Mackay Regional Council Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan for the years May 2019 - May 2022 MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

“We walk in footsteps that are 2000 generations old” – it’s a simple, yet profound, statement I make almost daily, and it’s one that always makes me think. It is easy for the contemporary citizens of this great country to accept that Australia’s story began in 1770 when Captain Cook sailed into Botany Bay.

But we now know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have walked these lands for more than 60,000 years. We also know that Australian Aboriginal peoples are the oldest surviving culture in the world.

The first Australians had no contact or exchange with the rest of the world until around 600 years ago. As a consequence, their rich culture remained intact with a society based on equity and consensus. There were no written journals or historical texts. Instead, the many nations which traversed the continent maintained a rich internal culture nourished by songlines – stories, traditions, songs, art and beliefs – and a value system that revolved around respect and care for the land and its creatures.

Council, through this Reconciliation Action Plan, acknowledges the values, history and cultures of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our aim is to develop stronger relationships with the Traditional Custodians of our land. Relationships that are firmly anchored by the principle of mutual respect. We want to work with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to protect and promote our region, celebrate our history and embrace opportunities as they arise.

A successful program already underway works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members to record and preserve languages spoken by the original inhabitants of our region and passed down through generations. Sessions like Yarning with our Mob are ongoing at our libraries and seek to facilitate the learning, sharing and recording of Aboriginal languages.

NAIDOC Week Celebrations are a focus where each year we seek to expand the opportunity to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through complementary events and programs, like art exhibitions, workshops and craft activities.

We have also adjusted our protocols so that more of our civic functions and events have official Welcome to Country speeches from members of the Traditional Owners. The high quality of Welcome to Country addresses delivered by Elders of the community is advancing the reconciliation process immeasurably in the demonstration of a united approach.

Reconciliation and change is ongoing and will not occur overnight. Our commitment is to continue to develop and improve our Action Plan and add policies and actions that work towards reconciliation and better outcomes for First Australians.

We know that by working together, the future for all Australians is bright.

Mayor Greg Williamson Mayor of Mackay Regional Council MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Council, as a large local employer, has a team from many different backgrounds, cultures and nations. Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are an important, valued part of our organisation and I can honestly say their contribution to our programs and day-to-day business is highly regarded.

This Action Plan seeks to reach out to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to further develop social and economic opportunities, strengthen relationships and create a more diverse internal culture at Mackay Regional Council.

As Chief Executive Officer, I feel privileged to present Mackay Regional Council’s 2019 - 2022 Reconciliation Action Plan.

This plan outlines our commitments to striving towards long-term, measurable objectives in a bid to bridge the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader community.

As the ’s largest employer, council is passionate about setting an example for other organisations and employers to follow. Our goal is to be a champion of diversity and equal opportunity and this Action Plan helps us meet that goal.

As an organisation, we know that diversity builds strength because everyone is unique, with their own ideas, beliefs, history, culture and skills.

I think Kirstie Parker, CEO of the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, summed it up perfectly when she said: “We have our eye on the same destination – a sustainable future where Indigenous people are recognised for their wisdom and honoured for their culture.”

After all, council’s main aim with this Action Plan is to produce better outcomes for First Australians, and we will continue to work towards that aim every year.

Craig Doyle CEO of Mackay Regional Council OUR VISION FOR RECONCILIATION

Mackay Regional Council’s vision is to recognise and respect the cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to build strong relationships that create harmony between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the broader community in Mackay. OUR VISION FOR RECONCILIATION OUR BUSINESS

The Mackay Regional Local Government Area (LGA) has been one of the fastest growing in in recent years, with an estimated population at June 2017 of 117,064. Looking to the future, strong growth is forecast, with a projected regional population heading towards 200,000 over the coming decades.

Mackay Regional Council came into existence after the amalgamation of the former Mackay City Council, Mirani Shire Council and Sarina Shire Council on March 15, 2008. Prior to 2008, the Mackay Region comprised of three distinct local government areas, the , Shire of Mirani and Shire of Sarina.

The Mackay Regional Council area covers 7,622 km² and is situated on the traditional lands of the Yuwibara people. The Yuwibara people are one of several tribes in the region, and their territory included the town area of Mackay prior to European colonisation.

Our region is blessed with an amazing natural environment which includes 31 unspoilt beaches, a picturesque blue river and a pristine rainforest hinterland. Our passionate people – both within council and our community – are by far one of the greatest assets our region possess and together, with the State and Federal Government and our local business community, we are striving to create a region which is prosperous, sustainable and vibrant.

