CITY of Vincent’s recently endorsed Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) will be officially launched with a community event in May.
A group of two councillors, three City staff and five community representatives met four times since July 2016 to compile the plan to submit to Reconciliation Australia, which contains ideas on what the City can do to strengthen relationship with the Aboriginal community.
Mayor Emma Cole said the City worked hard on the plan, because Reconciliation Australia would not accept “fluff”.
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READ NOW“Reconciliation Australia has such high standards when it comes to measurable outcomes; they won’t allow it to be a fluffy statement, it has to be tangible and meaningful, it has to consolidate what you’re doing and drive to do more,” she said.
She said the document was about striving to do more with the Aboriginal community.
“We have been passionate about recognising and acknowledging Aboriginal culture and heritage through continuously flying the Aboriginal flag and Welcome to Country at every event,” she said. “We also do an acknowledgment of country at our meetings.
“A new initiative that I think is really fantastic is a Nyoongar Language collection in the children’s section of the library, introducing Nyoongar story time at the library.”
Ms Cole said the City would also look into recruiting more Aboriginal people.
Deputy Mayor Roslyn Harley said each working group member brought their personal history and knowledge to the table.
“I’m looking forward to the next (plan), where we will get into some really interesting spaces with a big project that will change people’s idea of the City and our links with the wetlands, bushlands and neighbouring councils.”
The RAP launch will take place during Reconciliation Week at Weld Square on Saturday, May 27 and will be open to the public