City of Darwin has confirmed its commitment to strengthening relationships with First Nations peoples and building equality with the launch of its 2023-25 Reconciliation Action Plan today.
Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said the new RAP would drive meaningful reconciliation action across City of Darwin through its focus on collaboration with First Nations organisations.
“We have consulted with Larrakia organisations, as well as our Reconciliation Advisory Committee and First Nations Staff Support Network, to develop our new RAP,” Mr Vatskalis said.
“Our new RAP is more than a just a strategy – it’s a reflection of City of Darwin’s values and our commitment to creating meaningful change, one step at a time.
“I look forward to seeing our program of initiatives rolled out across the next two years, which will bring our RAP to life,” he said.
The Innovate RAP has been endorsed by Council and Reconciliation Australia and includes a comprehensive framework of deliverables across the next two years.
Key initiatives include developing guidelines for engaging with First Nations organisations, establishment of a First Nations Community Development Program, and delivery of a plan to increase the number of First Nations employees at City of Darwin.
The delivery of the 2020-22 RAP included establishing a full-time Reconciliation Action Lead position, increased the proportion of First Nations staff from 6 to 7.8 per cent, and establishing a Reconciliation Advisory Committee.
