cardinia shire council...meaning ‘look to the rising sun’ or ‘close to the sunrise’; this is...

Cardinia Shire Council

Reconciliation Action Plan 2015–19

Prepared by: Cardinia Shire Council Community Stengthening Unit in association with Social Compass

Published June 2015 © Cardinia Shire Council 2015 (ABN: 32 210 906 807)

20 Siding Avenue, Officer PO Box 7, Pakenham Vic 3810

Phone: 1300 787 624 Email: [email protected] Web: cardinia.vic.gov.au

Everything connected to the LandBy Leah Horvath (2015) Painted on canvas

The artist

I am a proud Kuku Yalanji woman born in Cairns, Far North Queensland. I have been living in Melbourne since I was a child and have lived and worked many years within Cardinia Shire. I work with the Aboriginal community to help make a difference toward assisting future generations. I have been painting all of my life and with the support of my husband we are teaching our three children the importance of recognising their cultural heritage. My father gave me permission to carry on his traditional stories through painting, otherwise a significant cultural connection would be lost.

The artwork

The Aboriginal meaning of the word ‘Kar-din-yarr’ is “look to the rising sun”. Without the sun, nothing will grow. The sun plays a vital part of everyday life.

Strong foundations are the grass roots, from the people and the land are our Indigenous families’ journey. The journey of learning from our grass roots, to our tree-tops...from our flat lands to the hilltops across our mountains...to the water that flows down our rivers and to our lakes.

Water has its own journey which gives and sustains essential life to all that is connected to the country, to assist living off the land. Past generations/ancestors did not suffer from any of the health issues Aboriginal families are faced with today – because they lived off the land.

Communities that have access to health services stand to gain a better understanding of a more healthy family. With a healthier family to pass down the learnings about living, respecting, caring and nurturing for the land, from past generations to teach our future generations.

– by Leah Horvath

Legend of symbols included in artwork:

Cardinia Shire Council | Reconciliation Action Plan 2015–19

Bunjil the Creator

Rising Sun

Respect of black and white culture working together in the community

Relationship building

Moving forward

Many opportunities to move from one place to another

Children

Cultural practices

Communication

Community

Family health

The hills

The flats

Cardinia Dam (Reservoir)

Contents

Our business 3

What is reconciliation? 4

Reconciliation Australia 4

Endorsement from Reconciliation Australia 5

Cardinia Shire Council statement of reconciliation 6

Message from Council 7

Our vision and guiding principles 8

Our approach 8

Our plan 10

Relationships 11

Opportunities 15

Respect 19

Tracking and reporting 22

Policy context 23

Contacts 24

Our business

Cardinia Shire is located south-east of Melbourne and is one of 10 ‘interface councils’ around the perimeter of metropolitan Melbourne, providing a transition between urban and rural areas. The primary urban centre is Pakenham, which is 55 kilometres from Melbourne’s central business district (CBD). The Princes Highway and Gippsland railway corridor runs east–west through the centre of the Cardinia Shire, providing a key road and rail link between Melbourne and West Gippsland. The western end of this corridor comprises the Cardinia Shire growth area (about 10% of the shire’s land area).

Cardinia Shire has a large rural population; 27 rural townships exist outside the urban growth area, resulting in unique service provision issues. The northern part of the shire is set in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, and includes Bunyip State Park and Cardinia Reservoir. Koo Wee Rup swamp and Westernport Bay are significant features of the southern part of Cardinia Shire. The Victorian Government has nominated Casey–Cardinia as one of five regions around the fringe of metropolitan Melbourne where new housing and population growth is to be concentrated. As a result, rapid population growth will occur for the next 20 years within the shire’s designated growth area, comprising the townships of Beaconsfield, Officer and Pakenham. It is anticipated that our population will grow from approximately 87,000 to around 175,000 in this period.

Our workforce comprises approximately 450 full time, part time and casual employees, whose skills contribute to achieving our vision of seeing Cardinia Shire developed in a planned manner to enable present and future generations to enjoy and experience the diverse and distinctive characteristics of our shire. Our Reconciliation Action Plan will be an important contribution to achieving this vision.

Cardinia Shire Council | Reconciliation Action Plan 2015–19 3

What is reconciliation?

Cardinia Shire Council is committed to developing and strengthening relationships. To fulfil this and progress towards an inclusive community it is vital to share, build and deepen our ability to connect with, support and work with local Aboriginal1 people living in the area.

Reconciliation is about enhancing respect between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians by valuing justice and equity for all. It is about understanding, respecting and learning from the first people.