Our council is a major employer in the region with approximately 1100 employees including approximately 45 who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through offices and depots based in Mackay, Mirani, Sarina, Eungella and Calen we provide a full range of local government services such as roads, water, waste collection, planning, libraries, cultural facilities, community development, sport and recreation opportunities and emergency management.

Our organisation works as one team to achieve for our community. We hold to our values of Teamwork, Accountability, Respect, Client Satisfaction and Employee Health and Safety and we will not compromise our values in any situation – with our clients, the community or each other. MAP MACKAY REGION

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA MIDGE POINT

BLOOMSBURY

YALBOROO ST HELENS BEACH SEAFORTH HALIDAY BAY EUNGELLA HINTERLAND CALEN CAPE HILLSBOROUGH

MOUNT OSSA BALL BAY MOUNT JUKES

MOUNT CHARLTON HABANA KUTTABUL FINCH DOWS MOUNT EUNGELLA HATTON CREEK MARTIN THE LEAP FARLEIGH MARIAN BALNAGOWAN MACKAY GARGETT PLEYSTOWE BROKEN RIVER PINNACLE MARIAN MIRANI WALKERSTON MIA PALMYRA MIA BAKERS MCEWENS BEACH NORTH ETON CREEK CREDITON HAY POINT ETON HOMEBUSH CHELONA SEPTIMUS ALLIGATOR CREEK OAKENDEN PINEVALE GRASSTREE BEACH MUNBURA CAMPWIN BEACH SARINA BEACH SUNNYSIDE FRESHWATER POINT

SARINA ARMSTRONG BEACH

SARINA RANGE

KOUMALA MIDGE POINT

BLOOMSBURY OUR STRETCH RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN JOURNEY

YALBOROO ST HELENS BEACH PINDI PINDI SEAFORTH HALIDAY BAY Our reconciliation journey began in 1998 when Mackay City Council hosted a three- EUNGELLA HINTERLAND CALEN CAPE HILLSBOROUGH day National Reconciliation Conference titled “Working Together”. This conference was

BALL BAY MOUNT OSSA considered a landmark event that drew representatives from all parts of Australia. MOUNT JUKES

MOUNT CHARLTON HABANA DALRYMPLE HEIGHTS KUTTABUL NINDAROO Outcomes achieved from this conference included: greater awareness of issues, ideas and FINCH DOWS MOUNT EUNGELLA CREEK THE LEAP FARLEIGH HATTON MARTIN debates around the reconciliation process and greater mutual respect including assisting the local MARIAN BALNAGOWAN MACKAY GARGETT PLEYSTOWE community to come together to discuss issues and work together to identify solutions. BROKEN RIVER PINNACLE MARIAN MIRANI WALKERSTON MIA PALMYRA MIA BAKERS MCEWENS BEACH Since then, Mackay has continued to develop and enhance positive relationships with local Aboriginal NORTH ETON CREEK CREDITON HAY POINT and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Mackay Regional Council has had a longstanding, positive working ETON HOMEBUSH CHELONA SEPTIMUS ALLIGATOR relationship with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Council’s inaugural two CREEK OAKENDEN year Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan was primarily developed and established to drive internal PINEVALE GRASSTREE BEACH MUNBURA CAMPWIN BEACH change and provide opportunities for council employees to learn and engage. SARINA BEACH SUNNYSIDE FRESHWATER POINT Mackay Regional Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan is championed by our Chief Executive Officer SARINA ARMSTRONG BEACH and council’s RAP Working Group. Our RAP Working Group comprises external stakeholders and internal staff members including the manager of Community Lifestyle who chairs the Working Group,

SARINA RANGE director Artspace (gallery), manager Civil Operations, manager Procurement and Plant, manager People and Culture, community outreach library assistant, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander KOUMALA staff members who hold positions within council such as, customer service officer, Community Development officer and library assistant cultural services.

External Working Group members include, a Traditional Custodian Elder and representative, local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives from health and legal services, and State Government representatives from Employment and Training, Department of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Economic Development. Many people in the RAP Working Group have been members since the group’s formation in 2014 and helped to put together council’s first Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. Following a RAP workshop, the group agreed to commit to a Stretch RAP to build on the work that had been achieved through the initial Innovate RAP. The commitment to a Stretch RAP consolidates council’s long-standing commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

Key learnings from council’s first RAP are: • there is already a great deal of positive work being done in progressing reconciliation within our community • challenges identified in the first RAP provide a focus and base for further actions in supporting our commitments in the Stretch RAP • there is a desire across the organisation to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and histories.

