Barpangu ‘Build Together’

BARPANGU ‘BUILD TOGETHER’

Reconciliation Plan 2021–2025 Acknowledgement of Country The City of Greater Bendigo is on Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country. We acknowledge and extend our appreciation to the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung People, the Traditional Owners of the land. We pay our respects to leaders and Elders past, present and emerging for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and the hopes of all Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Peoples. We express our gratitude in the sharing of this land, our sorrow for the personal, spiritual and cultural costs of that sharing and our hope that we may walk forward together in harmony and in the spirit of healing.

Acknowledgement of First Nations Peoples The City recognises that there are people from many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities living in Greater Bendigo. We acknowledge and extend our appreciation to all First Nations Peoples who live and reside in Greater Bendigo on Dja Dja Wurrung and Tangurung Country, and we thank them for their contribution to our community.

Artworks and artists Sharlee Dunolly Lee Maddi Moser Sharlee Dunolly Lee is a Maddi Moser is a Dja Dja Wurrung woman living Taungurung designer, on Country in Bendigo. photographer, artist and Sharlee completed teacher. She is passionate VCE at Bendigo Senior about visual story-telling Secondary College and capturing moments in 2019 and studied in time. art throughout her The artwork (right) reflects academic years. on a journey being made At only 18, Sharlee by two clans, the Dja Dja launched an Indigenous Wurrung and Taungurung, tea business in 2020 together and with the named Dja-Wonmuruk. support of another, the Sharlee’s aims to City of Greater Bendigo. preserve native Bush tucker The varying dots and circles ingredients and raise awareness of the Aboriginal connection indicate decisions that we make to move forward together. linked with the native bush foods of Australia. The bottom symbol represents the flow of time and the ripples these decisions have on our lives. In her art, Sharlee is interested in bright and traditional colour, using organic lines, cultural symbols and adding her This artwork was created using an image of a hand-painted own personal interpretation to explore her cultural identity. canvas and digital drawing in Adobe Illustrator. The artwork for the Reconciliation Plan (front cover and www.chloandcocreatives.com above) is in the shape of a shield, with traditional symbolism and colours of reconciliation from all elements being protected by the subject. In the centre, reconciliation is created. www.dja-wonmuruk.com Contents 4 Message from the Mayor 18 Census snapshot 4 Message from the CEO 19 Developing our Reconciliation Plan 5 Our shared vision 20 Reconciliation Plan 2021-2025 6 Defining Reconciliation 20 Evaluation and monitoring 7 Introduction 21 Our Reconciliation Plan 2021-2025 – Objectives and Actions 9 Background to our Reconciliation Plan 35 Acknowledgements 12 Our Reconciliation Journey 14 The Role of the City of Greater Bendigo 15 Greater Bendigo’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Message from the Mayor The City of Greater Bendigo is pleased to present its second under the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Recognition and Reconciliation Plan Barpangu which was adopted in Settlement Agreements. September 2020. It also aims to increase the inclusiveness, equity, Meaning ‘build together’ in Dja Dja Wurrung language, representation and quality of life for Aboriginal and Torres Council is delighted to build on the success of the first plan Strait Islander communities in Greater Bendigo, enhance and further advance reconciliation in Greater Bendigo. the acknowledgement and celebration of our region’s rich cultural heritage and history, and promote and facilitate This Reconciliation Plan works towards achieving our respectful and positive relationships unique vision for reconciliation. It recognises that the City between Aboriginal and non- of Greater Bendigo has an important role in driving Aboriginal community members. meaningful change and fostering a community that recognises and respects Aboriginal People and cultures, I look forward to seeing the plan supports the self-determination of our Traditional Owners implemented and continuing to care for and heal Country and people, and helps build the important journey of a strong and vibrant culture that celebrates the Aboriginal reconciliation in Greater community of Greater Bendigo. Bendigo. The Plan will support our Traditional Owners and local Mayor Cr Margaret Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities over the O’Rourke next four years and assist Council to meet its responsibilities (2019-2020)

