Connecting communities and restoring relationships

The new working group, consisting of eight members, the Mayor and two councillors, will work towards the development of the City’s third RAP which will outline actions for 2018-2022.

Newly elected chairman Dennis Simmons said he was looking forward to working with the group on a wide range of reconciliation actions during the next four years.

“I feel very privileged to chair this group because it has the potential to facilitate positive outcomes for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents,” Dennis said.

“All actions in the current RAP are based around the three pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities.

“The new RAP will build on existing actions and also identify other opportunities by which the City can establish relationships and mutual respect with our Indigenous community.”

Examples of reconciliation successes during the past two years:

• A Welcome to Country Policy was developed and adopted by Council
• Welcome to Country guidelines have been produced for use on all publications, emails, websites and signs in the City of Wanneroo
• Staff cultural awareness training
• Noongar names have been included on signage in culturally significant locations such as Waitj Dreaming Reserve
• Noongar language classes have been delivered within the City
• Opportunities for the community to learn about Aboriginal land care, sing in Noongar language and sample native foods
• Building relationships and supporting Girrawheen Aboriginal art students
• A Reconciliation walk at Lake Joondalup during Reconciliation Week 2017
• An Aboriginal themed community canvas was created at the 2017 City of Wanneroo Presents concert
• The movie ‘Bran Nue Dae’ was shown as part of the City’s Live in the Amphitheatre Program
• Six Noongar seasons signage launching at Lake Joondalup during Reconciliation Week 2018
• The City has secured federal government funding to host the Wandjoo Festival at Yanchep in October 2018
• The City has hosted Aboriginal art exhibitions including Tracey Moffatt’s film ‘Montages’ The Full Cut 1999-2015, and Girrawheen Senior High School’s ‘Yokayi Waarbiny Wer Malayin Djin-Djin’ (Celebrate Art and Cultural Spirit).