Achievements from our first RAP include: • the commissioning of a local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist in the design of council’s first RAP has achieved ongoing and successful employment and recognition outcomes for the artist • the completions of staff Cultural Awareness Training, via online and face-to-face learning packages, to more than 90 percent of the organisation • increased employment and training opportunities within council, with relevant culturally appropriate support systems in place • placement of plaques acknowledging Traditional Custodians in all council buildings.

Within council, the Stretch RAP will give our staff the opportunities to: strengthen cultural knowledge and understanding, initiate cultural projects and events within the various departments represented on the RAP Working Group, and provide a framework across council to influence the development of reconciliation values and ideas. SIGNIFICANT MACKAY REGIONAL COUNCIL RECONCILIATION INITIATIVES

1998 Hosted a National Reconciliation Conference

1999 Annual council sponsorship of NAIDOC Flag Raising and Community Morning Tea

2000 Development of the Aboriginal Botanic Precinct within the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

2001 Development of the Torres Strait Botanic Precinct and Interpretive Walk within the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

2003 Development of the Bluewater Trail incorporating the Cathy Freeman Walk

2009 Development of the Bluewater Public Art Trail incorporating Cultural History of the Traditional Custodians

2014 Installation of Historical Plaque at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens for Yuibera people to commemoration of the first Aboriginal Reserve in Queensland

2014 Mackay Regional Council’s Inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan

2016 Partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service to support the establishment Yuwi Yumba, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Hub

2017 Establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Libraries Advisory Committee and development of a local Aboriginal Language Revival Project

2017 Regional Arts Development Fund support for a local Aboriginal artist to supply traditional artworks and artifacts to the 2018 Commonwealth Games

2018 Partnership with Department of Education in an Early Years Learning project “Elders as Storytellers” – a local project engaging Elders to promote Early Education within our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families

2018 Young People Reconciliation Initiative, local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Secondary Student Forum with Elected Representatives of Mackay Regional Council RELATIONSHIPS

Mackay Regional Council is committed to supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community by building meaningful relationships that will assist council to respond to the aspirations of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

FOCUS AREA: Community Connection and Engagement

ACTION DELIVERABLE TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

RAP Working Group • Review RAP Working Group Terms of Reference January 2020 Manager (RWG) actively and 2021 Community Lifestyle monitors RAP (all deliverables) • Ensure the RAP Working Group continues to have senior May 2019 development and level organisation representation implementation of actions and tracking • Ensure the RAP Working Group continues to have Aboriginal May 2019, progress and Torres Strait Islander members, including Traditional 2020 and 2021 Custodian Representatives

• Ensure the RAP Working Group meet at least four times per May, August, year to monitor the RAP implementation and tracking progress November and January 2019, 2020, 2021

• RWG oversees the development, endorsement and launch May 2019 of the RAP

Celebrate National • Register all NRW events via Reconciliation Australia’s 27 May – 3 Manager Reconciliation Week NRW website June 2019, Community Lifestyle (NRW) to strengthen 2020, 2021 (all deliverables) • Encourage staff and senior leaders to participate in at least and maintain (all deliverables) one event during NRW relationships between Aboriginal • Ensure our RAP Working Group participates in two external and Torres Strait NRW events each year Islander staff and other staff • Hold two National Reconciliation Week Events during National Reconciliation Week in May each year

• Support an external NRW event that could include in-kind support and/or partnering with community organisations ACTION DELIVERABLE TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

Maintain and leverage • Meet with four key local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander December Manager mutually beneficial organisations to plan and develop guiding principles for 2019 Community Lifestyle relationships with future engagement (all deliverables) Aboriginal and • Continue to maintain support for local cultural programs and May 2020 Torres Strait Islander events through the promotion of the Aboriginal and Torres peoples, communities Strait Islander Significant Events/Dates Calendar utilising and organisations Social media platforms and website to support positive outcomes • Council will facilitate the opportunity to build a local RAP Bi-annually in Alliance with external organisations to support and July and “value add” in the delivery of RAP outcomes December 2019, 2020 and 2021

• Develop and implement an engagement plan to work July 2020 with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders

• Commit to establishing two formal two-way partnerships to April 2020 build capacity in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and/or communities relevant to our sphere of influence

Raise internal and • Develop and implement a strategy to communicate our RAP May 2019 Manager Corporate external awareness of to all internal and external stakeholders. Communications our RAP to promote • Promote reconciliation with ongoing active engagement July, 2019, Manager reconciliation across with all stakeholders by holding community forums 2020 and 2021 Community Lifestyle our business and sector • Engage Council’s leadership team in the delivery of RAP November Director Community outcomes 2019, 2020 and Client Services and 2021 RESPECT

Create an organisational culture that is welcoming, inclusive and respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and histories.

