Rhonda Hardy Dylan O’Connor
Camera IconRhonda Hardy Dylan O’Connor Credit: Supplied/Bruce Hunt

Reconciliation program push

Staff ReporterHills Avon Valley Gazette

Following the success of the shire-backed Makuru Arts Festival during Naidoc week in July, chief executive Rhonda Hardy will investigate the council joining the National Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program.

Kalamunda already has strong local historical links with Aboriginal people.

The name Kalamunda is a combination of the Nyoongar words ‘kala,’ meaning ‘fire’ and ‘munnda,’ meaning forest, given by Mundy, a Nyoongar elder who lived and hunted in the area.

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The move to join the RAP program was suggested by Cr Dylan |O’Connor at the shire’s August 25 council meeting and passed by a majority vote.

The action plan was launched in 2006 by Reconciliation Australia to help provide a framework to improve relationships and respect between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal |people.

Suggested action includes providing cultural awareness training, acknowledging traditional landowners and sponsor- ing events.

‘We would like the CEO to investigate the benefits to the shire of joining the program,’ Cr O’Connor said.

‘It may be an intense plan that is eventually adopted (by the shire) or a minor one ‘