Joining Armidale City Council in 1983, Deputy Mayor Pat Dixon was the first Aboriginal woman elected to Local Government in Australia. She believes reconciliation is not simply about flag raising and recognition but a commitment to actions that will lead to a better quality of life.
“Once everyone enjoys a healthy standard of living then we can start patting one another on the back,” Councillor Dixon said. She said that Armidale City Council is working hard in this direction ensuring funding for Aboriginal programs is always part of mainstream Council budgeting, not separate.
“A communication flow is vital,” Pat Dixon said. “Building a better relationship must suit Aboriginal communities. The culture and heritage of all local indigenous groups must be considered. In this regard, Armidale has been setting the scene for other New South Wales Councils for some years.”
She said that Council worked through a process with the Aboriginal community and developed a plan. In 1989, it was the first Council to establish an Aboriginal Advisory Committee. This Committee looks at where the community is going in conjunction with Council, considering the needs of youth through to older people, from infrastructure to employment issues.
Various initiatives undertaken by Council include the adoption of a Statement of Reconciliation; the Aboriginal flag flying alongside the National and New South Wales flags outside Council’s Administration Centre; a CD featuring Aboriginal and non Aboriginal artists’ perceptions of Reconciliation; Council has worked with the local community to re establish the Armidale Community Foot Patrol; and an Aboriginal Development Officer has been employed.
