Cumberland Council’s inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2019-2021 is on public exhibition from Saturday 19 January until Saturday 16 February 2019, enabling the community to provide comments to further inform the final RAP.
Mayor Greg Cummings said the draft RAP has been conditionally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia and all submissions made during the exhibition period will be made public and considered by Council.
“Cumberland’s inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2019-2021 affirms Council’s commitment to being a community where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are valued and respected,” Mayor Cummings said.
“This document has been developed by listening to and engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, residents, service providers, local schools, Council staff and other stakeholders throughout 2018. It has also been conditionally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.
“Key stakeholders will work closely with Council to implement and monitor the actions taken over the next two years. The RAP will also be reported on annually in Council’s Annual Report.”
The draft RAP outlines the actions Council will take to further reconciliation over the next two years in four key areas:
- Relationships: Building positive, respectful and meaningful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, organisations communities and staff.
- Respect: Recognising the unique status of the Darug People as the Traditional Custodians of this land, and actively promoting reconciliation and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage throughout the Local Government Area.
- Opportunities: Contributing to closing the gap in education and employment outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal members of the community, and supporting self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
- Tracking progress and reporting: Monitoring the implementation and effectiveness of the actions outlined in this RAP and identifying areas for improvement.
Members of the community can view the draft RAP and share feedback at haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au.
Alternatively, copies are available for viewing in Council's Service Centres, libraries and community centres, and feedback can be emailed to council@cumberland.nsw.gov.au or posted to PO Box 42 Merrylands NSW 2160.
