Background
Council is committed to reconciliation and commenced the journey in 2019.
The inaugural 2021-2023 Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was developed and adopted in September 2021, with more than 60 actions outlined to support better outcomes with the shire's three Traditional Owner groups and First Nations Peoples more broadly across the shire. Most of these actions have now been completed.
Now, following initial consultation with internal and external stakeholders including Traditional Owner groups and Council's dedicated Reconciliation Working Group, a new draft Reconciliation Plan has been developed to provide a range of new actions to target and report against. This includes carrying over three outstanding actions from the previous Plan.
-
Draft Reconciliation Action Plan 2024PDF (95.73 KB)The draft RAP actions, as endorsed for consultation at the 24 July 2024 Council Meeting, for which public feedback is sought.
-
July 2024 Council Meeting - Agenda excerptPDF (140.49 KB)
An excerpt from the Agenda, which provides additional context.
Feedback snapshot
During the consultation, a total of 28 submissions were received through the 'Your Say' portal and direct email. Submissions provided constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.
The Draft Plan was presented to Council in September 2024 alongside the public consultation feedback. Key themes included the need for stronger engagement with Traditional Owners and other considerations for the Plan. In response, Council acknowledged the importance of dedicating additional time for meaningful consultation and resolved to reconvene in December 2024 to review the outcomes of this further engagement.
Between October and December 2024, Council collaborated closely with the three Traditional Owner groups: Taungurung Land and Waters Council, DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation), and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. This ongoing consultation has been critical to ensuring that the Plan aligns with and supports the strategic objectives of each group.
Process and next steps
On 10 December 2024, the updated Draft Reconciliation Plan was presented at a Council Briefing. Councillors expressed their support for the collaborative approach and are currently reviewing the Plan and providing additional feedback for refinement.
The updated Draft Reconciliation Plan will be reviewed at a Council Briefing in April 2025 and is expected to be presented for final endorsement in the first half of this year.
