Horsham Rural City Council will launch its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) on Monday as part of the official launch of National Reconciliation Week (NRW).
Mayor Mark Radford will host a morning tea from 10.30am at Horsham Regional Art Gallery.
“Our Innovate Reconciliation Action affirms Council’s commitment to being a community where Aboriginal people are valued and respected,” Cr Radford said.
“This document has been developed by listening and engaging with our local Aboriginal people, residents, service providers, local schools, Council staff and other stakeholders throughout 2018. The RAP has been endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.
“Key stakeholders will work closely with Council to implement and monitor the actions taken over the next two years. The RAP will also be reported on annually in Council’s Annual Report.”
Cr Radford encouraged all Wimmera people to be involved in NRW (27 May to 3 June) events across the municipality.
He said this year’s theme was ‘grounded in truth’ which aimed to generate discussion about Australia’s colonial history.
“The week provides an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples and the broader community to strengthen their relationships by continuing to heal historical wounds,” Cr Radford said.
“Truth telling is an important step in moving forward with a unified future, based on understanding and respect.”
On Tuesday there will be a morning tea celebration at SkillInvest followed by an artwork display at Wimmera Health Care Group.
Federation University will host a Film Festival on Wednesday and Wimmera Catchment Management Authority and GWMWater will host another morning tea at Weir Park on Thursday.
Each year National Reconciliation Week celebrates and builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians.
The dates that bookend the week are two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the 1967 referendum and the historic Mabo decision.
