Port Adelaide Enfield Council has put in place various initiatives as part of its ongoing reconciliation process.The Aboriginal Advisory Panel was formed by Council, after representatives of the Kaurna Aboriginal Community Heritage Committee (KACHA) addressed Council on a number of issues.
The role of the Panel includes the following.
- Developing positive links and networks between Council and the Aboriginal community
- Providing advice to Council on policy decisions which directly or indirectly impact on the Aboriginal community.
“The Panel provides more than just input into various areas but also identifies areas that local indigenous people are concerned about and works with Council and other areas of the community to address them. This provides the platform for reconciliation,” said Council’s Marketing and Communications Officer, Janet Taylor.
The Port Adelaide Enfield Indigenous Awards Program was established by the Aboriginal Advisory Panel in 1999. The Awards are in recognition of the positive contributions and achievements of Indigenous persons and communities within the region. Council was also one of the key stakeholders in and instigator of the ‘Journey of Healing’ Committee which has produced a large healing mural on display in the Visitors Information Centre, as well as the development of a Journey of Healing calendar.
“What Council is trying to highlight are specific initiatives that are focused on furthering the reconciliation process rather than general initiatives or services, such as support for indigenous health centres, community organisations and so forth,” said Janet Taylor. “We have an Aboriginal Support Officer on staff and are currently in the process of selecting a new Aboriginal Development Officer.”
For further information contact Janet Taylor on (08) 8405 6709.
