Federation Council has commenced its reconciliation journey, and is committed to engaging with local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples to ensure their policies, decisions and community engagement is respectful and acknowledges the traditional owners of our land.
Over the last twelve months, Council has been yarning with local Bangerang leaders, Uncle Kevin Atkinson and Darren ‘Dozer’ Atkinson, Iris Troutman from Many Mobs Corporation, and Judy Kirk from Corowa Landcare.
Council now wishes to establish a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group with the aim of developing a Reconciliation Action Plan for the Federation Council.
Federation Council Mayor, Cr Pat Bourke said Council is seeking residents of the Federation Council, who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders to be voluntary Community Advisors on the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group.
“As a Community Advisor, you will provide advice and community perspective to the RAP Working Group as the group works to design and implement the RAP,” Mayor Bourke said.
“By participating, members will have a voice in the creation of Federation Council’s plans and goals for reconciliation over the next twelve months, helping Council turn planned reconciliation work into real actions.”
The Working Group will guide the Federation Council through the development of a ‘Reflect’ RAP in accordance with the Reconciliation Australia process. The RAP Working Group will meet monthly while developing the RAP, then as required. Members can attend the meetings via Google Meet or in person at the Corowa Civic Centre.
Mayor Bourke said Federation Council is dedicated to being an inclusive organisation.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recognition and reconciliation is a vital part of our inclusivity,” he said.
