Cardinia Shire Council has endorsed its Reconciliation Action Plan 2021-23 (RAP).
The plan outlines council’s commitment to reconciliation and forging stronger connections with Traditional Owner groups, Aboriginal controlled organisations and the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
“Through discussions with the Traditional Owner groups in our shire and local community members, a number of key themes emerged – cultural recognition, connection and relationship building,” explains Cardinia Shire Mayor, Councillor Jeff Springfield.
“Our Reconciliation Action Plan sets out Council’s commitment to reconciliation through action.
“From developing partnerships with local and regional organisations to supporting increased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment to boosting youth leadership and representation, we’ve looked right across Council to see how we can better recognise, respect, listen and connect with the Traditional Owners and our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community,” said the Mayor.
Some of the actions outlined in the Reconciliation Action Plan include:
- Engaging and working with Traditional Owner groups to identify cultural heritage sites and assets to create a database of local information.
- Recognising locations of cultural significance within Cardinia Shire parks and reserves.
- Supporting the protection and recognition of the local Woiwurrung and Bunurong traditional languages for the naming and renaming of various Cardinia Shire features and localities.
- Increasing local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander public arts and culture events
For more detail on Cardinia Shire Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan, visit Council’s website at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/reconciliation
