ABORIGINAL elders have used social media to help launch Mount Gambier City Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan, a framework five years in the making to help the city acknowledge, celebrate and create greater equity for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
With National Reconciliation Week drawing to a close today, the timely digital launch featured Boandik elders Uncle Mark Lovett and Aunty Val Brennan who spoke about the plan, titled Yerkalalpata – meaning Leading the Way in Bunganditj, the reclaimed language of the Boandik people.
The plan incorporates more than 70 direct actions focused on strengthening council’s capacity to deliver the vision for reconciliation and foster a culturally respected and celebrated community.
It also focuses on acknowledging and respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and ensuring the First Nations peoples have the same opportunities as other Australians.
Uncle Mark – who was involved in the process as a former elected member and the first councillor of Boandik descent – used the online video launch to highlight the important role Aboriginal people have within the community through their knowledge and understanding of country.
“We can achieve it (reconciliation) just little bit by little bit and it (the plan) will get us to where we need to be,” he said.
“We have to acknowledge our First Nations peoples and do it with pride … it is about walking with us and encouraging others to do the same.”
Aunty Val also spoke about reconciliation, stating it was an opportunity for people to come together and learn about the Aboriginal culture and listen to its stories.
“This means so much to me and a lot of people within the community,” she said of the plan.
“I hope that people can come along and read this to see what work we have done and where we are going and how we are working together.”
Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said council recognised the plan was an opportunity to create meaningful change within the workplace culture, programming and service delivery, while also demonstrating leadership to the broader community.
“The plan ensures we continue to acknowledge, respect and celebrate the important contribution of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders,” Ms Martin said.
The plan is available to view on council’s website.
