Whitsunday Regional Council Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan
2021-2023
Message from the Mayor
As Mayor of the Whitsunday Region, I am proud to put forward Whitsunday Regional Council’s first Reconciliation Action Plan. Myself and my Councillors have the utmost respect for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of the Whitsunday Region and the wider community. Council recognises and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging, for their cultural beliefs and ongoing relationship with the land. It is through continued engagement with all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community that Council has been able to develop this first Reconciliation Action Plan. Council can be proud of its journey and the achievements in reaching this milestone. Working together through a shared vision has created stronger relationships within our community. As Council gains more knowledge and awareness of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, identities and languages, our community has an opportunity to understand our history and look forward to a shared future that is based on equality, fairness, respect and pride for a united community. To improve opportunities and encourage change in the community, Council must first look at itself to instil and promote change. Council would like to acknowledge the assistance of Reconciliation Australia in their collaboration to finalise this new and innovative RAP that will guide our organisation over the next two years.
Mayor Andrew Willcox Whitsunday Regional Council
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Message from the Chief Executive Officer
As Chief Executive Officer, I am both honoured and delighted to present Whitsunday Regional Council’s first Reconciliation Action Plan. This Reconciliation Action Plan seeks to reach out to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by working together to achieve social and economic opportunities, develop stronger lasting relationships and create a more diverse internal culture at Whitsunday Regional Council. Our Council is committed to setting up long-term, measurable objectives in a bid to bridge the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community by providing opportunities through our resources as a large diverse employer in our local community. This Reconciliation Action Plan strengthens our continued and evolving relationship with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities and builds a richer, more diversified workplace for our employees. Council will continue to develop and improve our Reconciliation Action Plan during the two-year period and build on our activities and relationships to produce a better outcome.
Rodney Ferguson Chief Executive Officer
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Acknowledgements
Whitsunday Regional Council acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land and pay our respect to their Elder’s past, present and emerging and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in our community today for they hold the memories, the traditions and the cultures. Whitsunday Regional Council would like to thank the Elders, members of the community and staff from across the organisation who provided valuable input into the development of the Council’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Our Vision for Reconciliation
Whitsunday Regional Council endorses the vision of a nation which values Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander heritage, cultures and peoples and recognises their distinct position as the original custodians of Australia. Council’s Mission is to make a sustainable future possible by building stronger relationships, mutual respect and encouraging cultural practices that strengthen and support harmony between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader community within the Whitsunday Region. Council values input and active participation from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples into decision-making.
Our Business
Whitsunday Regional Council is a local government area located in North Queensland. Established in 2008, it was preceded by two previous local government areas with a history extending back to the establishment of regional local government in Queensland in 1879. Council is led by a Mayor and six Councillors. Together, the Mayor and Councillors represent the interests of the region’s residents and ratepayers and provide leadership and guidance to the community. Among their responsibilities are directing and controlling the organisation’s business affairs, overseeing the allocation of the organisation’s finances and resources and reviewing the performance of Council and its delivery of services. Whitsunday Regional Council employs approximately 421 staff who work together to deliver a range of services to residents and businesses across the region. Approximately 4% of the total number of staff employed are identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. As part of Whitsunday Regional Council’s commitment to show understand and respect to the cultural heritage of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, an annual Cultural Heritage Induction training is completed. In 2019, 53 staff attend this training.
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Our Region
As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the magnificent 74 Whitsunday Islands, the Whitsunday Region has one of the fastest growing populations in Queensland. Boasting a strong and diverse economy driven by the agriculture, construction, mining and tourism industries; the region has the potential to become the economic powerhouse of North Queensland. The region encompasses a total land area of 23,862 square kilometres and includes the townships of Airlie Beach, Bowen, Cannonvale, Collinsville and Proserpine, with numerous rural, coastal and residential communities scattered throughout the area. The Bruce Highway is the major transport corridor running north-south through the region, to Mackay in the south and Townsville and Burdekin in the north. There are five Traditional Owner groups that hold traditional rights and interests in our region – Jangga Peoples, Birriah Peoples, Juru Peoples, Gia Peoples and Ngaro Peoples. The region is home to approximately 35,000 permanent residents. Due to the strength of the local economy, the region’s population is expected to grow at an annual rate of 2.3 percent over the next 20 years. In 2014, Whitsunday Regional Council undertook a Local heritage Study and adopted a Local heritage Register in accordance with the requirements of the Queensland Heritage Act 1992. The local heritage places not only provide a sense of identity for the local community but reflect the unique history of our region. A total of 51 Place Card are in the Local Heritage Register covering Bowen, Proserpine, Collinsville & Mt Coolon areas. It is a credit to the Whitsunday Region to be able to showcase their Local Heritage and be proud of it.
