celebrating our reconciliation framework

It was wonderful to celebrate the launch of Yarra Ranges Reconciliation Framework for Action as part of Reconciliation Week activities. 
 

It was terrific to catch up with Aunty Dot Peters who did the
welcome to country.

I am proud to be part of a council that supports an Indigenous Advisory Committee, who have defined Reconciliation as "a pathway to healing the past and moving forward toward a future of respect, caring and sharing with all cultures living in harmony".
 

Me pictured with local artist Safina Stewart, Safina
painted the most beautiful artistic representation
of  Yarra Ranges Reconciliation Framework.

The Yarra Ranges Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC) was first established in 2005 and is central to driving Reconciliation in Yarra Ranges. The IAC and council recognise that strategies to create and strengthen social and economic participation need to underpinned by a strong cultural framework and led by the Indigenous community.

The IAC has been important in emphasising the need to recognise the contemporary culture of Indigenous people, as well as the vast history and heritage of Indigenous culture.

This photo of Safina's work does not do it
justice, the piece is around 1.5mt high, and
details from the piece feature throughout
the Reconciliation Framework.

The Reconciliation Framework for Action is based around four key themes with respect, caring and sharing overarching the document in its entirety.

The four themes; Health, Healing and Spirit, Participation, Service Access and Strengthening Cultural Heritage form the foundation on ongoing work. 
 

As part of the development of the Yarra Ranges Reconciliation Framework for Action, local artist Safina Stewart was commissioned to paint a representation of the framework. Safina did an amazing job translating the brief into a beautiful piece of art. The theme of the tree is strong along with the themes of respect, caring and sharing encompassed in the piece.

It is a wonderful work and it's terrific to see it's addition to the Shire's art collection.

If you'd like to know more about council's Reconciliation Framework for Action click here.  As a next step we'll be working with our partners to develop actions for Year One.