Brimbank City Council has adopted the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2024-26, a strategic document that outlines priority actions and deliverables expected under the Reconciliation Australia RAP Framework and those unique to Brimbank’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and Elders and Brimbank Council. The RAP guides how Council will work with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and Traditional Custodians.
Brimbank Mayor Cr Ranka Rasic said:
“I am proud to introduce Brimbank City Council’s second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024 -2026, which supports and reaffirms our vision for reconciliation, and embraces unity and respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the wider Australian community.”
“We remain committed to ensuring the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are celebrated throughout our city.”
The City of Brimbank is located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong to the south and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung to the north of the municipality. Aboriginal people have a deep and continuous connection to the land. It is a connection of more than 65,000 years. With thousands of years of history, Brimbank has a rich physical and cultural Aboriginal heritage.
Brimbank’s Reconciliation Action Plan confirms Council’s commitment to deepening relationships with Traditional Custodians, Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The Innovate RAP focuses on developing and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, engaging staff and stakeholders in reconciliation, and developing and piloting innovative strategies to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The RAP was developed in consultation with the Brimbank’s Traditional Custodians, the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, the Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee, local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Council staff, and the wider Brimbank community.
The development of the Draft Innovate RAP 2024-2026 has been overseen by Council’s internal Reconciliation Working Group who support, monitor, and govern the implementation of the RAP. Membership of the Working Group includes two members who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
This is the second Innovate RAP for Council. The Innovate RAP runs for two years and outlines 17 actions for achieving Council’s vision for reconciliation. Innovate RAP commitments will allow Council to gain a deeper understanding of our sphere of influence and establish the best approach to advance reconciliation.