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Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
The following are members of the Whitsunday Regional Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group.
Name Title Organisation Julie Wright Director Community Services Whitsunday Regional Council Jason Bradshaw Director Corporate Services Whitsunday Regional Council Norman Garsden Manager Governance & Administration Whitsunday Regional Council Lyndal O’Neill Manager Human Resources Whitsunday Regional Council Colin McLennan Director & Chief Executive Officer Jangga Operations Irene Leard Manager Jangga Operations Proserpine Indigenous Reference Felicity Chapman Group
Together with Aboriginal and Torres Islander peoples’ and non-Indigenous people, Whitsunday Regional Council values the rich contributions and connections to the history, heritage and cultures of the region. While this is Council’s first RAP, our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and community organisations, programs and events began much earlier. Whitsunday Regional Council is a party to the following registered Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUA’s) that were negotiated between Council and each of the three native title holding groups currently recognised in the local government area.
Indigenous Land Use Agreement Reference Registered Jangga People and Charters Towers Regional Council, Isaac QI2007/007 11/02/2010 Regional Council and Whitsunday Regional Council ILUA Juru People and Local Government ILUA QI2014/011 28/07/2014 Birriah People and Local Government ILUA QI2014/090 19/05/2015
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A Consultative Committee has been established to facilitate communication and the exchange of information and ideas between the Parties. Consultative Committees will be constituted by the following:
• Up to four Traditional Owners nominated by their Native Title Party, and • An elected Councillor and one other person appointed by Council.
Each of the ILUA’s record how the parties shall work together to recognise each other’s rights and interests and help each other meet their responsibilities. The agreement forms part of an on-going relationship between Whitsunday Regional Council and native title holders. The RAP will not only complement but also consolidate commitments made in each of the ILUA’s between the parties.
The RAP will provide an opportunity for Whitsunday Regional Council and community to continue to build its capacity to support and sustain reconciliation outcomes for the region. The RAP 2021-2023 intent is to address the social, economic, cultural and environmental needs of our region. The Director Community Services will guide this RAP internally as well as externally with many other stakeholders such as, Jangga Operations Manager and Director, Juru Directors, Birriah Directors, Local Community Members, Council Executive Staff Members. As the Whitsunday Regional Council has a close working relationship with the above listed group, these groups became a substantial part of the RAP Working Group.
Commemoration of an Historic Agreement Jangga People and the Local Governments of the Jangga Traditional Lands
This plaque is dedicated to the Jangga People, the Traditional Owners of this country, whose grandfathers and grandmothers worked the cattle stations established over Jangga’s traditional estates. Their intimate knowledge of the country, their superb horsemanship, hard work, dedication and loyalty laid the foundation of the cattle industry in this region. Mt Coolon lies at the centre of the traditional lands of the Jangga People. Those lands have been occupied and cared for by the Jangga People and their ancestors for countless generations. This plaque commemorates the signing of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement between the Jangga People, Charters Towers Regional Council, Isaac Regional Council and Whitsunday Regional Council on 13 February 2009. The agreement recognizes the unique cultural, spiritual and historical associations of the Jangga People as the Traditional Owners of the area. It is the first agreement of its kind involving the Jangga People and any level of government. The agreement represents the commencement of an ongoing partnership between local government and the Jangga People to protect, preserve and promote Jangga culture and history. It also formalizes the involvement of the Jangga People in local governance issues and provides a framework for traditional owners to contribute to the local community of which they are a vital part.
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ENRICHING RELATIONSHIPS
Focus Area Council will strengthen working relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Islander communities, Traditional Owners, Peak Bodies and Organisations to support Reconciliation within the region.
Purpose Council is committed to building a stronger sustainable relationship and developing new relationships along the way with the communities in which we work. These relationships contribute in developing and achieving effective project outcomes within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. These relationships ensure our continued victory in increasing the levels of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation with Whitsunday Regional Council and allow us to build and strengthen joint project opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.
Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility
1. Establish and Meet with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and January, April, July Director Community maintain mutually organisations quarterly to develop guiding principles for future & October Services beneficial relationships with engagement. (annually) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and Review the Terms of Refence for the Consultative Committee July Director Community organisations. Services
Consultative Committee Members will include Traditional Owners, elected July & February Director Community Council representatives and one other appointed person (open to (annually) Services Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community member if a local Traditional Owner is unable to be part of the committee)
Consultative Committee will meet at least twice per year to exchange July & February Director Community information and ideas between parties. (annually) Services
Council to agree to pay agreed meeting attendance fees to all Aboriginal July (annually) Director Community and Torres Strait Islander attendees as their time and cultural knowledge Services is valuable and should be treated as such.