Reconciliation Australia

Reconciliation Australia (RA) is an independent, national not-for-profit organisation promoting reconciliation by building relationships, respect and trust between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal peoples. One of the ways RA does this is through the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program.

The RAP program allows organisations to develop business plans that document practical actions they will take and what they will do within their sphere of influence to contribute to reconciliation in Australia. A RAP also sets out the organisation’s aspirational plans to drive greater equality by pursuing sustainable opportunities.

Cardinia Shire Council is enhancing it’s own journey of supporting reconciliation by committing to simple and effective approaches such as those contained in this Reconciliation Action Plan. Most effectively, the RAP will formally guide our commitment to establishing long-term relationships and dialogues with Aboriginal community groups.

4 Cardinia Shire Council | Reconciliation Action Plan 2015–19

1 After much community consultation, Cardinia Shire Council uses the term ‘Aboriginal’ rather than ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’ in all its documentation. This is in line with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation’s (NACCHO) November 2012 resolution whereby the term Aboriginal would be used in all correspondence and speeches (Resolution: RES 2009–10). ‘Aboriginal’ is deemed to represent the views and demographics within the shire.

Endorsement from Reconciliation Australia

Reconciliation Australia congratulates the Cardinia Shire Council on its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). In launching a RAP the Council now joins more than 600 dedicated RAP organisations that are building respectful relationships and providing employment and business opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Through its commitment to an Innovate RAP, the Council has set clear goals for the future which provide the foundation for long term, productive and mutually beneficial relationships with First Australians. These relationships will be enriched by the Council’s desire to develop a genuine understanding of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

As a local government, the Cardinia Shire Council is uniquely placed to create the right environment for reconciliation and the whole community should be proud of this first step in the reconciliation journey.

On behalf of Reconciliation Australia, I wish Cardinia Shire Council well in driving the important actions you have set for the coming years and look forward to seeing your achievements.

Justin Mohamed

CEO Reconciliation Australia


Cardinia Shire Council statement of reconciliation

Cardinia Shire’s name is derived from the Boonwurrung2 or Wadawurrung word ‘Kar-din-yarr’ meaning ‘look to the rising sun’ or ‘close to the sunrise’; this is reflected in Council’s logo which includes the motif of a rising sun.

The word originates from before settlement when Wadawurrung people would travel to the land between what is now Dandenong, Narre Warren, Pakenham and Cranbourne to meet with the Boonwurrung, Wurundjeri and Taungaurung people for ceremonies, trade and cultural business. People would gather to arrange inter-tribal marriages, perform ceremonies or occasionally resolve differences with a show of strength in combat. The area was also used as a base for warring parties to make forays into neighbouring tribes’ land to exact revenge for transgressions.

Wadawurrung referred to the area as Kar-din-yarr because it was east from their land and thus as they travelled towards it, was closer to the sunrise from their home.

At the Council meeting on 18 February 1997, Council made a Statement of Reconciliation that was sent to the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation in support of the Australian Reconciliation Convention.

The Cardinia Shire Council Statement of Reconciliation states that Council:

• RecognisestheBoonwurrungandWurundjeritribes as the original inhabitants of the Cardinia region

• AcknowledgestherightofAboriginal,andindeed all Australians, to live according to their own values and customs, subject to the law

• CommitsCardiniaShireCouncilto respecting Aboriginal sacred sites, special places and objects

• Supportsthereconciliationprocesswhichpromotes mutual respect and understanding of the Aboriginal peoples and of all ethnic groups and their history and culture in our community.

The establishment of Cardinia Shire Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan 2015–19 extends the commitment made to reconciliation in 1997. It puts actions to words in a way that is respectful and allows Council to strengthen relationships and increase opportunities for Aboriginal residents in the shire.


2 There are a number of acknowledged spellings for Boonwurrung and these include Bunurong, Bunwurrung, Boonwerung, Bunurowrung, Boonoorong and Bururong. Cardinia Shire Council uses the spelling proposed by Elder Aunty Carolyn Briggs.

Message from Council

It is with great pleasure that Cardinia Shire Council presents our first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Since approving Council’s Statement of Reconciliation in 1997, the Council and indeed our shire has changed significantly. As the broader population within the shire has grown so too has the Aboriginal population.

Accordingly, in 2014 we committed to developing our first Reconciliation Action Plan. We did this as a means to strengthening our relationships with Aboriginal people living in the shire, increasing our understanding of Aboriginal culture and heritage, and most importantly enhancing opportunities for Aboriginal people to fully participate in, and contribute to, the life of the shire.

