The Victorian government has released a new guide for Victorian councils, like Melton and Moorabool, to use when engaging with Aboriginal communities.
This week, Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams released the Victorian Aboriginal and Local Government Strategy (VALGS) 2021-2026, which built on the Victorian Aboriginal and Local Government Action Plan from 2016.
Developed over 20 months in consultation with Traditional Owner groups and Aboriginal organisations, the strategy provides advice for councils when developing reconciliation action plans.
Ms Leane said this was an important step in ensuring councils understand the rights, culture and needs of their Aboriginal communities.
“It is vital the local government sector recognises and engages with Aboriginal Victorians to best achieve self-determination.”
The strategy emphasises the need for partnerships between local government and Aboriginal Victorians, said Ms Williams.
“Policies and programs based on our First People’s knowledge and expertise is crucial to building better relationships across local government and the community. That’s what this strategy will do.”
Moorabool Shire Council CEO Derek Madden said the council was very committed to ensuring it’s policies and practices are inclusive for local Indigenous communities.
“We have recently recruited a diversity, equality and inclusion project coordinator,” Mr Madden said.
“Part of this role will be liaising with our Indigenous community to ensure they are represented and we engage with, across a broad range of Council decisions and services.”
