Draft plan outlines vision for reconciliation
Published on 10 May 2024
We’re developing a new plan that will guide Council in its continued efforts towards reconciliation. Our draft Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan is now available for community feedback until 26 May.
A Reconciliation Action Plan, or RAP, is a formal commitment to support First Nations people’s rights, culture, heritage, needs and aspirations. It will outline the shared approach Council will take to progress reconciliation and work alongside all First Nations people in Council’s services.
Council is developing a RAP to continue to actively work towards reconciliation and the process of healing with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people and to recognise them as the Traditional Owners of the land and waterways of Nillumbik.
Community consultation in 2023 has helped to inform the draft, which has been developed in collaboration with our RAP Working group.
The RAP includes a vision for reconciliation in Nillumbik and details actions, deliverables and activities to be implemented over a 12-18 month period.
A Reflect RAP is the first of four stages in Council’s Reconciliation journey, with further RAPs to follow as Council progresses.
Mayor Ben Ramcharan said Council was committed to reconciliation with First Nations people, particularly the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, the traditional custodians of the lands on which Nillumbik is located.
“This is a significant step for us as a Council on a journey of listening, learning and acknowledgement, healing and celebration, as we work with the Wurundjeri and our community,” Cr Ramcharan said.
“I thank everyone who has helped us develop our RAP so far, particularly our RAP Working Group. I encourage our community to take the time to explore the Draft RAP, our vision and actions and share your feedback.”
You can provide feedback by:
Feedback closes 11.59pm on Sunday 26 May.
RAP Vision:
At Nillumbik Shire Council we celebrate the living culture of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation – the Traditional Custodians of the land, waters and sky where we live, work and play.
We honour our nation’s rich and long history and culture. We commit to learn and understand; to acknowledge past atrocities and trauma experienced by First Nations people; to create space for truth telling and listening, and a pathway forward for healing; to celebrate First Nations people’s spiritual connection to, and care for, the beautiful lands we all call our home.
Through connection and genuine partnerships we embed First Nations voices into our decision making. Through education, we enable change and growth while continuing our reconciliation journey.
Image: detail from the mural Family and Future (Past, Present and Future … Emerging) at the Diamond Valley Sports and Fitness Centre, by Aboriginal artist Fiona Clarke.