This decision marks an important step in Council’s ongoing commitment to cultural inclusion and respect within the community.
The adoption of the RAP follows extensive efforts by Council to engage with the community and ensure that the plan reflects the shared values of respect, relationships, and opportunities. The RAP initiative, established by Reconciliation Australia in 2006, provides a structured approach for organisations to support the national reconciliation movement.
Mayor Leonie Kerley said Council’s adoption of the RAP was a positive step that had the potential to strengthen ties with Indigenous communities.
“The adoption of this Reconciliation Action Plan is not just a symbolic gesture but a commitment to taking tangible steps towards understanding and collaboration with the Indigenous people of our region,” Mayor Kerley said. “This plan will guide us in building stronger, more respectful relationships that benefit our entire community.”
The Reconciliation Action Plan was developed after Council sought approval to create the RAP in May 2023, which was followed by public consultation earlier this year.
Despite no public feedback being received during the consultation period, Council has moved forward with the plan, seeing it as a vital component of their broader community engagement and strategic objectives.
Mayor Kerley said the RAP was important in the broader context of Barunga West’s community development efforts.
“This plan aligns with our vision for a more inclusive and culturally aware community,” she said. “It’s about acknowledging the past, understanding the present, and working together towards a better future.”
The Council’s commitment to the RAP will now see it registered with Reconciliation Australia, joining numerous other councils and government departments across the state in formalising their dedication to reconciliation.
The registration process, which involves a modest fee of $1650 to register with Reconciliation Australia, signifies the Council’s serious commitment to the ongoing journey of reconciliation.
For more information on Barunga West Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan or to view the plan in full, please visit the Council’s website.