Gunnedah Shire Council has launched its first Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, outlining steps to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities over the next two years.
Endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, the plan sets out actions for councillors and staff across four areas — Relationships, Respect, Opportunities and Governance.
Each area includes specific actions, deadlines, deliverables and responsibilities as Council works to improve cultural understanding and inclusion across the organisation and wider Gunnedah community.
Council’s Director Community and Planning and RAP Executive Champion, Andrew Johns, said the plan would help staff and elected representatives advocate for reconciliation.
“Recognising that change must come from within, the development of the two-year plan endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, positions our employees and our organisation to be advocates for building respectful relationships in the broader community,” he said.
“We want the Gunnedah Shire to be a place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are valued and recognised as the Traditional Peoples of this land, and where full respect and understanding is extended to their histories, cultures and stories.”
The plan was led by Council’s Community and Social Planner Debra Hilton and the Community and Development directorate, supported by a RAP Working Group comprising staff, elected representatives and First Nations community members.
First Nations representatives Helen Lickorish, Troy Silver and Cassandra Aldridge contributed to the development of the plan.
Gamilaroi artist Sharon Wortley created the artwork featured throughout the RAP. Titled Ours, the work centres on unity and provided inspiration for the plan’s graphic design.
Johns said input from the working group and Council staff had helped ensure the actions outlined in the plan were achievable.
“We also acknowledge the working group’s First Nations community representatives, whose cultural insights and knowledge have played an invaluable role in developing this document and increasing our understanding of how critical it is to walk with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and stakeholders in the Shire, to shape a united future.” he said.
Work to implement the plan has already begun.
“Council and the Working Group have already commenced the next step of our reconciliation journey – the implementation of the identified actions.”
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