Muswellbrook Shire Council has adopted a new Together Statement as its official Acknowledgement of Country, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to reconciliation, respect and genuine partnership with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The statement was developed by Council’s Aboriginal Reference Group through consultation involving the Mayor, local primary and secondary schools and the Muswellbrook Shire Youth Council.
It replaces Council’s previous Acknowledgement of Country, adopted in 2005, and provides a contemporary and locally meaningful statement reflecting the importance of collaboration, cultural heritage and stronger community relationships, the Council said in a statement.
The official Together Statement reads:
“Muswellbrook Shire Council is proud to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and live. We pay our respects to First Nations Leaders and Elders, past, present and emerging who are the keepers of history, traditions, knowledge and culture.
“We commit to working in collaboration with Traditional Owners in a spirit of Reconciliation and partnership. As we meet today, let us reflect on the knowledge and stories that have been shared on this land for thousands of generations and commit to walking together in a spirit of respect and understanding.”
Mayor, Jeff Drayton said the new statement reflected Council’s commitment to listening, learning and building respectful relationships.
“The Together Statement is more than an acknowledgement. It represents Council’s commitment to working alongside Traditional Owners and our broader Aboriginal community with respect and understanding,” Mayor Drayton said.
“I thank the Aboriginal Reference Group, local students and members of the Youth Council who contributed to developing a statement that is meaningful to our community.
“By adopting the statement, Council is committing to carrying its message of respect, understanding and partnership through our meetings, civic events and everyday work.”
The Aboriginal Reference Group collectively reflected on the importance of the statement:
“The Together Statement highlights the importance of working together with respect and understanding. It recognises the contributions and lessons of past and present community leaders and how they help shape a stronger future for our community.
“It is a commitment to working together.”
The Together Statement will be delivered as the first item of business at Council meetings and used at citizenship ceremonies, Australia Day events, official openings and in Council’s official documents.
The adoption of the Together Statement supports Council’s commitment to celebrating and recognising local Aboriginal culture, strengthening relationships and developing inclusive approaches to consultation and engagement, Council stated.