Message from the CEO This Reconciliation Plan, Barpangu – ‘build together’, has everyday business at the City, including through setting been developed through conversation and consultation targets for Aboriginal procurement and employment for the with the Traditional Owners, the Dja Dja Wurrung and first time, improving the cultural safety of our organisation, Taungurung Peoples, the broader local Aboriginal and focusing on supporting young Aboriginal people through Torres Strait Islander community, and City of Greater employment, training and leadership opportunities, Bendigo staff. promoting history and story-telling throughout the municipality and our public spaces, and establishing an The themes of this plan are Respect, Partnerships and Aboriginal Community Engagement Group to review and Opportunities, and are supported by 19 objectives and monitor how we are delivering the plan. 71 actions. I am proud that this plan also acknowledges the City’s The plan will be flexible so it can respond to the changing ongoing leadership role in reconciliation across the region, needs and priorities of our Aboriginal community. and we encourage other local Regular reporting and monitoring will ensure the plan governments, community responds to local issues and fosters important community agencies and our business conversations and dialogue. community to join us in At the centre of the Plan is a desire to build stronger advancing reconciliation in relationships and partnerships with our Aboriginal and our community. Torres Strait Islander residents, and ensure our work is Craig Niemann based on two-way learning, self-reflection, and greater Chief Executive trust and understanding. We are committed to always Officer listening to and being led by our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. The City is committed to engaging the community at all levels. We will also ensure reconciliation becomes part of

4 | Barpangu ‘build together’ Our shared vision

The City of Greater Bendigo will support the change and empowerment of our current and future leaders in a community that recognises, upholds and respects Aboriginal People and culture, while proactively enabling the self-determination of Traditional Owners to heal Country and people. We will continually work towards a strong and vibrant culture that celebrates the Aboriginal community of Greater Bendigo and puts them at the forefront to collaboratively heal Country and create an inclusive space where we all celebrate stories, histories and Peoples.

Reconciliation Plan 2021–2025 | 5 Defining Reconciliation ‘Reconciliation’ is about Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians talking, walking, and working together to overcome the division and inequality between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. It is about addressing and acknowledging our true history and righting the wrongs. It is not one act but a journey that requires a commitment from non-Aboriginal Australians to take ownership and responsibility for their own learning and role in the process of reconciliation - Reconciliation Victoria1 Supporting reconciliation at the City of Greater Bendigo means working as an organisation and a community to overcome the disadvantage and inequity that exists between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in the areas of justice, health, education, housing and employment. We can improve outcomes through supporting self-determination and recognising that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are best-placed to make decisions for themselves, their families and their communities. But reconciliation also means addressing racism and discrimination and encouraging respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A reconciled Australia is one where the rights, cultures and histories of all our First Nations peoples are valued and championed in all areas2.

1 | Reconciliation Victoria, ‘What is Reconciliation?’, www.reconciliationvic.org.au/reconciliation2/ Trent Nelson and whatisreconciliation Aunty Lynn Warren, 2 | Reconciliation Australia, ‘What is Reconciliation?’, NAIDOC Week flag www.reconciliation.org.au/what-is-reconciliation raising ceremony

6 | Barpangu ‘build together’ Community silk dyeing workshop at the Bendigo Art Gallery

Introduction The City of Greater Bendigo’s Reconciliation Plan 2021- • Continue building on the work and success of our first 2025 provides a clear direction for the City in advancing Reconciliation Plan 2016-2019 reconciliation and supporting our local Aboriginal and • Continue implementing local government commitments Torres Strait Islander communities. It articulates how the under the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Recognition organisation, Council and our partners will engage in and Settlement Agreements, and strengthen our reconciliation over the next four years, and also includes our partnerships with the Registered Aboriginal Parties responsibilities under the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung • Increase the inclusiveness, equity, representation and Recognition and Settlement Agreements. quality of life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander This Plan aims to build on the achievements from the City’s communities in Greater Bendigo first Reconciliation Plan over 2016-2019, while also outlining • Enhance the acknowledgement, recognition and respect new actions and aspirational strategies to further advance for Traditional Owner culture and history in Greater reconciliation both internally within the organisation and Bendigo externally with our partners. • Promote and facilitate respect, trust and positive A whole-of-Council approach was taken in the development relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal of this Reconciliation Plan, which aims to: community members as part of reconciliation

