June 29 2022

Strengthening our city through reconciliation

AlburyCity has endorsed its Reconciliation Action Plan, which is a practical and symbolic measure to advance real change through a place-based, localised and culturally centred action plan.

The plan will now be sent to Reconciliation Australia for endorsement.

The plan contains a range of actions and associated deliverables that Council has committed to implementing over the next two years, and was developed in close consultation with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

These initiatives will lead to better outcomes across health, wellbeing, education, culture and economic participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

It will also provide the opportunity to build stronger and valued relationships based on mutual respect for the benefit of everyone in the community.

There are four core pillars within the plan:

Respect: strengthening the community’s understanding and respect towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and experiences. Without respect, it is not possible to foster a united and equitable community. Albury has a rich diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and ensuring that each of these has a voice and an outlet for expression and truth-telling is important for social cohesion and healing.

Relationships: building strong relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of our community. This is essential to support the long-term success of our local community by paving the way for fostering meaningful relationships through a partnership approach for developing and delivering these initiatives and activities.

Opportunities: providing equal opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation to help Close-the-Gap that exists between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. By providing opportunities and removing existing barriers that may prevent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement, the Council can support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members through increased economic and social participation.

Governance: ensuring that effective governance and reporting is established and maintained throughout the entire reconciliation journey.

Mayor Kylie King said the plan is a positive step towards reconciliation, and builds on the strong foundation already established.

"I'm proud of the work that is being done to ensure strong relationships are being built between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of our community," said Mayor King.

"This plan ensures that we are respecting all members of our community, celebrating our history and diverse culture, and providing equal opportunities for all."

The plan will now be sent to Reconciliation Australia for endorsement, after which it will be made available on the AlburyCity website.