We’ve formalised our commitment to reconciliation with Council endorsing the draft Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2021-2023 (draft RAP).
On Monday, 18 October 2021, Council endorsed the draft RAP and RAP Implementation Plan 2021-2023, which shares Council’s vision for reconciliation and the actions we’re committing to achieve over the next two years.
Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said that Council’s Innovate RAP is unique to Wollongong and represents the stage of Council’s, and our city’s, reconciliation journey.
“There are four main types of RAPs and each one is used depending on what stage an organisation, such as Wollongong City Council, is up to on their reconciliation journey. This is important as it shows that reconciliation isn’t a one-stop solution but an ongoing journey that evolves as an organisation learns, changes and takes meaningful action with community,” Mr Doyle said.
“Before we started drafting our RAP, we looked at the work Council is already doing in this space to support local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This assessment determined that the most appropriate RAP for Wollongong Council at this moment is an Innovate RAP.”
An Innovate RAP, is a strategic document approved and endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, that explains an organisation’s vision for reconciliation. This RAP is delivered over a two-year period and requires annual reporting on the progress achieved to deliver actions in the areas of ‘Relationships, Respect and Opportunities’.
“To develop this RAP, we worked closely with Custodians and representatives from Council’s Aboriginal Reference Group, Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service, Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council, Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation, as well as Council staff,” Mr Doyle said.
“From our extensive engagement with our community and staff, we’ve found that there’s a strong appetite for reconciliation and action within our community. Diversity really is a strength of our city and we want to create an extraordinary Wollongong where everyone feels valued, respected and has a sense of belonging.
“Although Council has had a long-standing commitment to reconciliation, this RAP will help formalise our commitment and support the delivery of the Our Wollongong 2028 – Community Strategic Plan, Council’s Delivery Program and Operation Plan.
“Part of the benefit of now having a RAP and RAP Implementation Plan, is that they offer practical actions that will drive our Council’s contribution to reconciliation both within the bubble of our organisation and our broader community.”
The next step is for Council to submit the draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for their final endorsement.
Council’s draft vision:
“We acknowledge our past and recognise the continuing connection the Traditional Custodians of Dharawal country have with these lands and waters. We celebrate, value and respect the diverse cultural history, heritage and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in our community.
Our vision for reconciliation is a shared future where Aboriginal culture is celebrated and thrives. We are committed to working together, side by side, to create an inclusive and connected community where Aboriginal people feel a sense of pride and belonging.”