Reconciliation Plan 2021–2025 | 7 This Plan is underpinned by these State Government policies and legislations: • Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Recognition and Settlement Agreements are part of the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010. The Act allows the Victorian Government to recognise Traditional Owners and certain rights on Crown land as part of a native title settlement process. Under the Act, a settlement package can include: recognising a Traditional Owner Group and certain Traditional Owner rights over Crown land through a Recognition and Settlement Agreement; jointly managed land agreements; land use activity agreements; and natural resource agreements. • Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2018 The Act provides for the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria and the Regulations prescribes standards and sets out the circumstances in which a cultural heritage management plan must be followed. • Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework Yorta Yorta woman and City of Greater Bendigo Intercultural Ambassador, Janet Bromley 2018-2023 The Victorian Government’s overarching framework for working with Aboriginal Victorians to close the gap In addition, this Reconciliation Plan will also respond to new and to improve outcomes. This framework commits to developments under: significant structural and systemic transformation and is underpinned by 11 self-determination principles: • Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal human rights, partnership, investment, cultural integrity, Victorians Bill 2018 decision-making, equity, commitment, empowerment, Provides the legislative context for the Victorian accountability, Aboriginal expertise, and cultural safety. Government to advance self-determination for Aboriginal Australians and to work towards Australia’s first Treaty or • Victorian Aboriginal and Local Government Treaties with First Nations Peoples. Strategy 2020-2025 Provides a framework to help local Councils engage with • The City of Greater Bendigo’s Human Rights and Aboriginal communities and to promote reconciliation. Social Justice Charter 2021 Following an Aboriginal self-determination approach, The charter builds on the City’s previous Human Rights the Strategy seeks to embed the rights, culture, heritage, Charter (2014) and responds to new social justice issues needs and aspirations of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait relating to gender equity, LGBTIQ and marriage equality, Islander peoples into the work and functioning of local and cultural diversity and inclusion. governments across Victoria. • Welcoming Cities Network • Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities The City’s 2019 accreditation as a Welcoming City as part 2006 of the international Welcoming Cities Network which is Sets out the basic rights of Victorians to live with freedom, supporting local governments to advance communities respect, equality and dignity; and requires public where everyone can belong and participate in social, authorities to act compatibly with the Charter. cultural, economic and civic life.

8 | Barpangu ‘build together’ Wanyarram Dhelk - instream works and revegetation on the Bendigo Creek by Djandak (pictured above and below)

Background to our Reconciliation Plan The City of Greater Bendigo is the regional capital of Central Greater Bendigo has a rich Aboriginal past, present and Victoria and covers almost 3,000 square kilometres. The future. The municipality stands on the traditional lands of municipality has an estimated residential population of the Dja Dja Wurrung and the Taungurung Peoples. Dja Dja 118,093 people in 20193, and encompasses the city of Wurrung Country extends north from the Great Dividing Range Bendigo and surrounding townships, including Heathcote, including Mount Franklin and the current towns of Creswick Axedale, Huntly, Marong, Elmore, Goornong, Lockwood, and Daylesford in the southeast, to Castlemaine, Maldon, Raywood and Redesdale. Bendigo, Boort and Donald in the northwest, and Navarre Hill and Mount Avoca to the southwest. It covers the catchments of the Avoca, Loddon and Coliban Rivers. The Taungurung are the Traditional Owners for the land encompassing the upper reaches of the Goulburn River and its tributaries north of the Dividing Range. It extends from the Campaspe River to Kilmore in the west, eastwards to Mount Beauty, through to Benalla in the north and south to the top of the Great Dividing Range. The Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Traditional Owners maintain a special relationship to the environment and the land on which Greater Bendigo is located. As part of the Kulin (Nation) alliance of tribes, the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Peoples share many similarities in terms of belief systems, dreaming stories, spirituality, language, kinship and in being guided by Bunjil’s Law. For both Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Peoples (and other Kulin Nation peoples), Bunjil the Wedge-tailed Eagle and Waa the Crow are the moieties that complement and balance each other within the traditional kinship system.

