Hepburn Shire Council has launched its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), marking a significant milestone in its reconciliation journey and deepening its partnership with the Dja Dja Wurrung people, the Traditional Owners of the region.
The launch event was held on Friday, 11 July, at the Hepburn Pavilion, bringing together community members, Traditional Owners, and Council representatives in a shared commitment to truth-telling, cultural respect, and long-term reconciliation.
Hepburn Shire Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said the occasion represented much more than a formal launch. “Our RAP represents a commitment to healing, learning, and building respectful, lasting partnerships with the Dja Dja Wurrung people,” he said. “It reaffirms our shared journey with the Traditional Owners of this land.”
The launch featured a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony conducted by respected Dja Dja Wurrung Elders Uncle Rick Nelson and Jason Kerr. A key highlight of the day was the celebration of a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Council and DJAARA Timbers. The agreement promotes shared cultural and economic goals, including the use of fallen and reclaimed timber from Council operations in culturally significant projects.
Dja Dja Wurrung Group Interim CEO Cassandra Lewis welcomed the partnership, noting that “DJAARA is proud to partner with Council on this MOU that will mean high-value timber will be honoured and used for traditional practices and projects that give back to Country – not for profit, but for preservation and practice.”
Acclaimed musician Amos Roach, son of legendary First Nations artists Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter, delivered a stirring performance that resonated deeply with those in attendance, underscoring the importance of cultural expression in the reconciliation process.
Guests also shared in traditional billy tea and damper while taking time to connect, reflect, and celebrate together.
The Innovate RAP outlines a two-year plan of practical and measurable actions to advance reconciliation within Council’s operations and across the wider community. The plan focuses on strengthening relationships, fostering respect, and creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The full Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan is available on the Hepburn Shire Council website: https://www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/places/documents/innovate-reconciliation-action-plan.pdf
As Hepburn Shire takes this next step, the plan stands as a living document—built on listening, learning, and working together toward a just and reconciled future.
This article is based on a media release from Hepburn Shire Council.
