Kempsey Shire Council is proudly taking steps on our journey towards reconciliation.
In developing our Reconciliation Action Plan 2022-23(PDF, 2MB) we are announcing our commitment to reconciliation and the importance it holds in celebrating our proud Thunggutti/Dunghutti culture and heritage.
At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.
All Australians understand and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous cultures, rights and experiences, which results in stronger relationships based on trust and respect and that are free of racism.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples participate equally in a range of life opportunities and the unique rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are recognised and upheld.
The active support of reconciliation by the nation’s political, business and community structures.
An Australian society that values and recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage as a proud part of a shared national identity.
All Australians understand and accept the wrongs of the past and their impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Australia makes amends for past policies and practices and ensures these wrongs are never repeated.
As an organisation, Kempsey Shire Council is committed to increasing understanding, respect and relationships with Aboriginal communities across the Macleay Valley.
We believe that reconciliation is everybody’s business, and our vision is that all staff and representatives of our organisation will deliver inclusive and culturally appropriate services that uphold our corporate values.
Adopted at the 17 May Council meeting, our Reflect-level Reconciliation Action Plan sets out:
Council undertook many engagement activities to seek input and feedback from the Kempsey Shire community and Council staff on reconciliation.
Four themes emerged from our engagement with the Macleay Valley community on reconciliation.
The community would like to see Council staff actively building positive working relationships with local Aboriginal communities and see staff from across the organisation get involved in reconciliation activities.
It was identified that, to build respect, greater knowledge of local history and culture needs to be shared with Council staff.
There was support for an increase in the percentage of Aboriginal identified staff employed by Council.
Priorities included engaging Council’s senior leaders in reconciliation activities and establishing a Reconciliation Working Group with Aboriginal representation.
The Reconciliation Action Plan sets out the actions Council will take under each of these themes. These actions are listed on page 24 of the Reconciliation Action Plan(PDF, 2MB)