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BENDIGO Heathcote-Graytown National Park NORTHERN Kara Kara DUNOLLY Lake Eppalock GRAMPIANS National Park NAVARRE

Wimmera River CENTRAL MALDON MOUNT GOLDFIELDS ALEXANDER Cairn Curran MARYBOROUGH CASTLEMAINE MITCHELL Reservoir STAWELL Paddys Ranges AVOCA State Park Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park

PYRENEES KYNETON Victoria LEXTON LANCEFIELD ARARAT CLUNES MACEDON Langi Ghiran Mount Buangor HEPBURN SPRINGS State Park State Park RANGES DAYLESFORD WOODEND ROMSEY HEPBURN Coliban River ARARAT Little Coliban River Hopkins River TRENTHAM CRESWICK MACEDON BEAUFORT MAROONA BALLARAT Lerderderg River RIDDELLS CREEK GISBORNE Lake Burrumbeet Lerderderg Source: State of Victoria MOORABOOL State Park

Map of Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation RAP Area

The Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Peoples belong to and placed strict limitations on movement, employment and are a part of the land (Country). Their relationships with the cultural practices. This included the reserves and missions land extends more than a thousand generations to when established at Franklinford on Dja Dja Wurrung Country their creator spirit ‘Bunjil’ formed their peoples, the land and near Daylesford, Mitchellstown on Taungurung Country near all living things. Country is a landscape that captures both Nagambie, and Coranderrk located at Healesville6. the tangible (such as the food sources, river systems and The Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung continued to be flood plains) as well as the intangible – being the dreaming displaced from their traditional lands following the discovery stories, lore, songs, ceremonies and ancestral spirits4. The of gold in Central Victoria in 1851. The goldrush and the Traditional Owners see all the land and its creatures as being expansion of miner settlements had ongoing and devastating interconnected with each other and with the people5. impacts upon traditional customs, language and wellbeing. The Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Peoples faced From this time, the policies and practises of successive profound disruption and displacement through the early governments has continued to limit the ability of the establishment and expansion of European settlement. At Traditional Owners to practise their traditional customs and various times, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Peoples were to be able to access Country and its resources. restricted to living on Aboriginal missions and reserves which

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Greater Bendigo is also home to a strong and vibrant 3 | This figure is the Estimated Residential Population for Greater Bendigo Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community with many for 2019 as calculated annually by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Refer members having links to different Country from right across to the City of Greater Bendigo Community Profile https://profile.id.com.au/ bendigo Australia. The City acknowledges that many of our Aboriginal 4 | ‘Joint Management Plan for the Dja Dja Wurrung Parks: Strategy’, and Torres Strait Islander community members are survivors 2018, Dhelkunya Dja Land Management Board, p. xii; Dja Dja Wurrung of the Stolen Generations and have experienced – and Recognition and Settlement Statement 2013 continue to experience – the lasting and devastating impacts 5 | Dja Dja Wurrung Recognition and Settlement Statement 2013, of these government practises. www.djadjawurrung.com.au/home/recognition-statement Today, the City recognises the struggle, resilience and 6 | ‘Fact Sheet 7: Taungurung Traditional Owner Group’, 2020, Taungurung strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Recognition and Settlement Agreement, www.justice.vic.gov.au/ your-rights/native-title/taungurung-recognition-and-settlement- cultures agreement#factsheet

Reconciliation Plan 2021–2025 | 11 Our Reconciliation Journey The City has been on its journey of reconciliation since the In partnership with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander early 2000s. Key reconciliation initiatives over the years communities, the City achieved several key outcomes over have included the inclusion of Welcome to Country and the 2016-2019 period, including: Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners at Council and • Increased recognition and acknowledgement of the organisational meetings and events, flying the Aboriginal Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Traditional Owners and Torres Strait Islander flags, and supporting the annual through cultural ceremonies and acknowledgement NAIDOC Week flag-raising ceremony. • Increased organisational understanding and commitment In 2015, the City developed its first Reconciliation Plan to reconciliation 2016-2019. This was done in consultation with the Traditional • Improved relationships and engagement between City Owners, the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and internally across all City Service Units. This communities Plan supported the City’s vision for reconciliation at the time, • Increased partnership with Dja Dja Wurrung Clans which focused on: building stronger healthy relationships Aboriginal Corporation on key projects including between the City and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reimagining Bendigo Creek and the UNESCO City of peoples; adopting a ‘whole-of-Council’ approach; ensuring Gastronomy local accountability for our reconciliation work; and increasing the inclusion and participation of Aboriginal and • Improving City support for Aboriginal procurement and Torres Strait Islander residents within our programs and business engagement services. • Greater support for community events and celebrations such as NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week Championing the Reconciliation Plan 2016-2019 has been the Reconciliation Plan Steering Committee which has overseen • Promoting and showcasing Aboriginal performances, art its implementation and supported a ‘whole-of-Council’ and culture through City venues approach to reconciliation.

