Friday, December 6, 2024

Alpine Shire finalises reconciliation action plan

Victoria’s Alpine Shire Council has noted its inaugural Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.

A Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) January 2023 – June 2024 is a plan designed for organisations beginning their journey to reconciliation with First Nations peoples.

Council says its Reflect RAP is an inward-facing document that focuses on how the organisation will develop positive relationships with First Nations peoples built on a foundation of mutual respect.

Mayor, John Forsyth said the implementation of the Reflect RAP across the organisation was
a key step in making the Alpine Shire a safer and more inclusive place for First Nations peoples.

“We will prioritise providing cultural awareness training to Council staff, to bring the people in our organisation along the journey of reconciliation,” he said.

Council consulted with Traditional Owners of Country and First Nations peoples living across the Alpine Shire to develop their RAP and will continue to do so through its implementation.

“We thank all Traditional Owners of Country and First Nations peoples living in the Alpine Shire who generously offered their time and expertise to Council,” Mayor Forsyth said.

“We look forward to continuing to work with you in the spirit of reconciliation.”

The artwork for Council’s Reflect RAP – NGATANWARR, WATA WALOONG, WATA POORAY (Welcome, come near, come far) – was created by proud Gunditjimara woman and local Myrtleford young person, Ava Brock.

The development of Council’s Reflect RAP and all associated activities has been jointly funded by the Commonwealth Government and Victorian Government under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements in response to the Black Summer Bushfires which impacted Victorian communities across the Alpine Shire.

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