We are pleased that the development of our RAP has been informed by our own people through internal consultations that have allowed them to work through how reconciliation can inform and be informed by their work. We are especially pleased that our RAP has also been informed by service providers working with Aboriginal people and Aboriginal people themselves living in shire. We thank all interested parties for their patience, understanding and knowledge, and the contribution they have made to this document.

Being our first RAP, we are aware we are commencing a significant journey. This is not the end but merely the beginning of a different way of engaging Aboriginal people within the shire. This is reflected both in our vision for reconciliation and our guiding principles. It is about turning good intentions into action. We want to become leaders and as a Council, we will hold ourselves and our organisation accountable to the actions we have committed to.

We know the journey can be challenging and therefore we are committing to listening and working alongside Aboriginal people, communities and organisations who are legitimate stakeholders in the decision-making processes of Council. We have much to learn and as a Council we are particularly looking forward to the development of cultural awareness training for our staff and Council.

We thank all those who have contributed to the development of the RAP and particularly the Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Group who has provided the expertise and momentum to see the RAP established. We now look forward to reporting progress over the life of the RAP and seeing enhanced participation from Aboriginal people in the work of Council.



Our vision and guiding principles

Cardinia Shire Council recognises and values the Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri tribes as the traditional owners of this land. For us, reconciliation means acknowledging the past, understanding the present and working together to guide our future.

Our vision is based on four key principles that guide the development and implementation of our RAP. These have been developed in consultation with the Aboriginal community and across our organisation. The principles are:

• Recognition: We will acknowledge the unique identity, strength and diversity Aboriginal people contribute to the shire.

• Understandingandrespect: We will build and maintain respectful relationships through mutual understanding.

• Values: We will ensure that the Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri tribes, peoples and their cultures are acknowledged in our decision-making processes.

• Partnerships: We will establish and foster relationships, with an emphasis on shared vision, trust and respect; listening to and understanding needs and aspirations; and bringing people together to work in collaboration.

Our approach

“Turning our good intentions into actions”– Reconciliation Australia

In developing the RAP, Council officers have endeavoured to be consultative and sensitive to the needs of local Aboriginal residents. The development of the RAP has helped to identify key leaders and stakeholders in the community, and this will continue to be strengthened as we undertake the actions in the RAP.

It is important to note that Council initiated, supported and endorsed the development of the RAP which allowed cross-organisational ownership and commitment.

Development of the RAP began with extensive consultation with all business units to explore what reconciliation means for employees and what actions can be undertaken to enhance the reconciliation process. Staff have been kept informed of process and developments along the way which ensures a whole of organisation ownership of the RAP. This is best represented by the accountabilities for actions in the RAP which reach into and across all divisions and teams. The internal consultations have been one of the most pleasing aspects of the RAP. It is clear we are ready as an organisation to take the steps and actions to which we have committed.


Further, in September 2014, the Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Group (‘Advisory Group’ hereafter) was established. The Advisory Group included leaders and interested people from within our organisation and external stakeholders with knowledge and expertise. This included representation from the Office of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria and the Korin Gamadji Institute (Richmond Football Club) with whom we have an established relationship.

The Advisory Group included both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. From the initial meeting the group has grown organically as key internal and external stakeholders have joined the group. Regular meetings have taken place from September 2014 and will continue to provide input into the reconciliation process as we move from development to implementation of the RAP.

Council officers have met with many local organisations to ensure the RAP is informed by and can inform the work they do in providing services to local Aboriginal residents and families. These have included organisations and people providing early learning, family support and health services. These meetings confirmed that there is a largely undefined Aboriginal population in the shire and identified that more work needs to be done to better understand the demographics and the needs of local populations. We will continue to partner with local organisations to ensure we can enhance the important work they do.

Through our communications strategy, opportunities have been provided for all residents to be informed and provide input into the development of the RAP. This has included Council officers meeting with local community organisations and township committees to discuss the RAP. This process will continue throughout the life of this RAP.

In the process of developing the RAP, Council was delighted that on February 25 2015, Aunty Carolyn and Dean Stewart provided an official Welcome to country and smoking ceremony at the opening of Council’s new civic centre located in Officer. This, in and of itself, was an important milestone in the reconciliation process.

