Reconciliation

Reconciliation is about building better relationships between Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, and the wider community.

Reconciliation is about ‘a united Australia which respects this land of ours, values Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage and provides justice and equity for all’.

Reference: Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation.

Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians

Melton City Council acknowledges the Kulin Nations as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and pays respect to their Elders past and present.

The City celebrates its rich indigenous history, the diversity of its people and their important ongoing connections to Country.  We acknowledge the past injustices faced by our First Peoples and are committed to play our part in ensuring that these injustices are not repeated. 

We appreciate that we still have a long journey ahead of us.  Melton City Council advocates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights to self-determination.

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Reconciliation Advisory Committee (RAC)

The Melton City Council Reconciliation Advisory Committee (RAC) has been established to work together with the City of Melton community to support the Reconciliation process between Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members and non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members for the benefit of all. It provides valuable feedback and advice on our policies, plans, services, and projects that have an impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The RAC convenes a minimum of four meetings per year to provide advice to Council on:

  • the implementation of Council’s Reconciliation Policy
  • the development of Annual Reconciliation Action Plans
  • on issues and barriers that negatively affect the Reconciliation process and identify opportunities for positive progress
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community priorities.

The RAC is chaired by a Councillor and consists of representatives of: 

  • Melton Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members (x5)
  • Local Melton community members (x2)
  • Registered Aboriginal Parties (x3)
  • Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation (x1)
  • Melton City Council's Community Planning Department (x2)

If you would like to get a local Reconciliation initiative going, please contact our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Engagement Officer via email: firstnations@melton.vic.gov.au, or call 9747 7200.

Reconciliation Strategy and Action Planning 

Melton City Council is currently developing a Reconciliation Strategy which will demonstrate the City of Melton’s respect for and commitment to the goal of progressing reconciliation between all Australians and First Nations people. 

Council wishes to better understand what local action can be taken and to use the Reconciliation Strategy process to improve trust and strengthen relationships with local First Nations people and Traditional Owners. 

The City of Melton’s Council and Wellbeing Plan 2021-25, has expressed high level commitments to reconciliation through its actions to; reduce inequalities, strengthen respectful relationships, provide opportunities for the recognition of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander history and culture, demonstrate leadership in reconciliation and build cultural competence to understand and promote Aboriginal self-determination.

The Reconciliation Strategy will provide more details on how Council will deliver on these commitments.

For further information about this project please contact our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Engagement Officer via email: firstnations@melton.vic.gov.au or call 9747 7200.

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