Dja Dja Wurrung woman, Rebecca Phillips

12 | Barpangu ‘build together’ Some of the learnings and challenges identified through our first Reconciliation Plan 2016-2019 are: • Increasing employment and procurement outcomes • Ensuring our City staff, programs and services are culturally safe and responsive to the community • Working to strengthen our commitments under the Dja Dja Wurrung Recognition and Settlement Agreement and improving our engagement processes with the Traditional Owners • Increasing the visibility of Aboriginal culture, history and story-telling throughout the municipality and our public spaces • Meeting and responding to community needs that arise during the life of the Plan • Better promotion and awareness of the City’s work in reconciliation to both the Aboriginal and broader community

Reconciliation Plan 2021–2025 | 13 The Role of the City of Greater Bendigo The Reconciliation Plan 2021-2025 is aligned to the City all areas of the organisation. All City Service Units will work of Greater Bendigo Community Plan 2017-2021, which with the Community Partnerships Unit and the Reconciliation aims to create a liveable community that enables people Plan Steering Committee to deliver actions under this Plan. to live healthy, safe and harmonious lives. It builds on the This Plan also aims to engage more staff in the delivery of our ‘Embracing our Heritage and Culture’ Goal of recognising and actions as well as deepen existing staff understanding and celebrating our unique history and diverse cultures. commitment towards reconciliation. Advancing reconciliation and supporting our local Aboriginal The Reconciliation Plan 2021-2025 links to the following City and Torres Strait Islander peoples is relevant to Council and of Greater Bendigo strategies and plans:

Greater Bendigo Greater Bendigo Environment Coalition Gender Strategy Equity Strategy 2016-2021 2020-2025

Community Plan 2017-2021 Greater All Ages Bendigo Economic All Abilities Development Greening Youth Strategy Plan 2019 2017-2021 Strategy 2019 Greater Bendigo 2020-2070

City of Gastronomy Greater Reconciliation Plan Implementation CREATIVE 2021-2025 Framework and Bendigo Action Plan 2020-2024

Place Integrated Interpretation City of Greater Municipal Emergency Cultural Diversity and Naming Bendigo COVID-19 Management Plan and Inclusion Plan Policy 2018 Relief and 2019 2016-2019 Community Recovery Plan Safety Framework and Strategic Plan 2017-2021

Municipal Public One Planet Health and Living Wellbeing Plan 2017-2021

14 | Barpangu ‘build together’ Wadawurrung woman, Trina Dalton-Oogjes and Yorta Yorta man, Simon Briggs

Greater Bendigo’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation Local government has a responsibility to support the rights of Dja Dja Wurrung people and to help meet their cultural The Dja Dja Wurrung are the Traditional Owners of a and economic aspirations. The City of Greater Bendigo is significant area of Central Victoria. Dja Dja Wurrung Clans responsible for delivering twelve actions under the Dja Dja Aboriginal Corporation (DDWCAC) is the registered legal entity Wurrung RSA 2013, Schedule 6 - Actions for local Government. that represents Dja Dja Wurrung people. As the Registered Aboriginal Party covering the majority of the DDWCAC was incorporated on September 10, 2004 and was municipality, the City has a long-standing relationship with granted Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) status in September the DDWCAC and their business arm, Djandak Enterprises. 2008 over a large area of Central Victoria, including a We collaborate closely with DDWCAC and Djandak staff on significant part of the Greater Bendigo municipality. a range of City projects and initiatives, especially in relation In 2013, a ‘Recognition and Settlement Agreement’ (RSA) to land management, cultural heritage, and the recognition between the State of Victoria and the DDWCAC commenced of the Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners within our under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010. This was a municipality and our organisation. historic Native Title settlement which recognised the unique relationship that Dja Dja Wurrung people have to the land and formally recognised the Dja Dja Wurrung People as the Traditional Owners for part of Central Victoria. The Agreement secured a range of distinct land and cultural rights for Dja Dja Wurrung people within the boundaries of the Agreement area.

