Aboriginal Action Plan
We're committed to inclusivity, equity and engagement with local Aboriginal Peoples and Communities. In response to this, we have developed the Aboriginal Action Plan 2024-2029, a key strategy in Council's Integrated Planning Framework.
This marks a new era in Council's commitment to reconciliation and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. With one of the largest Aboriginal population in metropolitan Melbourne, Council understands the important role it can, and should, play in leading change across our community.
Developed in consultation with the local Aboriginal Community, including the Whittlesea Reconciliation Group, the plan will guide Council's reconciliation efforts for the next five years.
Key themes
The Aboriginal Action Plan has 7 key themes which include:
Culture, respect and trust
- Continue to build cultural competence across all Council staff.
- Acknowledge and promote culturally significant dates and events.
- Promote and support self-determination.
- Embed Traditional Owner languages, culture and people in the naming of Council's places and space.
Awareness and engagement
- Embed strong collaborative relationships between Council and Traditional Owners.
- Engage with and support Traditional Owners (Wurrundjeri/Taungurung) to share climate resilience and Care for Country practices, as well as provide input on the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage.
- Enhance Council's public communication for all campaigns to reinforce ongoing commitment towards reconciliation and self-determination.
- Ensure Aboriginal community stakeholders are provided regular opportunities to discuss key matters of importance with Councillors and Council staff, including partnership opportunities, barriers and advocacy priorities.
Accountability and direction
- Embed existing Victorian Aboriginal Frameworks to enhance internal policies or decision-making processes.
- Embed internal reporting mechanism to monitor, evaluate and report against deliverables outlined throughout the Aboriginal Action Plan (AAP).
- Monitor and evaluate Aboriginal programs delivered through Council.
Governance and participation
- Involve Aboriginal community in decisions that affect them.
Economic participation
- Strengthen support networks for growth and success in education and employment.
- Actively engage and support Traditional Owners, Aboriginal organisations, businesses and individuals to increase economic opportunities.
- Make City of Whittlesea an employer of choice for Aboriginal Peoples.
Health and wellbeing
- Establish the Aboriginal Gathering Place as a central hub for community, connection and culture.
- Establish a network of Council Aboriginal resource hubs.
- Foster partnerships with industry professionals.
Resourcing and funding
- Honour, respect and value the Aboriginal Peoples experience, expertise and knowledge by supporting First Nations resourcing and opportunities.
- Engage with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Organisations to establish future program and grant funding guidelines.
Our reconciliation history