Shellharbour City Council was recently recognised for its outstanding work with Indigenous communities, being named Council of the Year at the New South Wales Local Government Aboriginal Network Conference in Coffs Harbour. Held annually, the conference provides a forum for New South Wales Councils to discuss issues relating to Aboriginal communities from a local perspective.
Shellharbour Mayor, Councillor David Hamilton, said the prestigious award is wonderful recognition of the work being done to create strong links with the local Aboriginal community.
“This certainly is a tremendous acknowledgment of the partnership between Council and the local Aboriginal community as we work together to create opportunities, cultural and heritage awareness and most importantly true reconciliation,” Councillor Hamilton said.
“This award also recognises the dedicated members of our Aboriginal community who give up their time to work closely with Council for the benefit of the entire community.
“Together, we have forged strong links and while there is still a long way to go, it is clear we are heading in the
right direction.”
The Council of the Year award criteria recognises work with Aboriginal communities on projects that make significant changes in employment and economic opportunities, law and order, cultural heritage revival and protection, or Council programs/services and reconciliation within the Local Government area.
Shellharbour City Council’s Group Manager Community Services and Development, Linda Campbell, said the dedication and hard work demonstrated by all involved is outstanding.
“This award really underlines our achievements, particularly the work of our Aboriginal Advisory Committee, whose dedication to Indigenous issues is unwavering, and of course, our Aboriginal Liaison Officer,” she said.
“Ten years ago, Shellharbour City was the first New South Wales Council to adopt a policy to fly both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags together with the Australian flag, on a daily basis outside its administration building.
“Council’s dedication to reconciliation has continued to flourish ever since.”
Over the past 12 months alone, Shellharbour has held a Reconciliation Festival and NAIDOC Week activities that have included the launch of six images produced by local artists, an oral history project, Council’s NAIDOC 50th Anniversary Inaugural Indigenous Awards and the 10th Anniversary of Council’s Statement of Commitment to Indigenous Australians.
