Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan
We're committed to inclusivity, equity and engagement with local Aboriginal peoples and communities. In response to this, we have developed the Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2017-2020.
Our Stretch RAP is driven by our reconciliation policy. This policy sets out that ‘reconciliation is about building better relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal peoples for the benefit of all Australians’.
We have long embraced the importance of reconciliation and the significant role we can play in it. All actions included in the RAP have arisen through community conversations and are built upon 15 years of reconciliation efforts.
We are proud to have worked closely with the Whittlesea Reconciliation Group to develop this plan. We report regularly to the group on its progress.
Download a copy of the Stretch RAP
Key actions
The Stretch RAP has 27 actions under the three pillars of respect, relationships and opportunities.
Key actions include:
- treaty circles with local community members
- undertaking detailed planning for a local Aboriginal-led gathering place
- Aboriginal cultural competency training for Council staff and councillors
- continuing support for Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child and Family Centre, Thomastown
- employment target of 2% of all Council staff being Aboriginal by October 2020.
Our reconciliation history
- 2001 - Council establishes the Whittlesea Reconciliation Group
- 2002 - Council adopts an inaugural Indigenous reconciliation policy
- 2005 - Koori Christmas BBQ established
- 2007 - Reconciliation dinner and National Sorry Day events established
- 2007 - Aboriginal liaison officer position established
- 2009 - Aboriginal project officer for Bubup Wilam established as a fixed-term position
- 2010 - Youth services officer (Aboriginal portfolio) established as a full-time permanent position
- 2010 - The first Aboriginal community-controlled organisation in Whittlesea was incorporated: Bubup Wiliam for Early Learning Centre Inc
- 2011 - The Traditional Custodian acknowledgement statement is translated into eight local languages
- 2011 - Local Aboriginal Elders social support group established
- 2012 - The Bubup Wilam for Early Learning Centre is officially opened
- 2012 - Aboriginal Employment Pathways Strategy is adopted by Council
- 2012 - The city of Whittlesea Reconciliation Action Plan is adopted by Council
- 2013 - 146 senior Council staff attend cultural awareness training
- 2014 - Construction of Council’s Sorry Space (dedicated to the Stolen Generations) is completed
- 2014 - Establishment of twice-yearly meetings with the Aboriginal community, CEO and Mayor
- 2015 - Council adopts an updated Aboriginal Reconciliation Policy and Aboriginal Inclusion Charter
- 2015 - Council adopts Building respect: Whittlesea’s Anti-racism Strategy 2015 -2019
Sorry Space
On National Sorry Day 2014, Council and the Whittlesea reconciliation group unveiled our Sorry Space. This is a community reflective space dedicated to members of the Stolen Generations and the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Wurundjeri-willam people.
The Sorry Space displays a plaque that was presented to Council by Connecting Home and features a stone plinth for smoking ceremonies and fire rituals.