Hume council has partnered with the reconciliation action plan working group (RAPWG) to commemorate national Reconciliation Week.
Reconciliation Week runs from May 27 to June 3, and includes the anniversary of the 1967 referendum and the 1992 Mabo decision.
The theme for this year’s reconciliation week is to “be a voice for generations.” However, RAPWG member Tracey Evans says this is the group’s year-round goal in their work with the council.
“Through working with RAPWG, council has gone on another journey of reconciliation and active participation in reconciling with the aboriginal community,” she said.
Ms Evans has been with the RAPWG since their conception in 2019. The group advises the council on matters concerning the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and gives guidance on how they can be supported.
“I sit at the table with a lot of networks behind me and a lot of stakeholder engagements, so I bring that expertise,” she said.
“And I’ve lived in Hume for over 20 years, so it’s important for me to sit at the table and try and make a difference for my people in the city of Hume.
“What’s in the best interest of the community? What are the issues? What can council do better? How can we do better?”
Through the reconciliation action plan guided by the RAPWG, the council has established initiatives such as dedicated health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and the Indigenous community garden in Westmeadows.
While Ms Evans welcomes this support she said more needs to be done if true reconciliation is to be achieved.
“We need to dedicate time and understanding and respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to understand the culture, be a good ally and listen to what’s actually happening to my community,” she said.
“It’s being curious, it’s being open to learning, it’s being open to respect.”