FOCUS AREA: To increase the recognition and awareness of the Traditional Aboriginal Custodians and the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of the Mackay region.

ACTION DELIVERABLE TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

Increase knowledge • Develop and implement an internal Cultural Awareness November 2019 Manager People and understanding Training Package for Council in consultation with Traditional and Culture of Aboriginal and Custodians and relevant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Torres Strait Islander Islander Stakeholders cultures, histories • All RAP Working Group members to undertake formal and June 2019 Manager People and achievements structured learning activities through cultural awareness and Culture workshops/training

• All senior executives to undertake formal and structured July 2020 Manager People cultural learning activities through appropriate cultural and Culture learning workshops and activities

• Review a cultural awareness training strategy for our staff July 2020 Manager People which defines continuous cultural learning needs of employees and Culture in all areas of our business and considers various ways cultural learning can be provided (online, face to face workshops, including linking to individual learning) to ensure continued relevance and value

• 100% of staff to undertake cultural awareness training December 2021 Manager People through online e-learning modules (all deliverables) and Culture (all deliverables) • Deliver face to face specific cultural workshop learning activities to 100% of staff in People and Culture, Employee Services, Community Programs and Senior Leadership

• Deliver face to face broad cultural workshop learning activities to 75% of staff

• Investigate opportunities for staff to undertake cultural immersion training ACTION DELIVERABLE TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

Support opportunities • Increase understanding and appreciation of Mackay’s July 2020 Manager to promote local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history Community Lifestyle Aboriginal and through the development and delivery of exhibitions and (all deliverables) Torres Strait Islander public programs culture to the wider • Support the professional development of local Aboriginal and July 2020 community Torres Strait Islander artists through skills development and public program activities, exhibitions and employment opportunities

• Grow and promote the Mackay Regional Council July 2020 contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection – works of art by established or emerging contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, exploring issues pertaining to Australia’s First Peoples

• Promote local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture July 2020 by making an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander themed shirt/top available to all staff as part of the corporate uniform. This supports the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community through a public demonstration of engagement with their culture and art coupled with pride in including that as part of the uniform

• Explore opportunities within Mackay Regional Council July 2019, Libraries and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders 2020 and 2021 Libraries Advisory Committee to encourage learning of local traditional language within the early learning and schools sectors within our local government area through language and cultural revival programs

Demonstrate respect • Broaden and communicate the existing cultural protocol December 2021 Manager to Aboriginal and document to ensure it encompasses the whole organisation Community Lifestyle Torres Strait Islander and is relevant to our local community peoples and • Continue to invite a local Traditional Custodian to provide May 2019, Manager communities by a Welcome to Country at four significant events each year, 2020 and 2021 Community Lifestyle embedding cultural including Civic Events protocols as part of the way our • Staff and Senior Leadership to provide an Acknowledgement May 2019, Manager Corporate organisation functions of Country at all other events 2020 and 2021 Communications ACTION DELIVERABLE TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

• Maintain and review a list of key contacts for organising a January and July Manager Welcome to Country 2019, 2020 and Community Lifestyle 2021

• Include an Acknowledgement of Country at the July 2019 Manager commencement of internal meetings Community Lifestyle (all deliverables) • Continue to display Acknowledgment of Country plaques July 2019 in council offices and buildings

• Identify and implement ways to acknowledge Traditional September Custodians across the local government region (e.g. place 2020 naming such as naming of streets, council buildings, use of e-mail footers, etc)

Celebrate NAIDOC • Review HR policies and procedures to ensure there are no May 2019, Manager People Week and provide barriers to staff participating in NAIDOC Week 2020, 2021 and Culture opportunities for • Provide opportunities for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait July 2019, Manager Aboriginal and Torres Islander staff to participate in community NAIDOC Week 2020, 2021 Community Lifestyle Strait Islander staff to events engage with culture and community during • Support and encourage councillors and staff to participate July 2019, Manager NAIDOC Week in NAIDOC Week events in the local community 2020, 2021 Community Lifestyle

• In consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander July 2019, Manager peoples, continue to host a public NAIDOC Week event 2020, 2021 Community Lifestyle

• Continue to provide support to external NAIDOC Week July 2019, Manager community events 2020, 2021 Community Lifestyle

OPPORTUNITIES

Mackay Regional Council is committed to creating a strong economy that includes the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. As part of this commitment, council will provide opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with the aim of becoming a leader in employment and enterprise development.

