Join our Aboriginal Action Committee and bring about real change

Published on 26 July 2021

Mildura Rural City Council is calling for expressions of interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the region to join our Aboriginal Action Committee (AAC). 

The AAC works in collaboration with Council to provide recommendations, support, advice and guidance on all issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents in our community.

This includes working on a range of Council and community projects aimed at improving opportunities, creating greater cultural understanding and respect, and increased recognition across the municipality.

AAC Chair Thelma Chilly said the broader goal of the committee was to improve and enhance the well-being of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the region.

"We've made great progress raising awareness and gaining recognition of issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents in our region, but there's still so much to do," Ms Chilly said.

"Membership on our AAC offers a powerful opportunity to bring about real change and real recognition by working side-by-side with Council and other local agencies."

Councillor for Community Development and Gender Equality Helen Healy said AAC membership consists of community members, Elders, representatives from key local Aboriginal organisations and committees and two Councillors.

"Our AAC has enjoyed several major successes since its inception, both at a local level and nationally, including winning a Reconciliation Victoria HART Award last year for our NAIDOC Week Corroboree," Cr Healy said.

"Mildura was also one of the first locations in the country to establish a war memorial dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women, which was another key project by the AAC.

“These are just two of many projects the Committee has worked on, as well as addressing the actions in Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan.”

To submit an expression of interest, or for more information, email Social and Community Planning Officer Kerren Miles at kerren.miles@mildura.vic.gov.au

Expressions of interest will be taken until Wednesday 8 September.

ENDS