Reconciliation Plan 2021–2025 | 15 Taungurung Land and Waters Council The City of Greater Bendigo is responsible for delivering thirteen actions under the Taungurung RSA 2018, Schedule 5 - Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLWC) is the Actions for Local Government. As the City starts to implement registered legal entity that represents the Taungurung our obligations under the Taungurung RSA, a strong focus of people. Previously known as Taungurung Clans Aboriginal our work going forward will be building our relationships and Corporation, the TLWC was incorporated in 2003 and was partnership work with the TLWC and educating our staff on granted Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) status in July 2009. Taungurung culture and history. The Taungurung RAP area covers a large section of The local government actions under both Schedules have north central Victoria. The south-eastern portion of the been embedded into actions within this plan. municipality, beyond the Campaspe River and encompassing the township of Heathcote, is located within Taungurung Bendigo & District Aboriginal Cooperative (BDAC) Country. Established in 2001, the Bendigo and District Aboriginal In October 2018, TLWC entered into a Recognition and Co-operative (BDAC) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Settlement Agreement with the State of Victoria and its Organisation (ACCO) delivering services to Aboriginal and implementation commenced on August 11, 2020. Under the Torres Strait Islander residents living within the boundaries of Agreement, the Victorian Government formally recognised Dja Dja Wurrung Country. the Taungurung People as the Traditional Owners for part of Central Victoria and provided greater recognition to the BDAC has responsibility for delivering health services and a cultural and inherited rights of the Taungurung Traditional range of programs across health, education, employment, Owners on Country. culture, community development, capacity building projects, family and community services.

16 | Barpangu ‘build together’ City of Greater Bendigo NAIDOC Week Flag Raising Ceremony 2019

BDAC aims to achieve positive health and wellbeing • Loddon Campaspe Dhelk Dja Action Group, Department of outcomes for the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Human Services community, and to be a leading organisation in providing • Loddon COVID-19 Aboriginal Leadership Response employment and career opportunities for Aboriginal people. Committee A number of City Service Units work in close partnership with • Loddon Mallee Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory BDAC, especially those relating to direct service provision and Committee (RAJAC) our community development programs, such as staff from • Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group our Early Years Services, Home and Community Care, and • Wartatjarrang (coming together) Local Aboriginal Network Community Partnerships. • Weenthunga Health Network Other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander committees, The City is also an active member of the Bendigo organisations and networks Reconciliation Committee which is made up of local The City of Greater Bendigo is committed to working closely agencies, and includes both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal with a range of other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, who are committed to reconciliation and to committees, organisations and networks, both locally and promoting local conversations around two-way learning, across the region. These include: white privilege and racism. • Bendigo NAIDOC Week Committee • Department of Education and Training’s Koorie Engagement Support Officers

Reconciliation Plan 2021–2025 | 17 Census Snapshot Gender split of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of Greater Bendigo 1.7% of the population 118,093 identify as Aboriginal and Total population of 50.8% 49.2% Torres Strait Islander^ Greater Bendigo* male female

Age groups of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of Greater Bendigo

15% 22% 21% 22% 16% 4% 0-4 years 1-14 years 15-24 years 25-44 years 45-64 years 65+ years

Median age in Greater Bendigo Non-Aboriginal 39 years Aboriginal and Torres 10 Strait Islander people living in 21 years Greater Bendigo speak an Aboriginal language at home

*This figure is the Estimated Residential Population for Greater Bendigo for 2019 as calculated annually by the Australian Bureau of Statistics ^This figure only includes those individuals who have identified and does not capture large numbers of Aboriginal individuals who did not identified on the Census

