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.

Strategic Pillars

Read about our seven strategic pillars below:

  • Strategic Pillar One

    Genuine partnerships between Aboriginal Victorians, local councils and the Victorian Government that celebrate, understand and embed Aboriginal cultural heritage and foster trust and respect.

  • Stategic Pillar Two

    Open, proactive and ongoing dialogue between Aboriginal Victorians and local councils that is understanding, purposeful, meaningful, thoughtful and mutually beneficial.

  • Strategic Pillar Three

    Clarity and genuine ownership and accountability that recognises the critical role Aboriginal Victorians, local councils and the Victorian Government play in progressing self-determination.

  • Strategic Pillar Four

    Aboriginal cultural values, voices, knowledge and rights are embedded into the work local councils perform in creating vibrant local communities.

  • Strategic Pillar Five

    Aboriginal people are actively participating in the state economy through employment and business ventures.

  • Strategic Pillar Six

    Genuine partnerships between Aboriginal Victorians including the Aboriginal Community Controlled sector, local councils, regional self-determining structures including Dhelk Dja and the Victorian Government that improve the health and wellbeing outcomes of Aboriginal Victorians.

  • Strategic Pillar Seven

    Effective and sustainable funding models that support Aboriginal Victorians and local councils and enable the strategy.