Finally, while this document has been created by Cardinia Shire Council, it will continue to be informed by strengthening relationships with Aboriginal people, families and communities. This means the RAP will be dynamic and transparent and will continue to be informed and guided by the community. As we monitor and report our progress we will ensure our partnerships with Aboriginal people and communities lead us to improving the actions and outcomes along the way.


Our plan

In accordance with Reconciliation Australia’s requirements, the following actions are presented under the three pillars of reconciliation. These are Relationships, Respect and Opportunities.

As noted in previous sections, the actions are informed both by Council and the community. It has been one of the pleasing aspects about the development of the RAP that as the process progressed more and more people (internally and externally) volunteered involvement and made important contributions.

The actions outlined in the next three sections are ‘markers’ within the reconciliation process and they will undoubtedly inform future actions as we learn from all that will take place in the next four years. They turn our good intentions into actions, and each action is an important milestone to build respect as a means to enhance relationships that provide increasing opportunities with and for Aboriginal people.


Relationships

Aim: To build and maintain respectful and resilient relationships with Aboriginal peoples, organisations and communities.

Focus areas:• Increase knowledge and understanding of local

communities for enhanced and inclusive outcomes

• Undertake meaningful and respectful engagement with Elders, organisations and communities


Relationships Action Plan

Action Responsibility Timeframe Targets1. Cultural celebrations1.1 Partner with local organisations

to acknowledge and/or celebrate days and events of Aboriginal cultural significance

1.2 Provide opportunities for Aboriginal employees and other employees to build relationships

Manager Community Wellbeing

July annually

May annually

May annually

July annually

July annually

Ongoing

• Organise at least one internal event each year for National Reconciliation Week

• Celebrate and/or acknowledge National Sorry Day

• Celebrate and/or acknowledge NAIDOC Week

• Review HR policies and procedures to ensure there are no barriers to staff participating in NAIDOC

• Provide opportunities for Aboriginal employees to participate in local NAIDOC Week events

• Promote events on Council website and through other Council communications

2. Increase understanding of local Aboriginal populations2.1 Develop accurate profiles and

information that assist with planning and responding to local Aboriginal needs

2.2 Collect statistical data regarding the number of self identifying young people participating in Council activities

Manager Community Strengthening

Manager Community Services

December 2016

December 2016

• Compile reliable data from local groups and organisations with regard to demographics, health, education, employment and economic outcomes

•DocumentparticipationlevelsinCouncil activities

3. Strengthening relationships with Aboriginal communities, organisation and groups3.1 Increase inclusivity of Aboriginal

people, families and groups in local initiatives and activities

3.2 Share knowledge across organisations to enhance outcomes for local Aboriginal residents and families

3.3 Regular attendance at the Local Indigenous Network (LIN)

Managers of Community Wellbeing

December 2016

July annually

Ongoing

• Establish stakeholder database of Aboriginal organisations and service providers

• Increase inclusion of Aboriginal residents/families in health and wellbeing programs

• The LIN informs and influences the ongoing reconciliation journey

4. Community engagement4.1 Invite the community to discuss the

ongoing implementation of the RAP to ensure the document remains evolving, dynamic and responsive


September (annually)

• Hold an open community forum for community discussion

5. Meet with Bunurong and Wurundjeri Elders5.1 Cardinia Shire Council will

strengthen relationships with key Elders


March/September, annually

• Consult twice yearly with Elders to share knowledge and information


Relationships Action Plan

Action Responsibility Timeframe Targets6. Connections to local councils

6.1 Work with neighbouring councils to inform and be informed by their existing services and activities that support reconciliation


September annually

• Consult with local Aboriginal Liaison Officers from neighbouring councils with regard to working more closely together

7. Richmond Football Club 7.1 Continue to strengthen the links

between Cardinia Shire Council and Richmond Football Club on shared programs

Manager Sustainable Communities

December 2017

• Involve Richmond Football Club in Council activities that target Aboriginal people

8. Gathering/healing place8.1 Explore the opportunity to establish

a local gathering/healing placeManager Community Strengthening/Manager Strategic Planning

December 2016

• Identify and document needs as identified through conversations with local communities and groups

9. Dandenong and District Aborigines Cooperative Ltd (DDACL) incorporating Bunurong Health Service9.1 As a key service provider to

Aboriginal families within Cardinia Shire, further strengthen the relationship to improve access and outcomes for local Aboriginal people and families

Manager Community Strengthening /Manager Community Services

March/September annually

• Meet twice yearly with DDACL to share knowledge, information and expertise

10. Promoting Reconciliation stories10.1 Generate publicity and

promotion of relevant activities and aspirations of the Reconciliation Action Plan using a mix of traditional and online communication tools

