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Reconciliation

Reconciliation is about building better relationships between Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, and the wider community.

Reconciliation is about ‘a united Australia which respects this land of ours, values Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage and provides justice and equity for all’.

Reference: Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation.

Commemorating Sorry Day - 26 May 2024

Melton City Council recognised the significance of Sorry Day on 26 May as an important day to remember and acknowledge the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities.

Council hosted an exhibit about Sorry Day and the Stolen Generations, providing a safe space for reflection and commitment to further Reconciliation.

The display included viewing space for footage of the National Apology speech given by Kevin Rudd in 2008 as well as background information about the Stolen Generations and the significance of the National Apology as it relates to Reconciliation work.

People in attendance were invited to sign a ‘sorry’ card that was posted on a community display board. Attendees also took home with them some Purple Hibiscus seeds which are the associated flower of the Stolen Generations and Sorry Day.

Reconciliation Week 27 May - 3 June 2024

Reconciliation Australia tell us that the National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will — and must — continue. Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of Reconciliation.

Council hosted a range of activities to mark this important week and invited local people to get involved.

Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians

Melton City Council acknowledges the Kulin Nations as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and pays respect to their Elders past and present.

The City celebrates its rich indigenous history, the diversity of its people and their important ongoing connections to Country. We acknowledge the past injustices faced by our First Peoples and are committed to play our part in ensuring that these injustices are not repeated.

We appreciate that we still have a long journey ahead of us. Melton City Council advocates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights to self-determination.

Reconciliation Advisory Committee (RAC)

The Melton City Council Reconciliation Advisory Committee (RAC) has been established to work together with the City of Melton community to support the Reconciliation process between Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members and non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members for the benefit of all. It provides valuable feedback and advice on our policies, plans, services, and projects that have an impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The RAC convenes a minimum of four meetings per year to provide advice to Council on:

the implementation of Council’s Reconciliation Policy
the development of Annual Reconciliation Action Plans
on issues and barriers that negatively affect the Reconciliation process and identify opportunities for positive progress
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community priorities.

The RAC is chaired by a Councillor and consists of representatives of:

Melton Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members (x6)
Local Melton community members (x4)
Registered Aboriginal Parties (x3)
Representatives from local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (x3)
Officers of Council who have a significant role in supporting the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community in the City of Melton (x3)
Melton City Council Executive Member (x1)

If you would like to get a local Reconciliation initiative going, please contact our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Engagement Officer via email: firstnations@melton.vic.gov.au, or call 9747 7200.

Reconciliation Action Planning

Melton City Council is currently developing a Reconciliation Action Plan or RAP which will demonstrate the City of Melton’s respect for and commitment to the goal of progressing reconciliation between all Australians and First Nations people.

Council wishes to better understand what local action can be taken and to use the Reconciliation Strategy process to improve trust and strengthen relationships with local First Nations people and Traditional Owners.

The City of Melton’s Council and Wellbeing Plan 2021-25, has expressed high level commitments to reconciliation through its actions to; reduce inequalities, strengthen respectful relationships, provide opportunities for the recognition of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander history and culture, demonstrate leadership in reconciliation and build cultural competence to understand and promote Aboriginal self-determination.

The Reconciliation Action Plan will provide more details on how Council will deliver on these commitments.

For further information about this project please contact our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Engagement Officer via email: firstnations@melton.vic.gov.au or call 9747 7200.