RECONCILIATION PROJECTS

(1) Aboriginal Liaison Committee and Aboriginal Liaison Officer

The Local Government Aboriginal Advisory committee program encourages councils to establish formal committees with Aboriginal Communities. The Kempsey Shire Council's Aboriginal Liaison committee was formulated and established from a meeting held on 30 April 1992.

What Does the Aboriginal Liaison Committee Do?

Kempsey Shire Council's Aboriginal Liaison Committee:-

• Meets bi-monthly at venues determined by the Committee.
• Is a meeting forum for the Aboriginal community and Council.
• Lets Council know about issues and concerns that impact on the Aboriginal community.
• Provides a consultation forum to include Aboriginal people in the Social Plan.
• Provides input into proposed activities that are culturally appropriate.
• Is a communication link between Council and the Aboriginal Community.
• Is a communication bridge to assist in achieving the goals of reconciliation.

What has the Aboriginal Liaison Committee Achieved?

• Appointment of Council's first Aboriginal Liaison Officer - 1997.
• Development and implementation of Naidoc Week Planning Committee activities since 1998.
• Erection of a plaque in Kempsey Mall dedicated to the Stolen Generation - Inurgural National Sorry Day, 26 May 1998, and Launch of the Journey of Healing.
• The official saying of Sorry by the Council to the Aboriginal Community 22 June 1999.
• Welcome to Country sign at the Kempsey Airport.
• Memorial plaque and tribute to Dr Charles Perkins and the Freedom Ride at Chappel Park.
• Flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags in the front of the Civic Centre and Council Chambers, 5 days a week.
• Establishment of initiatives such as the Wigay Cultural Education Park, the Kempsey Assistance Patrol, West Kempsey Community Renewal Project and the Njinanjang Mulung Ga (All the People coming together Community Centre (Green Hills).
• Kempsey Shire Art Prize - Robert Campbell Junior Indigenous Section. This section is open to all Indigenous Artists reflecting both Traditional and contemporary issues and painting styles. Named after Kempsey's most famous artist, the Late Robert Campbell Junior whose work is displayed in many glleries and private collections world-wide. His legacy of painting has enriched our understanding of Indigenous Culture of the Macleay Valley.
• The Exhibition of the Drovers Boy Art Collection September 2002 for 10 weeks - Paintings by Bob Marchant.
• Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery is available to all Artists in the Shire and encourages local Indigenous Artists to exhibit their works.
• Displaying of Aboriginal Art in the Council's Customer First Centre and Chambers.
• Hosting the Local Government Aboriginal Network Conference in 2000.
• Hosting a Civic reception for the Kinchela Boy's Home Reunion - 4 September 2002.
• The carrying of the Olympic Torch by Aboriginal Elder and Boxer, William Morris 2000.
• The Adoption of the Statement of Commitment Action Plan in 1992.