26 June 2021
Published 12 November 2020
To celebrate NAIDOC Week, Moreton Bay Region Mayor Peter Flannery has announced Council will develop and implement a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
The first-term Mayor said this action was overdue.
“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,” he said.
“It will empower our staff to lead by example in acknowledging and understanding the complexity of our nation’s history, for the benefit of everyone in Moreton Bay Region.
“I want this to be a collaborative exercise to ensure Indigenous culture, heritage, and diversity play a greater role in the social and economic future of the region.
“This will be a comprehensive exercise that I hope will be complete in time for Reconciliation Week 2021 (May 27).
“It will give us enough time for staff to properly engage with key stakeholders and our local Traditional Custodians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in developing our inaugural RAP.
“We’ve made great strides in recent years to continuing the reconciliation journey, but much more needs to be done to ensure that the region’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, culture and well-being is recognised and celebrated by Council.
“I am a believer that we stand on the shoulder of those who came before us, so by implementing a Reconciliation Action Plan we will be taking practical action for our staff to build stronger connections with our Traditional Custodians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“It will open the door for us to set a bolder agenda in the future to help support our local Indigenous communities.
“I’m proud that at public events, Council’s general meetings, and gatherings we acknowledge and pay respect to Elders past present and emerging in recognition of the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities continue to play in our country and region.
“But I believe it’s high time for us to put those words into action with a formalised plan to make the future of Moreton Bay Region better for all.”
NAIDOC Week runs from 8 November to 15 November. For more information visit: https://www.naidoc.org.au/get-involved/2020-theme