Mount Alexander Shire Council recently adopted the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Action Plan for Reconciliation at its Ordinary Meeting of Council.
The action plan outlines a range of ways that Council will work in partnership with the local Indigenous community.
“This is an important step for Council and reflects the commitment that we have made to involve and recognise the Traditional Owners, Dja Dja Wurrung,” said Councillor Christine Henderson, Mayor of Mount Alexander Shire Council.
The plan was discussed and supported at the recent Indigenous Roundtable, which had representatives from the Indigenous community, Castlemaine District Community Health, The Meeting Place, St Luke’s and Council.
At the October 2015 meeting of the Indigenous Roundtable, Uncle Rick Nelson and Mr Vic Say presented a draft submission on behalf of the local Indigenous community requesting Council support for the creation and installation of a Reconciliation Stone.
Council will support the community to create the reconciliation stone by providing advice and assistance to the project including installation of the new public artwork in the garden bed at the entrance to the Civic Centre, adjacent to the pole flying the Aboriginal flag.
“As the main Council office, the Civic Centre represents the whole Shire so the location is a powerful representation of the engagement of the local Traditional Owners, Council and the wider community.”
Council will work closely with the local Indigenous community on the project. Funds totalling $8,000 have already been raised for the stone by the community.
The Council Plan 2013–2017 sets out Council’s commitment to strengthen its role in Aboriginal reconciliation and supporting the local Indigenous community.
