Respect at centre of city’s Reconciliation Action Plan

Wagga Wagga City Council has taken a significant step towards ongoing reconciliation with First Nations Peoples.

The city’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was adopted at the Monday 26 August Ordinary Council Meeting following many years of development in collaboration with Reconciliation Australia and extensive feedback from the local Wiradjuri and First Nations community.

“The Reconciliation Action Plan’s priorities are recognising and valuing Wiradjuri culture and building relationships based on respect with all First Nations Peoples,” Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said.

“Council hopes that through this plan we will strengthen our city to further become a place where all community members value and respect our First Nations Peoples and our local Wiradjuri culture and heritage.

“This plan clearly demonstrates Council’s commitment to working with First Nations Peoples towards a better and stronger future, and the role we can play to realise that vision.”

In 2016 a RAP working group was formed, following consultation with Reconciliation Australia. At this point it was determined Council’s approach should be an “Innovate” RAP, which focus on outlining clear actions that work towards achieving Council’s vision for reconciliation.

The RAP includes 19 actions under the key themes of relationship, respect and opportunities as well as governance, tracking progress and reporting.