Friday 27 May to Friday 3 June is National Reconciliation Week, and as we get ready to mark this important annual event, we’re taking the time to reflect on where we’re up to with delivering on the actions outlined in our current Reconciliation Action Plan.
At the end of last year, we formalised our commitment to reconciliation with Council endorsing the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan [2021-2023) or RAP.
Next week, at our official Reconciliation Festival on Friday 3 June, we’ll be inviting our community to join us at the Wollongong Youth Centre as we officially launch our RAP and celebrate National Reconciliation Week with music, performances, school workshops and more.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that Wollongong City Council has an important role to play in reconciliation and it is a responsibility that we take seriously.
“Reconciliation is not a one-off action or event, instead it’s a series of purposeful changes and actions that contribute to reconciliation both within Council as an organisation and our broader, Wollongong community,” Cr Bradbery said.
“This year’s Reconciliation Week theme is timely as it asks us all to ‘Be Brave’ and ‘Make Change.’ One of the ways we’re facilitating change within Council is through our work with implementing our Innovate RAP.
“By having a strategic vision which is approved and endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, this RAP provides meaningful actions Council can take over the next two-years that focus on the areas of ‘Relationships, Respect and Opportunities’.”
There are four different types of RAPs, used depending on what stage an organisation, is up to on their reconciliation journey.
Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said that Wollongong City Council’s current RAP, is an Innovate RAP, which is a strategic document approved and endorsed by Reconciliation Australia that explains an organisation’s vision for reconciliation.
“We chose an Innovate RAP as it would guide Council on the next part of our reconciliation journey while also acknowledging the work we’ve already achieved. This Plan consists of actions and initiatives that target four key areas: Relationships; Respect; Opportunities and Governance,” Mr Doyle said.
“Our Innovate RAP will be delivered over a two-year period and it’s a strategic document that supports the delivery of Our Wollongong – 2028 Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program and Operational Plan.
“Most of all, this Plan includes practical actions that will drive Council’s contribution to reconciliation both within our organisation and in the work we do for our community. Some of these actions, such as our new Aboriginal Engagement Framework, we’ve already achieved in over the course of the past year.”
Some of the actions within Council’s RAP include:
- Development and implement an engagement plan to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations. [Download a copy of the Aboriginal Engagement Framework).
- Provide updates on Council projects, grants and engage on matters of importance to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Work in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to codesign the section of Wollongong Lawn Cemetery that has been allocated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for memorials.
- Implement strategies to engage our staff in reconciliation.
- Conduct a review of cultural learning needs within our organisation.
- Continue to provide small grants to support the delivery of community events to celebrate NAIDOC Week.
For the full list of actions, download a copy of Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan 2021-2023.
On Friday 3 June, Wollongong City Council will be formally launching the RAP at our Reconciliation Festival. The festival will kick-off at 12noon with an official opening, traditional performances, Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony.
From 3pm, we’ll invite our community to participate in traditional Aboriginal games, weaving activities, poetry and storytelling, and we’ll finish the evening with an afternoon of live music, DJs and food.
What’s on – Reconciliation Festival
WHEN: Friday 3 June, 12-7pm. Launch of Wollongong City Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan will start at 12noon, from 1-3pm schools will participate and main festivities will kick-off at 3pm.
WHERE: Wollongong Youth Centre, 85 Burelli Street
COST: Free and no need to book. Just show up and bring friends and family with you!
