Recognising and valuing Wiradjuri culture and building relationships based on respect with all First Nations Peoples are at the heart of Wagga Wagga City Council’s draft Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
The draft RAP was developed after extensive consultation between First Nations Peoples in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area and Council staff, with feedback on the document currently being called for.
“Wagga Wagga City Council’s draft Reconciliation Action Plan clearly demonstrates Council’s commitment to working with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members towards a better and stronger future,” Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said.
“It outlines how Council will play its part in recognising Wiradjuri culture and heritage, how we will work to increase employment and business opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and how we will ensure we build relationships based on respect and transparency with our community.
“Council hopes that through this RAP we will strengthen our city where all community members value and respect our First Nations Peoples and our local Wiradjuri culture and heritage.”
In 2016 a RAP working group was formed, following consultation with Reconciliation Australia. At this point it was determined Council’s approach should be an “Innovate” RAP, which focus on outlining clear actions that work towards achieving Council’s vision for reconciliation.
Throughout the development, Council has worked closely with Reconciliation Australia to ensure the RAP is consistent with best practice and has a clear framework to contribute to reconciliation by:
- Building and encouraging relationships between the local Wiradjuri community and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, organisations, and the broader Australian community
- Fostering and embedding respect for the world’s longest surviving cultures and communities
- Developing opportunities within Council to improve socio-economic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities
The draft RAP is on public exhibition until 10 July. View the document and make a submission online at wagga.nsw.gov.au/public.
