Hepburn Shire Council adopted its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at its Council meeting on Tuesday evening.
The Innovate RAP is part of a four-step reconciliation model that seeks to build on the strong foundations of the first stage, Reflect RAP. These plans enable Council to gain a deeper understanding of its sphere of influence, to then establish the best approaches to advance reconciliation within the Shire.
Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said Council has worked hard to bring this second stage of the Plan to fruition. Using the pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, we plan to further embed reconciliation within Council operations.
“We will continue to work with DJAARA on Shire projects, with a view to developing and utilising opportunities for procurement and employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses where possible,” he said.
“By engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Council expects to strengthen its relationships with them, and continue to develop strategies for further reconciliation,” said Cr Hood.
Innovate RAP adheres to Reconciliation Australia’s guidelines for a four-step overall plan, which will be implemented over the next two years.
Following the endorsement, Council will finalise the Innovate RAP with Reconciliation Australia. The plan will be available following this process.
This article is based on a media release from Hepburn Shire Council.