FOCUS AREA: To increase the employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff at Mackay Regional Council and to support economic development opportunities through the implementation of procurement processes that support and encourage local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.

ACTION DELIVERABLE TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

Increase Aboriginal • Increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment December 2021 Manager People and Torres Strait to a minimum of 4% ( 47 ), to be commensurate with local and Culture Islander recruitment Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population (all deliverables) and retention • Engage on an annual basis with existing Aboriginal and Torres Review April Strait Islander staff to consult on employment strategies, 2020, 2021, 2022 including culturally appropriate professional development

• Implement, review and update Aboriginal and Torres Strait Review April Islander employment and retention strategy 2020, 2021, 2022

• Advertise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander positions in Review April Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media 2020, 2021, 2022

• Increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainee target Review April to a minimum of four per annum 2020, 2021, 2022

Increase Aboriginal • Develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait December 2021 Manager Procurement and Torres Strait Islander procurement strategy and Plant Islander supplier (all deliverables) • Investigate ways to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait December 2020 diversity Islander businesses in council’s tendering and procuring process – including how to become a preferred supplier

• Promote procurement opportunities to Aboriginal and December 2019, Torres Strait Islander businesses by utilising Aboriginal and 2020, 2021 Torres Strait Islander media ACTION DELIVERABLE TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

• Identify and establish a database of Aboriginal and Torres December 2019 Strait Islander businesses operating within the LGA

• Set targets for procuring goods and services from Aboriginal December 2020 and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses

• Develop at least two commercial relationships with Aboriginal December 2020 and/or Torres Strait Islander businesses

Implement strategies • Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership by July 2019, Manager People to attract and recruit providing professional development opportunities for 2020 and 2021 and Culture Aboriginal and existing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, and (all deliverables) Torres Strait Islander using internal emails and other means to raise awareness employees to Mackay of these opportunities Regional Council • Continue to partner with appropriate agencies to develop July 2019, customised pre-employment training programs for Aboriginal 2020 and 2021 and Torres Strait Islander participants wishing to secure employment within Council GOVERNANCE, TRACKING PROGRESS AND REPORTING

ACTION DELIVERABLE TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

Report RAP • Complete and submit the RAP Impact Measurement 30 September Manager achievements, Questionnaire to Reconciliation Australia 2019, 2020, 2021 Community Lifestyle challenges and (all deliverables) • Investigate participation in the RAP Barometer May 2020 learnings to Reconciliation Australia for inclusion • Develop and implement systems and capability needs to December 2019 in the RAP Impact track, measure and report on RAP activities Measurement Report

Report RAP • Publicly report our RAP achievements, challenges and September Manager achievements, learnings 2019, 2020, 2021 Community Lifestyle challenges and (all deliverables) • Communicate quarterly updates on RAP progress to all staff March, June, learnings internally September, and externally December 2019, 2020, 2021

Review, refresh and • Liaise with Reconciliation Australia to develop a new RAP September Manager update RAP based on learnings, challenges and achievements 2021 Community Lifestyle (all deliverables) • Send draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for feedback October 2021

• Submit draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for formal March 2022 endorsement

TIMELINE [six months prior to RAP expiry date]

RESPONSIBILITY RAP Working Group. GOVERNANCE, TRACKING PROGRESS AND REPORTING

ARTIST - PETER AH MAT

My life’s journey began with growing up in Mackay in a Malay and Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal extended family. Many of my childhood years were spent with family crabbing, fishing and digging yabbies around the Barnes Creek, area.

As a young man I was taught by my grandparents (Datuk and Neneh) to be respectful of ones traditions and cultures. Datuk and Neneh are the essence of who I am. With their love, guidance and nurturing, “I am who I am today”.

My art is inspired by my connection to my culture, nature, the bush and the sea using dot painting techniques. “Dancing for the Elders”- represents how as young person, I was taught to have respect and to gain approval from my Elders. RAP CONTACTS:

Mackay Regional Council’s Chief Executive Officer or RAP Chairperson Manager Community Lifestyle Phone: 1300 MACKAY (622 529) Email: [email protected]