Make provisions for the implementation of policies and programs under September & Director Corporate the Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) in Council corporate and February Services operational plans. (annually)
2. Build relationships Circulate Reconciliation Australia’s NRW resources and reconciliation April & May Director Community through celebrating materials to our staff. (annually) Services National Reconciliation Week (NRW). RAP Working Group members to participate in an external NRW event. 27 May - 3 June Director Community (annually) Services Encourage and support staff and senior leaders to participate in at least 27 May - 3 June Director Community one external event to recognise and celebrate NRW. (annually) Services
Organise at least one NRW event each year. 27 May - 3 June Director Community (annually) Services
Register all our NRW events on Reconciliation Australia’s NRW website. 27 May - 3 June Director Community (annually) Services
3. Promote Implement strategies to engage our staff in reconciliation. January, April, July Director Community reconciliation through our & October Services sphere of influence. (annually)
Communicate our commitment to reconciliation publicly. August 2021 Chief Executive Officer
Explore opportunities to positively influence our external stakeholders to August 2021 Director Community drive reconciliation outcomes. Services
Collaborate with RAP and other like-minded organisations to develop August 2021 Director Community ways to advance reconciliation. Services
4. Promote positive Conduct a review of HR policies and procedures to identify existing anti- August 2021 Manager Human race relations through anti- discrimination provisions, and future needs. Resources discrimination strategies. Develop, implement and communicate an anti-discrimination policy for our August 2021 Manager Governance organisation. & Administration
Engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and/or Aboriginal August 2021 Director Community and Torres Strait Islander advisors to review our anti-discrimination policy. Services
Educate senior leaders on the effects of racism. July (annually) Director Community Services
Racial Discrimination – All Councillors to sign a legal document stating May & October Director Corporate they will not engage in bullying, demeaning behaviour, racial slurs and/or (annually) Services racial vilification and to acknowledge, honour and abide by each Country’s Lores.
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5. Support schools and Each school within the Whitsunday Regional Council footprint to be December 2021 Director Community early learning services to presented with our RAP and presentation by our RAP Facilitator including Services develop a RAP through the Traditional Owners named in this RAP. the Narragunnawali program. Promote to schools and early learning services about Narragunnawali: December 2021 Director Community Reconciliation in Schools and Early Learning. Services
Encourage schools and early learning services to create a RAP with the December 2021 Director Community Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Schools and Early learning online Services platform
Invite schools and early learning services to participate in reconciliation December 2021 Director Community events. Services
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ENHANCING RELATIONSHIPS
Focus Area Council will promote the cultures, traditions and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to deepen cultural awareness and ensure Council’s services are culturally appropriate.
Purpose Council’s devotion has resulted in a greater understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their cultures and histories. As part of Council’s commitment to make a sustainable future possible, we will adhere to respecting all individual’s regardless of their colour, race, religion or social economic background. Council will continue to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in a respectful way and to participate in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s festivals and celebrations, through our RAP.
Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility
1. Increase Conduct a review of cultural learning needs within our organisation. August 2021 Director Community understanding, Services value and recognition of Consult local Traditional Owners and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander August 2021 Director Community Aboriginal and advisors on the development and implementation of a cultural learning strategy. Services Torres Strait Islander cultures, Develop, implement and communicate a cultural learning strategy for our staff. August 2021 Manager Human histories, knowledge and Resources rights through cultural learning. Provide opportunities for RAP Working Group members, HR, Middle August 2021 Manager Human Management Group and other key leadership staff to participate in formal and Resources structured cultural learning.
Provide Annual cultural heritage induction training for staff. November (annually) Manager Human Resources
2. Demonstrate Increase staff's understanding of the purpose and significance behind cultural August 2021 Manager Human respect to protocols, including Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country Resources Aboriginal and protocols. Torres Strait Islander peoples Develop, implement and communicate a cultural protocol document, including August 2021 Director Community protocols for Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country. Services
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by observing Invite a local Traditional Owner or Custodian to provide a Welcome to Country or January, April, July, Director Community cultural protocols. other appropriate cultural protocol at significant events each year. October (annually) Services
Include an Acknowledgement of Country or other appropriate protocols at the January, April, July, Manager Governance & commencement of important meetings. October (annually) Administration
Install an Acknowledge of Country road signage at the entrance to each town July 2021 Director Community within the region. Services
3. Build respect for RAP Working Group to participate in an external NAIDOC Week event. First week in July Director Community Aboriginal and (annually) Services Torres Strait Islander cultures Review HR policies and procedures to remove barriers to staff participating in August 2021 Manager Human and histories by NAIDOC Week. Resources celebrating NAIDOC Week. Promote and encourage participation in external NAIDOC events to all staff. First week in July Director Community (annually) Services
4. Council will Council will support both locally and nationally commissioned artwork through December (annually) Director Corporate Services incorporate possible grant funding and project concepts. Aboriginal cultures and art Incorporate designs throughout the offices with statements and December (annually) Director Corporate Services throughout office acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander custodianship and sites, with respect connection to lands and which Whitsunday Regional Council operates. to the Traditional Owner Groups and Elders of the land.
