Campbelltown Council is set to become one of only four councils in NSW and 30 across the country by launching its first ever Reconciliation Action Plan.
It says the aim of the plan is to create a future of equal opportunity, respectful relationships, inclusion and harmony with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community
The three-year plan is an important strategy in Campbelltown, which has one of the largest urban populations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents in NSW.
“As our city grows it is important that we implement actions that recognise and celebrate our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and address the wrongs, challenges and inequalities of the past so we can work together and create a brighter and more inclusive future for everyone,’’ says Mayor George Brticevic.
“The Reconciliation Action Plan will be embedded across our organisation to reflect our commitment to reconciliation and our desire to build strong partnerships with our local Indigenous community,’’ Cr Brticevic said.
“Through this plan we will ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions are valued, acknowledged and celebrated, not only by council but across our community,’’ he said.
“We look forward to implementing the Reconciliation Action Plan and to achieving real change for Australia’s First Peoples.’’
The plan identifies actions to close the gap in areas including early childhood development, education and employment and health and wellbeing, and in developing and maintaining social inclusion and cultural connections.
Key aspects include working with and engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, providing recruitment, employment and retention strategies for Indigenous residents and supporting local artists to become entrepreneurs and manage their own creative businesses.
Other aspects include all council staff undergoing cultural competency and responsiveness training, and developing a Cultural Plan to ensure events, activities and public spaces reflect traditional and contemporary cultures.
Council’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2019-2021 will be launched at Campbelltown Arts Centre this Friday, May 31 from 5.30pm for a 6pm start.
The event will include a Welcome to Country, cultural performance, traditional smoking ceremony and light refreshments.
The Reconciliation Action Plan will be made available at www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au following the launch.
