The City of Whittlesea’s long-held commitment to reconciliation and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples has been strengthened further following the adoption of a new plan.
The Aboriginal Action Plan 2024-2029 will guide Council’s actions for the next five years as it works to advance reconciliation and promote mutual respect and trust between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents.
Developed in consultation with the local Aboriginal community, including the Whittlesea Reconciliation Group, and incorporating State frameworks and strategy, the plan contains seven key action areas:
- Culture, respect and trust
- Awareness and engagement
- Accountability and direction
- Governance and participation
- Economic participation
- Health and wellbeing
- Resourcing and funding
Background
The City of Whittlesea has a long-standing commitment to reconciliation and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
The Aboriginal Action Plan will build on the progress made through Council’s first Reconciliation Action Plan and subsequent Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan.
Aims
Our Aboriginal Action Plan aims to recognise and enable Aboriginal self-determination by:
- Prioritising culture
- Addressing trauma and supporting healing
- Addressing racism and promoting cultural safety
- Prioritising decision-making power in areas that impact their communities.
It also aims to support the Victorian Aboriginal and Local Government Strategy 2021-2026; the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework 2018-2023; the Treaty process; and the Victorian Closing the Gap Implementation Plan.
The plan
The draft Aboriginal Action Plan addresses seven action areas set out in the Victorian Aboriginal and Local Government Strategy 2021-2026
These action areas were developed by the Victorian Government in consultation with local governments and the broader Aboriginal community.
They also align with Council’s Integrated Planning Framework and accurately reflect our journey towards reconciliation.
