22 June 2021
Published 17 November 2020
The following commentary using the word “Indigenous” refers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples.
The Indigenous community of Moreton Bay Region have welcomed Council’s move to implement a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), labelling it as an important step forward in the reconciliation process.
Moreton Bay Region’s inaugural RAP will identify opportunities and steps that Council can take towards better recognition and active celebration of Indigenous history and culture.
Kabi Kabi traditional custodian Uncle Mick Douglas said he looked forward to being involved in the conversations that will shape this important document.
“It’s great to see Council take this big step forward during NAIDOC Week, which is a very important time for all Indigenous people,” Uncle Mick said.
“I was thinking about the significance of the first ever NAIDOC march back in 1938 and I’m proud to see how far we have come since then.
“I hope this document will add to all the good work we’ve done to improve relations in the Moreton Bay Region and the wider public.”
Aunty Maroochy Barambah of the Turrbal people said it was great to see the Moreton Bay Regional Council getting staff to lead by example.
“This will go a long way to achieving reconciliation and making sure Moreton Bay is an inclusive region for all people,” she said.
“We have a long way to go in this process, but this is a great start and I’m very excited about what this will mean for the near future.”
Uncle Ken Murphy of the Jinibara people said he hoped it would start a broader discussion about ‘closing the gap’.
“While this document may not have a direct impact on ‘closing the gap’, we hope it will be the beginning of a bigger discussion,” he said.
“I’d like to thank the Moreton Bay Regional Council for taking this initiative to expand their leadership in the reconciliation process.
“We look forward to seeing what change this will have in the community and hopefully it will lead to many sustainable outcomes in years to come.”
Council unanimously voted to implement a RAP at its meeting on Thursday 12 November during NAIDOC Week celebrations: https://www.naidoc.org.au/get-involved/2020-theme