Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan 2013 – 2017 was launched at the Kevin Flint Memorial Gardens recently.

The plan has been developed as a demonstration of Council’s commitment to reconciliation, for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Reconciliation Action Plan is the result of a process that began with Council’s apology to the stolen generations in February 2008 and the subsequent formation of a working group in October 2011 comprised of Council officers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives and community service providers.

A statement of commitment was developed and signed by Council and Wurundjeri Tribe Land Compensation Cultural Heritage Council at a public ceremony in May 2012, and an indigenous consultant was employed by Council to assist in the development of the draft plan.

Chair of Brimbank Administrators John Watson said “This plan will allow Council to continue building positive and respectful relationships, show respect and create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and enable Council to continue working towards achieving a shared sense of fairness and justice for the Aboriginal community.

“The plan concentrates on three themes: relationships, respect, opportunities. These represent the methods toward our objective of a reconciled community within Brimbank that is active and highly connected with improved learning, health and wellbeing.”

Submissions were invited from the community until 30 April, and this final version has been informed by submissions made.

The plan is available online on our Council Policies Strategies & Plans page or at Council Customer Service Centres.