Liverpool City Council and Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council have signed a Deed of Agreement to become co-creators and co-managers of Apex Park in Liverpool and Phillips Park in Lurnea.
To signify this historic occasion, representatives of both councils met at an official signing ceremony at Bigge Park late last year.
Gandangara chairperson Tony Scholes and chief executive officer Melissa Williams were present along with Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller and chief executive officer Dr Eddie Jackson.
Cr Waller said the signing of the deed was a “momentous occasion” that formalises a meaningful agreement of these sites.
“Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council and Liverpool City Council will work together to incorporate Aboriginal themes, designs and features into these parks,” Mayor Waller said.
Mr Scholes opened the event by commending the Deed of Agreement as it represented a “spirit of co-operation, mutual respect and shared desire to ensure that all benefit equally from the land we share.”
Ms Williams said the Deed of Agreement demonstrated “Liverpool City Council’s engagement with Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council on the delivery of employment opportunities for our local Aboriginal community and the recognition of Aboriginal history and culture”.
“It represents a new chapter in the relationship between both councils.’’
Planning has begun to co-create Aboriginal garden areas at Apex Park, which has recently reopened after a $1.9 million upgrade, and at Phillips Park at Lurnea – a $16.2 million multi-purpose community hub.
The parklands planning is the first of its kind in terms of partnerships between local councils and local Aboriginal land councils South Western Sydney.
Mayor Waller and Chairperson Scholes both commended Gandangara CEO Ms Williams for playing a key role.
“Melissa Williams has been instrumental in ensuring that the Deed of Agreement came to fruition,” Mr Scholes said.
“Her passion, dedication and hard work has paid off in an incredible act of partnership between the councils.’’
Also commended was Dr Jackson, for his commitment to working with, and honouring the rights of local Aboriginal people.
Representatives from both Councils will meet later this year to further their planning activities on the parklands.
