August 26th, 2024New reconciliation action plan in series for Hepburn Shire

The Hepburn Shire Council has adopted a new Reconciliation Action Plan at its meeting last Tuesday evening.

The new Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (or RAP for short) is part of a four-step reconciliation model that seeks to build on the foundations of the first stage, Reflect RAP.

The plans are intended to enable the council to gain a deeper understanding of its sphere of influence, to then establish the best approaches to advancing reconciliation within the shire.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said the council has worked hard to bring this second stage of the plan to fruition.

“We will continue to work with DJAARA on shire projects, with a view to developing and utilising opportunities for procurement and employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses where possible,” he said.

“By engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Council expects to strengthen its relationships with them, and continue to develop strategies for further reconciliation,” said Cr Hood.

Innovate RAP adheres to Reconciliation Australia’s guidelines for a four-step overall plan, which will be implemented over the next two years.

Following the endorsement last week the council will finalise the Innovate RAP with Reconciliation Australia with the plan to then be made available following this process.