Gannawarra Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026 adopted

Gannawarra Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026 adopted

Published on 17 September 2024

Gannawarra Shire Council’s ongoing commitment to work with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities will be guided by the Gannawarra Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026.

Endorsed at the September 2024 Council Meeting, Council’s first Reconciliation Action Plan was developed in partnership with the Kerang Elders and Leaders Group and supporting agencies.

“Council is pleased to have worked for many years with various agencies and local Aboriginal Elders and community members on local issues, with this relationship enhanced by the establishment of the Kerang Elders and Leaders Group in 2013 and the signing of partnership agreements in 2016 and 2022,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“The Gannawarra Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026 is the next step in the reconciliation journey, as it will further support the development and strengthening of relationships, engage Council staff and stakeholders in reconciliation, and develop and pilot innovative strategies to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be involved in decisions that impact on their lives.

“This important document also formally acknowledges the Barapa Barapa, Wamba Wamba and Yorta Yorta peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land that encompasses the Gannawarra Shire and puts in place an action plan to continue to build on relationships, respect and future opportunities.”

Featuring local artwork, photographs and images contributed by the local Aboriginal community, the Gannawarra Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026 incorporates the theme “Walking Forward Together” and outlines 22 deliverable tasks, determined in partnership with the Kerang Elders and Leaders Group, that Council and agencies will aim to achieve. These include:

Facilitating an annual Walk on Country/Yarning Circle for community leader to increase mutual understanding and build community leadership for reconciliation. Organising at least one National Reconciliation Week event each year. Holding at least one Aboriginal art exhibition annually, particularly to coincide with Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. Incorporating at least one Aboriginal touring product in Council’s annual theatre production calendar. Continuing to support programs for children and young people through the established programs, Tyipen Kwe (children), Tyipen Kwe (youth), and Kethawil Pemenguuk to ensure that children and young people are culturally strong and develop a sense of belonging, cultural identity and connection. Exploring opportunities for a bush tucker garden to be established in Kerang. Committing to explore a project that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in the tourism sector.

“These tasks, as well as the deliverables identified by the Kerang Elders and Leaders Group and those set by Reconciliation Australia, which has conditionally endorsed the document, will help foster strong relationships with local Aboriginal communities as we work together on our reconciliation journey,” Mr Rollinson said.

“Barapa Barapa Elder and local artist, Aunty Esther Kirby OAM, provided significant guidance to Council and partner agencies to help support the development of the document. While Aunty Esther sadly passed away in November 2022 before seeing the fruition of this very important document, the plan proudly displays her artwork and stories.

“We acknowledge the legacy Aunty Esther has left for us to follow as we continue to work together to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who call Gannawarra home. We also acknowledge all Elders and community members, both past and present, who have been instrumental in supporting the development of this action plan.”

Feedback was sought regarding the draft version of the Gannawarra Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026 during July and August 2024, with one submission received. Council also sought feedback from key stakeholders during the engagement period.

“Council thanks all who took the time to read the Gannawarra Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026, and we look forward to working with the community to achieve the goals listed in this document,” Mr Rollinson said.

To view the Gannawarra Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026, please click on the Strategic Documents heading at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/documents

NOTE: This publication is certified in accordance with Gannawarra Shire Council’s Governance Rules.