18 | Barpangu ‘build together’ Developing our Reconciliation Plan The City’s Reconciliation Plan Working Group was formed in Attendees included the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung November 2019 to guide and oversee the development of our Traditional Owners, BDAC, and members of the broader new Reconciliation Plan. Working Group members included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members representatives from justice, health, education, arts, and and City staff from across the organisation. community services. Many of the attendees regularly engage with City staff, projects and services The Working Group members were: Racquel Kerr, Janet Bromley, Pauline Ugle, Gabby Gamble, Simon Briggs, Baydon • A Staff Reconciliation Planning Workshop was held on Widdicombe, Krystal Henderson, Shonae Hobson, Fiona March 5, 2020 (30 attendees) and individual meetings were Machin, Steven Abbott, David Williamson, Andie West, David held with all City Service Units Lloyd, Toni Lyon, Geoff Fallon and Liam Sibly. • Over 50 Aboriginal young people were engaged through the development of this Plan, including a focus group Racquel Kerr, Wartakan Consulting, also provided guidance session at Bendigo Senior Secondary College (11 students) and assistance in the community engagement and and a separate survey for Aboriginal young people in April- development of our plan. May 2020 (42 responses) Our Reconciliation Plan was developed through an extensive • Further targeted consultations occurred with Executives community engagement which included the following and senior staff at BDAC, DDWCAC, Djandak Enterprises activities: and TLWC • Evaluation of the Reconciliation Plan 2016-2019, including • Two Community Reconciliation Planning Workshops surveys of both City staff and the broader community in were held online in June 2020 to review the draft plan and November 2019 (119 and 68 responses respectively) to develop our new vision for reconciliation in Greater • Monthly meetings of the City’s Reconciliation Plan Working Bendigo Group from November 2019 to July 2020 The actions under this Plan have been developed through • A Community Reconciliation Planning Workshop was held these ongoing conversations and community engagement on November 26, 2019 to review the existing Reconciliation processes, and they reflect the needs and priorities of our Plan 2016-2019 and to discuss actions under the new Plan. local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Reconciliation Plan 2021–2025 | 19 Reconciliation Plan 2021-2025 The City of Greater Bendigo Reconciliation Plan 2021-2025 is structured around three core themes: • Respect • Partnerships • Opportunities Under these three themes are 19 objectives and 71 actions that drives the City’s contribution to reconciliation both internally and within the Greater Bendigo community. For each action, the Plan states the City Services Unit(s) responsible for delivery and what the timeline for implementation is. An internal Implementation Plan for City staff has been developed to accompany the Reconciliation Plan 2021-2025. This document provides further detail on the actions to be delivered under each action as well as the Indigenous Hip Hop at Funloong Fun Day measures for its successful implementation.

Underpinning the Reconciliation Plan are the following commitments: In line with its whole-of-Council approach, all City Business • The Plan is intended to be a ‘living’ document, one that Units will be responsible for delivering and evaluating the remains flexible and can respond to the changing needs actions under this Plan. and priorities of our local Aboriginal community. Through To ensure accountability to our local Aboriginal community, regular reviews and monitoring, we will ensure the Plan the City is committed to establishing an Aboriginal responds to emerging issues and important community Community Engagement Group to review, monitor and conversation that arise throughout its duration, such as provide feedback on the Plan’s implementation, and to developments in the Victorian Treaty Process, a local level provide input on important local issues and conversations. Treaty with DDWCAC, and the Black Lives Matter movement This Group will also ensure the Plan and our work remains • The Plan is designed to be a localised strategy that relevant to the community. remains accountable to and endorsed by the Traditional The Reconciliation Plan will also be championed across the Owners and our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation by: community • Our Executive Management Team (Chief Executive Officer • We will strengthen our ‘whole-of-Council’ approach to and Directors) reconciliation and keep working to ensure reconciliation becomes part of everyday business at the City • Our Senior Leadership Team • We will build stronger relationships with our Aboriginal • Members of the City’s internal Reconciliation Champions and Torres Strait Islander residents, and ensure our Network with staff represented from all levels of our work is based on two-way learning, open and honest organisation conversations, listening, sharing, trust and understanding These champions will enable the City to deepen our • We will remain proactive in engaging the community at commitment towards reconciliation, broaden our all levels, especially at the grassroots level. We want to understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ensure our staff, programs and services are going out to the culture and history, and promote the Plan throughout the community, rather than expecting community to always organisation and the community. come to us • We acknowledge our leadership role in reconciliation across the region and Greater Bendigo, and our Evaluation and monitoring responsibility to encourage other local governments and mainstream agencies to further their own reconciliation The Plan will be monitored and reviewed annually by journeys Council, the Reconciliation Plan Steering Committee and the Aboriginal Community Engagement Group. The City The City’s Community Partnership Unit and the Reconciliation will also work with the DDWCAC and TLWC to ensure our Plan Steering Committee will advocate for and oversee the Traditional Owners regularly review and are able to give their delivery of this Reconciliation Plan. endorsement of the Plan and its series of actions.

