We are very proud to bring you the City’s first Reconciliation Action Plan.
The purpose of the plan is to explain how we are going to change the way we do things to better support reconciliation, both within our organisation and with the community.
At the City of Greater Geelong, we acknowledge the Wadawurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we operate.
We want our community to respectfully acknowledge the connection of Traditional Owners and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members to the land and waterways; to better understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories; and to acknowledge the experiences and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living within the City of Greater Geelong, so they feel both respected and valued.
We have a long history of working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to achieve this. We have actively promoted local Aboriginal history and cultures, and also used Wadawurrung language in City initiated events, projects and plans. However, we recognise the important civic leadership role we could play in further promoting and fostering reconciliation.
The next step for us is to walk together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and all other community members, to strengthen respect, relationships and opportunities. We know that the path to meaningful reconciliation will be built on the partnerships we will form and the learnings we will share through this process.
Thank you to everyone that has worked tirelessly to bring this plan to life. It is only one step on the long road towards genuine reconciliation, but it is one we hope will lead to better opportunities for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living and working in our region.
Councillor Stephanie Asher
Mayor
City of Greater Geelong
Martin Cutter
Chief Executive Officer
City of Greater Geelong