New Reconciliation Action Plan now on public exhibition
Published on 05 May 2017
Mildura Rural City Council has released its draft Reconciliation Action Plan 2017 – 2020 (RAP) as part of its ongoing push to address organisational, societal and historical barriers for the region’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The three-year plan was developed in collaboration with the Aboriginal Action Committee and outlines a range of actions that will be undertaken in three key areas – respect, relationships and opportunities.
Each of these areas has a number of tasks Council will undertake to achieve the broader aims of ensuring better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the region.
The plan is now on public exhibition and open for comment.
The RAP program, which was developed by Reconciliation Australia, helps organisations establish business plans which enhance and build on relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and all other Australians.
Councillor for Community Wellbeing and Services Ali Cupper said that as Council embarked on its second RAP, it was a chance to build on the progress that had already been made.
“This document, and the RAP initiative, is all about developing relationships with the local Aboriginal community through mutual respect, inclusiveness, equity and cultural awareness, Cr Cupper said.
“Importantly, it’s also a significant step towards reconciliation as well as providing more opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents to participate socially and economically in the broad community.
“We’ve already made progress through our first RAP, but we still have a long way to go, and our latest plan will help us maintain this momentum.”
The public exhibition period for the new RAP started today and will run through until Monday 5, June. The community are invited to provide their feedback on the plan, either in writing or in person. The draft RAP is available to view on Council’s website at www.mildura.vic.gov.au/Customer-Support/Have-Your-Say. It can also be viewed at Council’s Customer Service Centres and libraries.
For more information contact Council’s Social Inclusion Officer on (03) 5018 8100.
Media enquiries
Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au