A step forward in Wagga Wagga’s journey of reconciliation
Published: 16 Feb 2023 3:28pm
Wagga Wagga City Council has adopted the revised Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022 – 2024, which provides a strategic framework to assist Council in developing and strengthening relationships with Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nations peoples.
Council agreed to adopt the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at its Ordinary Meeting on Monday 13 February.
The plan was developed after extensive consultation and engagement with the Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nations community and the broader local community, and was conditionally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.
The RAP focuses on engaging staff and stakeholders in reconciliation, and developing and piloting innovative strategies to empower Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nations peoples.
Council’s Aboriginal Community Development Officer Bernard Higgins said the RAP’s purpose is to give organisations and businesses a guideline to help them with their reconciliation journey.
“At the Council meeting last Monday, Wiradyuri Elder Aunty Mary Atkinson and Wagga Wagga High School student and Wiradyuri woman Eva Tseros spoke about the importance to First Nations People that Wagga Wagga City Council is on this journey, walking side-by-side with the First Nations community,” Mr Higgins said.
“It’s about giving First Nations people the opportunity to be involved from the very beginning in Council-led projects and other developments in the community.
“We’ve already seen the positive outcomes of community engagement with the Wiradyuri and First Nations community in recent years with the development of the Riverside stage 2 project and the Wagga Wagga Multisport Cycling Complex at Pomingalarna.
“If we work closely with the Wiradyuri and First Nations community and include them as part of the discussions, we’re treating them with respect.”
There are four key areas for the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022 – 2024: relationships, respect, opportunities, and governance.
To find out more about the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022 – 2024, visit wagga.nsw.gov.au/innovate-rap