The community’s passion and enthusiasm for real reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people has taken a huge leap forward.
Kempsey Shire Council’s determination to celebrate the shire’s proud Dunghutti and Thunggutti heritage has been officially formalised through the adoption of a Reconciliation Action Plan.
At Tuesday’s Ordinary Meeting of Council, all Councillors voted unanimously to adopt a first Reconciliation Action Plan following months of internal and external engagement.
This ‘reflect’ document is Council’s first formal step in working towards genuine reconciliation and is the first of four steps outlined by Reconciliation Australia.
Kempsey Shire Council Mayor, Leo Hauville, said he was very pleased Council has supported this comprehensive Plan that leads the way for many other councils across Australia.
“We all need to reconcile and learn from our Dunghutti and Thunggutti people’s history, heritage and culture,” said Mr Hauville.
“This exemplar plan is endorsed by Reconciliation Australia and the steps outlined will guide us on our journey to commit to reconciliation.”
There are four levels to a formal Reconciliation Action Plan, with the first being the reflect level. This document represents Council’s formal commitment to reconciliation and to following the steps set out by Reconciliation Australia on this journey.
Kempsey Shire Council General Manager, Craig Milburn, said this historic step is overwhelmingly supported by staff who are keen to strengthen and increase their cultural awareness of the local Aboriginal community.
“We really have a strong commitment to ensure this is embedded in our organisation’s culture,” said Mr Milburn.
“We have undertaken extensive internal and external engagement to develop our first Reconciliation Action Plan. Reconciliation is everyone’s business and each and every one of us has a role to play in creating a united future.”
Council would like to acknowledge and thank those who helped create this historic document, including Dunghutti Elder, Uncle Bob Smith, for his knowledge of the shire’s Aboriginal heritage and local Aboriginal artist, Stephen McLeod, whose storytelling artwork appears in the document and in much of Council’s communication channel.
Council’s reflect level Reconciliation Action Plan can be viewed at Reconciliation Action Plan
