Karreenga Aboriginal Action Plan 2014-2017


At the last Council meeting Council adopted the draft Karreenga Aboriginal Action Plan 2014-2017 and signed a Statement of Intent.

Mayor Cr Darryn Lyons said the Action Plan articulates the steps towards developing partnerships between Aboriginal and non Aboriginal Australians.

“I see the Karreenga Aboriginal Action Plan as part of the journey to reconciliation,” said the Mayor.

“An important part of this journey is the work that has already been done over the past five years to develop the Plan with Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative, Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation, Narana Creations and Aboriginal people in our region.”

“ ‘Karreenga’ is a Wadawurrung word which means ‘to grow’ and this is at the heart of the Action Plan: to build relationships with respect and commitment and to create opportunities,” said the Mayor.

“The Karreenga Aboriginal Action Plan is a framework to help guide and direct Council’s work over the next four years to shape an attitude and approach to improve services, opportunities and understanding.”

The Statement of Intent signed at the meeting commits Council and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Geelong region to work together in partnership.

The Statement of Intent was signed by representatives from the Wathaurong and Wathaurung communities alongside the Mayor, the Aboriginal Affairs Portfolio Councillor and the acting CEO of the City of Greater Geelong.

Cr Eddy Kontelj who holds the Aboriginal Affairs Portfolio said the Statement of Intent is a demonstration of strong working partnerships.

“I am extremely proud to be part of developing the City’s first ever Aboriginal Action Plan and to be a signatory to the Statement of Intent,” said Cr Kontelj.

“This is a very meaningful event for those of us involved in the reconciliation journey. The Plan focuses on the genuine relationships and special contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to Australia. Together we are working to ensure the same life opportunities as all Australians.”

“I extend my sincere appreciation and thanks to all the individuals, communities, organisations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who contributed to the Action Plan”, said Cr Kontelj.

The Karreenga Aboriginal Action Plan documents 50 actions across the following focus areas:
• Cultural recognition and respect
• Employment and economic development
• Family and community support
• Aboriginal cultural heritage
• Arts and social enterprise

Copies of the plan are available by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone 5272 4061.

The adoption of the Karreenga Aboriginal Action Plan and signing of the Statement of Intent coincides with National Reconciliation Week 27 May – 3 June.