recognising reconciliation

Cr Samantha Dunn and Aunty Dot Peters at
the Yarra Ranges reconciliation lunch, this year
held at the Healesville RSL.

Reconciliation week is an important week in Yarra Ranges.

One of the features of the week is the annual Reconciliation Lunch, this year's lunch themed Recognition Reconciliation.

It was about recognising the advancements that have been made toward reconciliation but by the same token recognising there is still more work to do.

Since 2010 Council’s Indigenous Advisory Com-mittee (IAC) have been involved in activities designed to set a new strategic direction for our work in Reconciliation.

Research conducted by a Swinburne University student is providing a rich background on key areas such as cultural development in the urban context and culturally respectful evaluation.

Since 2006 Yarra Ranges Council has employed an Indigenous Development Officer and established an Indigenous Advisory Committee to assist council in the delivery of its priorities, which include:

• Maintaining an Indigenous voice on Indigenous issues
• Acknowledging and protecting Indigenous cultural heritage
• Engaging Indigenous young people
• Promoting health and wellbeing
• Building stronger relationships and new partnerships with the wider community in order to promote business and employment opportunities.

This year will see council launch our Indigenous Employment Strategy and in collaboration with our Indigenous Advisory Committee, develop a new 3 to 4 year action plan that will focus on opportunities for participation in contemporary cultural activities.

Yarra Ranges has the highest indigenous population of the Eastern metropolitan councils and we take great pride in our indigenous cultural heritage.