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CREATING OPPORTUNITIES
Focus Area Council will facilitate activities and initiatives that increase the economic prosperity of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations within the region.
Purpose As an equal opportunity employer, Council is devoted to providing employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples both internally and externally through our programs. Council has been working hard to respect and support our employees and create an inclusive culture within our organisation. We will continue to work together to ensure Council deliver in a culturally sensitive and effective way and will implement strategies to increase employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility
1. Improve Build understanding of current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staffing to June 2021 Manager Human employment inform future employment and professional development opportunities. Resources outcomes by increasing Engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to consult on our June 2021 Manager Human Aboriginal and recruitment, retention and professional development strategy. Resources Torres Strait Islander Develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment, September 2021 Manager Human recruitment, retention and retention and professional development strategy. Resources professional development. Advertise job vacancies to effectively reach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander January, April, July, Manager Human stakeholders. October (annually) Resources
Designate a percentage of all positions/traineeships/apprenticeships to be December (annually) Manager Human identified as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander positions. Resources
Review HR and recruitment procedures and policies to remove barriers to January 2022 Manager Human Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in our workplace. Resources
Increase the percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff employed August (annually) Manager Human in our workforce. Resources
2. Increase Develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander procurement June 2021 Director Corporate Services Aboriginal and strategy.
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Torres Strait Develop and communicate opportunities for procurement of goods and services June 2021 Director Corporate Services Islander supplier diversity to from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to staff. support improved economic and Review and update procurement practices to remove barriers to procuring goods June 2021 Director Corporate Services social outcomes. and services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.
Develop commercial relationships with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander February & September Director Corporate Services businesses. (annually)
Ensure First Nations businesses are given first opportunity to price/tender January, April, July, Director Corporate Services products/services before being opened up to general public. October (annually)
3. Use education Provide education through workshops delivered to Project Managers to August 2021 Director Corporate Services and encourage procurement from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses communication during the maintenance or new work projects. strategies to further promote Educate estimating teams on the importance of identifying Aboriginal and Torres August 2021 Director Corporate Services the benefits of Strait Islander businesses for inclusion at tender stage. procuring from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses at Whitsunday Regional Council.
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GOVERNANCE
Focus Area Actions and deliverables are in accordance with Council’s Corporate and Operational Plans.
Purpose Develop and implement strategies to preserve Cultural Heritage within the Whitsunday Regional Council area.
Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility
1. Establish and Maintain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation on the RWG. May (annually) Director Community maintain an Services effective RAP Working group Establish and apply a Terms of Reference for the RWG. May 2021 Director Community (RWG) to drive Services governance of the RAP. Meet at least four times per year to drive and monitor RAP implementation. January, April, July, Director Community October (annually) Services
Whitsunday Regional Council RWG will oversee the development, endorsement May 2021 Director Community and launch of the RAP. Services
2. Provide Define resource needs for RAP implementation. June 2021 Director Community appropriate Services support for effective Engage our senior leaders and other staff in the delivery of RAP commitments. August 2021 Director Community implementation of Services RAP commitments. Define and maintain appropriate systems to track, measure and report on RAP August 2021 Director Community commitments. Services
Appoint and maintain an internal RAP Champion from senior management. August 2021 Chief Executive Officer
3. Build Complete and submit the annual RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire to 30 September (annually) Director Community accountability Reconciliation Australia. Services and transparency through reporting Report RAP progress to all staff and senior leaders quarterly. January, March, June & Director Community RAP September (annually) Services
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achievements, Publicly report our RAP achievements, challenges and learnings, annually. June (annually) Manager Governance & challenges and learnings both Administration internally and externally. Investigate participating in Reconciliation Australia’s biennial Workplace RAP May (annually) Director Community Barometer. Services
Share achievements and lessons learnt through and during the implementation January, June (annually) Director Community process. Services
4. Continue our Register via Reconciliation Australia’s website to begin developing our next RAP. December 2022 Director Community reconciliation Services journey by developing our next RAP.
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This document is proudly supported by: