What is a Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan?

Council along with the support of Council's Aboriginal Advisory Committee (AAC) have been acknowledging the significant impact First Nations history has had on the people of our city and region for many years.

In order to continue this journey we are creating a Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). A RAP provides a strategic framework for enhancing respectful relationships between First Nation and Second Nations Australians. By developing a RAP, Council will be better equipped to deliver actions and initiatives that support reconciliation outcomes within the organisation and out in the community. The Reflect RAP gives Council the opportunity to think about what we are already doing to achieve reconciliation, how this impacts the community and what a future with reconciliation looks like in the whole City of Shellharbour.


What's Happening Already?

Council have spent many years working to identify the need for reconciliation, begin the process of reconciliation and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our community to achieve reconciliation.

We have a dedicated Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer (ACLO) and AAC to help us achieve this. The ACLO is a vital link between Shellharbour City Council and our local Aboriginal communities. responsible for coordinating and delivering a range of community development and capacity-building initiatives such as reconciliation and NAIDOC events, developing strategic plans and policies, supporting the AAC and advising on Aboriginal culture and heritage and social justice matters.

The AAC provides professional and strategic advice to Council on issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, and guidance in relation to the implementation of strategies to achieve the objectives of the: Statement of Commitment 1997 and Shellharbour City Community Strategic Plan 2013-2023

Below we have listed some of the major achievements of our council over the past 20-plus years, take a look at what is happening in Shellharbour already

  • Timeline item 1 - active

    Statement of commitment

    In 1997 Shellharbour City Council's 'Statement of Commitment' was affirmed by Council on 11 July and is the flagship document signifying our enthusiasm to work towards reconciliaiton.

  • Timeline item 2 - active

    Aboriginal Advisory Committee Established

    In 1998 the AAC was established in Shellharbour and is one of the longest-running committees of this kind. The first AAC meeting was held on 25 November 1998.

  • Timeline item 3 - active

    Shellharbour Community Strategic Plan 2013 - 2023

    This strategic plan identified objectives and strategies aimed at reconciliation. The implementation of which was guided by the AAC.

    • Annual Reconciliation Schools Walk
    • Annual NAIDOC Community Day
    • Aboriginal Interpretive Centre (AIC)

    In 2016 Council endorsed the AIC feasibility report. At this time a commitment was made to pursue the development of an AIC in Shellharbour.

  • Timeline item 4 - active

    Aboriginal Interpretive Centre

    In 2016 Council endorsed the AIC feasibility report. At this time a commitment was made to pursue the development of an AIC in Shellharbour.

  • Timeline item 5 - active

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Protocols

    In 2021 Council adopted cultural protocals and 'Welcome/Acknowledgment of Country and Elders' protocols. These cultural protocols provide guidance for Council staff and volunteers to ensure their work respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural beliefs and practices.

  • Timeline item 6 - active

    Reflect RAP

    26 October 2021 - Council Resolved that we commit to establishing a RAP and that it outline actions Council will take to contribute to the national reconciliation movement as well as the priority reform areas and socio-economic targets in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

What do you see?

Tell us what reconciliation you see already happening in Shellharbour

We have talked about some of the things we are already doing in Shellharbour, but we want to know what you see happening. You can help by identifying ways that we build relationships, respect and create opportunities for our First Nations community members. Tell your story like other people's stories to share your feedback.

5 July, 2022

Emily says:

Small improvements with language & traditional place names. Aboriginal youth at Warilla Neighbourhood Centre have place to feel safe & chill

29 June, 2022

Jane says:

I c more reverse discrimination happening then ever before. It would be nice just to have everyone treated equally regardless of their race

What would you like to see?

Tell us what the future of reconciliation looks like to you

Tell us what the future of reconciliation looks like to you We want Shellharbour to be a place where everyone feels respected, can build relationships and has opportunities to grow. A big part of this future is reconciliation. so tell us what that future looks like to you. You can write, upload an image or like someone else's feedback to do this.
Loading Conversation