Mon. Nov 18th, 2024

A reconciliation action plan (RAP) is being developed by Moree Plains Shire Council, with a number of information sessions coming up for members of the Aboriginal community to have their say.

Moree Plains Shire Council says they are committed to taking meaningful action to advance reconciliation and the RAP was outlined in Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2032 and Operational Plan 2022-2023. Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, RAPs provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations’ self-determination.

Mayor of Moree Plains Shire Council, Mark Johnson, said the development of a RAP is about improving and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.

“We are encouraging all in our Shire to be involved in reconciliation strategies that will inspire our community.”

Consultants Corporate Culcha Pty Ltd have been engaged to assist in the delivery of Moree Plains Shire Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan Community Consultations. Corporate Culcha are an Indigenous owned and operated consultancy which works on helping organisations to be more inclusive and accessible to Indigenous people.

Facilitator and Development Lead from Corporate Culcha, Jodi Sampson, is a respected former Moree resident with strong cultural connections throughout Moree Plains Shire and beyond. He will be leading the community consultation.

“The Corporate Culcha team will help Moree Plains Shire Council to gain a deeper understanding of their ‘spheres of influence’, and at the same time, facilitate the voice of the community to establish the best approach for Moree Plains Shire Council to advance reconciliation for our Moree Plains Shire communities,” he said.   

Corporate Culcha will undertake an extensive engagement with Moree Plains communities during February 2023 to engage and understand which Reconciliation Action Plan and framework is the most appropriate for the local community.

A free BBQ and information session will be held in Moree, Mungindi, Toomelah, and Boggabilla. All Aboriginal Community members are encouraged to come along to the following locations.

CommunityLocationDates
Moree Kirkby Park Friday 17 February 2023Time: 10:00am-1:00pm
Mungindi Mungindi Pool (Free admission during session) Monday 20 February 2023Time: 10:00am-1:00pm (NSW)
Toomelah  Toomelah Community CentreTuesday 21 February 2023Time: 10:00am-1:00pm (NSW)
BoggabillaTAFE Boggabilla                     Wednesday 22 February 2023Time: 10:00am-1:00pm (NSW)

Have something to say about this story? Submit your own opinion piece, or quick word, to The Net.