Manager Communications

September annually

September annually

September annually

September annually

December 2017

• Increase the number of media releases issued

•Increasethenumberofarticles in newspaper

•IncreasethenumberandreachofFacebook posts

•Increasethecontent on website

•ConsiderationgiventoTraditionalOwners being acknowledged on all Council staff email signatures

11. Internal RAP Working Group11.1 Establish an internal working

group to monitor the ongoing implementation and progress of the RAP


April and August annually

• Meet twice yearly to monitor progress of RAP before reporting to senior management in July and Reconciliation Australia in September


Opportunities

Aim: Increase the involvement of Aboriginal people in the success and growth of the shire.

Focus areas:• Work in partnership with others to increase social

and economic inclusion for Aboriginal people

• Develop meaningful and sustainable employment for Aboriginal people in culturally safe workplaces


Opportunities Action Plan

Action Responsibility Timeframe Targets

12. Aboriginal Employment Program

12.1 Enhance organisational capacity to support Aboriginal employment

12.2 Develop an internal Aboriginal Employment Pathway Strategy

12.3 Enhance local industry capacity to support Aboriginal employment

Manager Organisation Development

Manager Economic Development

June 2017

December 2017

March 2019

• Identify and engage partners to develop a successful internal strategy

•DevelopedAboriginalemploymentpathway internal strategy

•Implementinternalstrategy

13. Investigate increasing supplier diversity

13.1 Investigate opportunities to increase supplier diversity within our organisation

Manager Economic Development

Manager Governance

December 2019

December 2019

December 2019

• Monitor the establishment of local Aboriginal businesses

•Reviewprocurementpoliciestoidentify potential barriers to Aboriginal businesses being supported

•BuildrelationshipswithlocalAboriginalbusinesses to assist engagement with commercial contracts

14. Increasing opportunities for Aboriginal children

14.1 Provide health and development opportunities across a range of children’s settings

14.2 Embed the principles from our Reconciliation Action Plan into the Children Friendly City Charter

Manager Community Services/Manager Health Promotion

September annually

December 2018

• Reported increase in Aboriginal children engaged in:

– early learning programs – maternal and child health – playgroups – schools – kindergartens

•RAPprinciplesincludedinthe Children Friendly City Charter


Opportunities Action Plan


15. Supporting Aboriginal youth

15.1 Liaise with local schools, agencies, community and Koori engagement support officer in order to increase promotion to and engagement with Aboriginal families and young people

15.2 Work in partnership with City of Greater Dandenong and City of Casey to promote and support Aboriginal young people from Cardinia to attend the South East Koori Youth Group and share resources and learnings between youth workers

Manager Community Strengthening /Manager Community Services

September annually

Ongoing

• Increase the number of Aboriginal youth participating in Council activities, programs, events and services.

•StrengthenrelationshipswithAboriginal families and youth

16. Increasing opportunities for Aboriginal seniors

16.1 Embed the principles from the Reconciliation Action Plan into the implementation of the 2015–19 Age Friendly Strategy

16.2 Explore partnership with Home and Community Care (HACC) service


December 2016

December 2016

• Include RAP Principles in the Age Friendly Strategy

•GaininformationfromtheHACCservice providers partnership group

17. Aboriginal communities and emergency planning

17.1 Ensure the needs of Aboriginal families and communities are considered within emergency response planning

Manager Community Risk and Emergency Management

December 2016

• Identify needs and develop appropriate actions

18. Neighbourhood development

18.1 Enhance the inclusion of Aboriginal people, families, and communities in neighbourhood activities

18.2 Support Aboriginal people and groups to facilitate events and activities


March 2018

March 2018

• Increase Aboriginal participation in local community activities

•IncreaseAboriginalgrantapplications for community development through increased communication and networking support


Respect

Aim: Increase our understanding and respect of the unique identity, strength and diversity of Aboriginal people and ensure that the Aboriginal people and cultures are acknowledged in decision making processes

Focus areas:• Increase Aboriginal cultural knowledge across the

organisation and the community

• Increase capacity to work in collaborative and respectful ways with Aboriginal people, families and communities


Respect Action Plan


19. Aboriginal cultural training

19.1 Deliver an understanding across Council of Aboriginal culture, histories, stories, and areas of significance

Manager Organisational Development

June 2015

June 2016

June 2016

June 2017

• Develop an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Training Strategy

