Moree Plains Shire Council has been named Council of the Year 2014 at the Local Government Aboriginal Network (LGAN) Conference in Narrandera.
Council received the award for its contributions working with the Aboriginal Community on projects to make significant changes in employment and economic opportunities and cultural heritage revival and protection.
“Our Council honours and celebrates our Aboriginal heritage,” said Mitchell Johnson, Moree Council’s Director of Corporate Services.
“Our community is an area that holds significant importance to the culture and beliefs of the Kamilaroi people.
“Council has proudly championed various Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs and services within our community.
“This includes our Reconciliation Action Plan, our Aboriginal Employment Strategy and partnering with other agencies to create educational opportunities such as an early intervention literacy program.
“This year marks the first indigenous bursary and traineeship recipient with the University of New England.
“We also hold regular events to honour and celebrate our Aboriginal culture, such as NAIDOC week and cultural days of significance.”
Mr Johnson said Moree Plains Shire Council would continue to value the contributions of its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
The LGAN conference provides an annual vehicle to enhance the profile of Aboriginal communities, their skills and their culture.
This year’s conference followed the theme “Connecting to Country – old ways, future paths.”
