Randwick City Council's Statement of Commitment to Reconciliation to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Residents of the City
Randwick City Council supports the principles of reconciliation and is committed to working together with all members of the community towards the achievement of a reconciled nation.
This Statement outlines ways that, as a community, we can build on progress towards reconciliation. Council acknowledges though that reconciliation can only be achieved through the commitment and efforts of all Australians in their everyday life. This Statement is a start in the reconciliation journey ... our actions will speak louder than words.
Randwick City Council Acknowledges and Recognises:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first people of Australia.
- The loss and grief held by people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Background and their descendants, caused by their alienation from traditional lands, loss of lives and freedom, and the forced removal of children.
- The customs and traditions of people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Descent, and their spiritual relationship with the land.
- The rights of people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Descent to live according to their own beliefs, values and customs, and the vital importance that these communities contribute, to strengthening and enriching the heritage of all Australians.
- The need to establish a partnership approach in addressing community issues, between people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Descent and the varying diverse communities throughout Australia.
Randwick City Council Supports:
- The visions as expressed by the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation of a "united Australia that respects this land of ours, values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and provides justice and equity for all."
- People of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Descent and the varying diverse communities throughout Australia working together for a national agreement or other instruments of reconciliation.
- The need to improve understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues.
- The need to find new ways to work together in partnership, to ensure access for all members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, to culturally appropriate services and programmes.
Randwick City Council Commits to:
- Developing and promoting, as appropriate, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities' involvement in events and celebrations of significance, which respect the dignity and protocols of their local communities.
- Taking effective action on issues of social and economic concern as identified for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders residing within the Randwick Local Government Area.
- Participating in education processes which enhance the increased knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage, and the needs of these communities.
- Developing strategies that improve the level of participation by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, within the Randwick Local Government Area.