• Include Aboriginal cultural training aspart of induction for all new staff

• Pilot an Aboriginal cultural tour of Cardinia Shire

• Deliver training to staff andCouncillors around Aboriginal cultures, histories, stories, and areas of significance

20. Welcome to Country/Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners

20.1 Review the existing Acknowledgment of Traditional Owners to ensure it is still relevant

20.2 Define when, where and how welcome and/or acknowledgement takes place

20.3 Consider appropriate signage/cultural symbols for Council infrastructure

Manager Governance

Manager Buildings and Facilities

November 2015

March 2016

December 2016

• Review current governance policy

• Communicate protocolsthrough CardiNet

• Develop appropriate signage/ cultural symbol



21. New resident welcome packs

21.1 Communicate with new residents to include a cultural welcome from local Aboriginal Elder(s)


January 2016

• Consult with local Elders to develop a culturally appropriate message of ‘Welcome to Country’

22. Local places and spaces of significance

22.1 Identify places and spaces that are of significance to local Aboriginal people, Traditional Owners and organisations

Manager Strategic Planning

December 2016

• Consult with local Land Councils to identify and acknowledge places and spaces within the shire that are important to Aboriginal people

23. Cultural heritage

23.1 Support Aboriginal community to preserve artefacts and sites of significance via the statutory planning process when land is developed.

Manager Strategic Planning

Manager Environment and Engineering

December 2018

• Identify appropriate locations to establish a keeping place for removed artefacts

Respect Action Plan


Tracking and reporting

In tracking and reporting our progress, we will hold ourselves accountable to our actions. We have also incorporated into our actions processes for stronger engagement with Aboriginal people, families and communities. This will allow people and organisations to inform us of our progress in completing actions and the degree to which these actions enhance the lives of Aboriginal people and communities living within the shire.

We are expecting to learn along the way and it will be important to incorporate improvements and changes resulting from our reporting processes. Our RAP will remain a dynamic and transparent document informed by the principles and values articulated in the first part of this document.

Action Responsibility Timeframe Measurable outcomes

Reporting of progress to Reconciliation Australia

Community Strengthening

September annually

Complete and submit the RAP Impact Measurement to Reconciliation Australia each year

Reporting of progress to senior management


July annually

To be provided via Council’s project monitoring system

Reporting of progress to communities of interest through website, newsletters etc.


April and October (bi-annually)

Newsletter/update provide to communities and organisations of interest

Newsletter/update posted on Council website

Annual Report Community Strengthening

July annually

Provide feedback on the RAP Council Plan Action


Policy context

This Reconciliation Action Plan has been developed specifically for the local context of Cardinia Shire. It is our plan for our community and people. However, it does not exist in isolation of other important internal and external policies, plans and legislation. The development of our RAP has not been driven by the policy context but such documents listed below inform what we do and we believe our RAP contributes to the aims and requirements of these documents – each informing the other.

Key documents with links to our RAP are:

Council documents

• MunicipalPublicHealthandWellbeing Plan 2013–17

• 2013CardiniaYouthSurvey

• 2014ChildandFamilyPlan

• DraftCardiniaShireCouncilAgeFriendly Strategy 2015–19

• ChildFriendlyCityCharter

• AgeFriendlyCityCharter

VictorianGovernment

• CharterofHumanRightsand Responsibilities Act 2006

• VictorianGovernmentAboriginal Inclusion Framework

• VictorianAboriginalAffairsFramework(VAAF)2013–2018 – Building for the future: a plan for ‘Closing the Gap’ in Victoria by 2031

• EqualOpportunityAct2010

Australian Government

• Australia’sHumanRightsFramework

• ClosingtheGapFramework


Contact

For more information about this document, please contact Cardinia Shire Council’s Community Strengthening Unit on 1300 787 624 or [email protected]

This document was adopted by Cardinia Shire Council on 15 June 2015 and a full revision is planned for 2019.

Turning our good intentions into actions


Civic Centre20 Siding Avenue, Officer PO Box 7Pakenham 3810 (DX 81006 Pakenham) Phone: 1300 787 624Email: [email protected]: cardinia.vic.gov.au National Relay Service (NRS):Customers who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment can contact Council through the National Relay Service:TTY users, phone 133 677 then ask for 1300 787 624.

Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) users, phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 1300 787 624.

If you need an interpreter, phone the Translator Interpretation Service on 131 450.


Reconciliation Action Plan 2015–19

cardinia shire council...meaning ‘look to the rising sun’ or ‘close to the sunrise’; this is...

Documents