Shoalhaven Council’s reconciliation journey is one step closer with its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) out for public exhibition.
The draft RAP sets out actions and commitments to strengthen relationships, demonstrate respect and provide opportunities for Council to work more collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander communities.
Mayor Patricia White said the plan embodied the valuable contributions of staff and community members including the Yarning Group who have guided the development of the RAP with their generous sharing of cultural awareness and knowledge throughout the process.
“I invite everyone to have a read of the draft document and see how Council plans to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our community,” Cr White said.
“This strategic plan is particularly significant for the Shoalhaven community which has a rich Aboriginal history that dates back tens of thousands of years,” she said.
“The RAP is critical to ensuring we deliver on our commitments and achieve reconciliation outcomes that benefit everyone.”
Cr White invited people to read the plan which sets out Council’s achievements to date in addition to 49 actions to be implemented across the organisation. Some of those actions include investigating opportunities for more targeted Aboriginal positions within Council and conducting a review of cultural learning needs.
Art is also a dominant feature of the RAP, with Local Aboriginal visual artist Jaz Corr bringing her artistic vision to life with the artwork ‘Woven’. Ms Corr held workshops across the region to produce a communal painting that serves as a powerful symbol of Aboriginal identity.
The draft document will be on exhibition from 4 November until 2 December 2024. Council will then seek endorsement from Reconciliation Australia who is the lead body for reconciliation. Once endorsed, Council looks forward to implementing the actions for the benefit of the community and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Shoalhaven.
