Council supports NAIDOC Week
Published on 09 November 2020
The theme for this year’s NAIDOC Week is Always Was, Always Will Be.
Pyrenees Shire’s boundaries include the lands of the Wadawurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Eastern Maar and Wotjobaluk peoples.
According to the 2016 census, 1.9% (135 individuals) of people living in the Pyrenees were Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, more than double the state average of 0.8%
As part of NAIDOC Week, Council is donating acknowledgement of country signs to schools within Pyrenees Shire. Beaufort Primary School and Beaufort Secondary College will unveil their signs at an event tomorrow. Schools interested in receiving a plaque are encouraged to get in touch with Council.
This week, social media and email signatures reflect Council’s support of NAIDOC Week.
Pyrenees Shire Council is committed to reconciliation and the organisation is nearing the completion of the first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
“The RAP is helping Council strengthen ties with our Traditional Owners,” Council CEO Jim Nolan said.
“We are proudly supporting NAIDOC Week to recognise the importance of working with Traditional Owners, in all aspects of our business,” Mr Nolan said.
Staff at Pyrenees Shire Council have completed cultural awareness training, Acknowledgement of Country plaques have been placed on Council buildings in the Reflect RAP endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.
A new grant stream is available in the Community Grants program for projects that demonstrate a commitment to reconciliation, another measure in the RAP.
Council will soon move into the next phase of Reconciliation Action Planning where we will form a RAP advisory group and start a new plan. Council will seek expressions of interest to form part of this group shortly.
Schools wishing to have an Acknowledgement of Country sign are encouraged to contact Council Officer Laura Buchanan on 1300 797 363. Members of the public wanting to join the Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Group are also asked to make contact with Laura.
Beaufort Primary School and Beaufort Secondary School are the first schools to receive an Acknowledgement of Country sign. From left are: Council CEO Jim Nolan, BSC student Cameron McLeod, BSC Captain Jaelyn Brand, BSC Principal Karl Schier, Wadawurrung Traditional Owner, Barry Gilson, Council Reconciliation Action Plan Officer Laura Buchanan, BPS Captain Tucker Stewart, BPS Captain Annie Kehoe, BPS Acting Principal Lachlan Carlyle.