiles from the RAG Collection, Redland Performing Arts Centre mezzanine.

Redland Performing Arts Centre

4-6 June – Redlands Coast Art Fair on Quandamooka Country. More than 90 works from four local art groups, and three ticketed Masterclasses with professional artists.

For more information on these events, visit Council’s What’s On webpage or the Redland Art Gallery website.