A TIME TO REFLECT: Shire adopts Reconciliation Action Plan

THE Surf Coast Shire has strengthened its formal commitment to reconciliation with Australia’s First Nations people.

At their meeting on Tuesday this week, a majority of councillors voted to adopt the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for December 2023-December 2024.

According to the report presented to councillors, the shire has been working on the RAP since May 2021 and originally drafted it for presentation to the council in October 2021.

“However, following consultation with Traditional Owners from both Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, it was decided to put the Reflect RAP on hold and not to proceed with adoption of the plan at that time in order to build new and strengthen existing relationships between Council and Traditional Owners,” officers stated.

“This was to address the imbalance in consultation and engagement that existed between Council and the two Registered Aboriginal Parties that operate within the Surf Coast Shire area.”

The shire’s reconciliation vision is: “To promote unity, respect, and understanding by walking together with Traditional Owners and all First Nations people in our community towards genuine reconciliation”.

Reconciliation Australia, which has conditionally endorsed the Reflect RAP, states there are five dimensions to reconciliation: race relations, equality and equity, institutional integrity, unity, and historical acceptance.

The Reflect RAP lists four reflections on what the shire has done so far:

• Raising First Nations Voices via Council Events
• Council engages Wadawurrung land management on Country
• Moriac’s Structure Plan with a difference, and
• Staff training builds Cultural Awareness

It also sets down 17 actions for the next 12 months, grouped under four themes – relationships, respect, opportunities, and governance.

Speaking at the meeting, Cr Libby Stapleton said she was proud to present the Reflect RAP.

“The development of the council’s RAP over the past two-and-a-half years hasn’t just been about producing a document – it has been a period of learning and deep listening to Traditional Owners and First Nations people in our community so we can present a plan that accurately reflects what the Surf Coast Shire council is as an organisation and where it wants to be.

“I encourage residents to read the plan and consider what we would like to achieve as a community.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, councillors also resolved to note there was no longer a requirement to hold a citizenship ceremony on January 26, and future ceremonies would be scheduled in accordance with direction from the Department of Home Affairs.

The shire is now holding its January citizenship ceremonies on January 25, as well as other days throughout the year as needed.

Cr Paul Barker criticised the change, saying it removed the previous opportunity for people to become citizens on Australia’s national day of celebration.

“Whatever you think of that day is a federal matter, and not for us to get involved with.”