Council has officially endorsed its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), mapping out its work with First Nations community members over the coming 10 years.
On Tuesday night, Councillors voted unanimously to endorse the new plan, which lists actions and goals for Council to work towards between 2024 and 2026.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Sophie Todorov, said the RAP would build off 20 years of Council's work with First Nations communities.
"I'm so pleased that we're launching this document, which has been years in the making," she said.
"History shapes our identities, engages us, creates inclusive communities and ultimately is the foundation of our future generations. The actions we take now build off a shared history and steer the path that future generations will walk.
"Our aspiration for our community is one where we all embrace a shared responsibility, one that captures the principles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ways of Knowing, Being and Doing.
"As a Council, Yarra Ranges was the first in Australia to formally apologise to the stolen generations in 1997, and we remain deeply committed to continuing to grow the understanding of Aboriginal history, embrace the rich cultures and strengthen reconciliation amongst all in our community.
"In the RAP, you'll see the ways that we hope to lead in this space, to role model our principles, use truth-telling and accountability, collaborate and guide our staff and community towards Reconciliation.
"I strongly encourage everyone in the community to have a read, remember that this path is one we all walk on, and think about how they can get involved."
Goals in the document are separated into major pillars, including:
Relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous peoples, community groups, businesses and organisations;
Respect and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, rights and experiences, which underpin progress towards Reconciliation;
Opportunities, particularly equal access to opportunities for participation, knowing that this is crucial for the wellbeing of all peoples;
Governance and the importance of structure, transparency and support from Council to deliver the actions in the plan
While Council finalises the design of the plan, stay tuned and find out more at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/reconciliation