20 | Barpangu ‘build together’ Our Reconciliation Plan 2021-2025 – Objectives and Actions

Our shared vision

Reconciliation Plan 2021–2025 | 21 Respect Respecting and celebrating our Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and cultures through all levels of our organisation, and this is fundamental to deepening our cross-cultural understanding and to developing equal and healthy relationships

Objective 1: Recognise, acknowledge and celebrate the Traditional Owners

ACTION APPLICABLE TO TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

1.1 Deliver and embed Welcome to Country and • RAPs Ongoing • Executive Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners within City Management Team operations, events and activities to celebrate Aboriginal • Communications culture and values across the municipality consistent with • Community recognised Country (e.g. cultural protocols, signage, City Partnerships induction processes and the City website) • Organisational Leadership Team

1.2 Work with the Traditional Owner Groups to promote • RAPs Ongoing • Community Aboriginal place naming and the use of Dja Dja Wurrung Partnerships and Taungurung language in public spaces across the • Parks and Open Space municipality consistent with recognised Country • Community Wellbeing

Objective 2: Make our programs and services culturally safe, inclusive, and responsive to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

ACTION APPLICABLE TO TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

2.1 Engage BDAC to develop and implement a pilot Cultural • RAPs July 2022 • Community Wellbeing Safety Training Package for the City’s direct service units • Broader • People and Culture to embed training and culturally safe practises when Aboriginal working with Aboriginal clients and families community

2.2 Deliver on recommendations of the Cultural Audit of the • RAPs Staged • Goldfields Library Bendigo Library, and work in partnership with Traditional • Broader approached Owners and the local Aboriginal community to deliver Aboriginal by January cultural safety measures in the Kangaroo Flag, Eaglehawk, community 2025 Elmore and Heathcote Libraries

22 | Barpangu ‘build together’ 2.3 Work with Traditional Owners and local Aboriginal • RAPs Annually • People and Culture organisations to deliver localised cultural awareness • Community Wellbeing training, including: • Visitor Information • Delivering quarterly Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Centre Training to staff, and a minimum of two Cultural • Goldfields Libraries Awareness (local content) and On-Country Training sessions through the Traditional Owners • Delivering targeted training to relevant City staff and volunteers to increase cultural awareness and competency

2.4 Deliver Cultural Self Reflection sessions to at least 50 staff • RAPs Annually • Community each year in partnership with the Bendigo Reconciliation • Broader Partnerships Group, as part of the City’s commitment to truth telling Aboriginal • People and Culture and exploration of issues surrounding white privilege and community racism

2.5 Deliver an Aboriginal Cultural Awareness session as part • RAPs July 2021 • Governance of Councillor induction at the beginning of the four-year term

2.6 Host a dinner during the Council term between • RAPs December • Community Councillors and the DDWCAC and TLWC Board and senior 2021 Partnerships management to strengthen relationship building and • Governance cultural understanding

2.7 Provide opportunities for Councillors to further increase • RAPs • July 2022 • Governance their cultural awareness and understanding through • Broader • July 2025 participating in cultural training, such as Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal On-Country training and Cultural Self Reflections sessions community

Signage at the entry of the Bendigo Art Gallery

Reconciliation Plan 2021–2025 | 23 Objective 3: Support community and civic events that acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

ACTION APPLICABLE TO TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

3.1 Deliver three activities each year to celebrate National • RAPs Ongoing • Community Reconciliation Week, and continue to encourage staff and • Broader Partnerships senior leaders to participate in annual NRW events Aboriginal • Bendigo Art Gallery community • Goldfields Libraries

3.2 Work in partnership with the Bendigo NAIDOC Week • RAPs Ongoing • Community Committee and the local Aboriginal community to deliver • Broader Partnerships annual events celebrating NAIDOC Week Aboriginal • Bendigo Venue community & Events • Community Wellbeing • Goldfields Libraries

3.3 Host an event that celebrates cultural diversity in Greater • RAPs March 2023 • Community Bendigo and showcases both the region’s Aboriginal and • Broader Partnerships multicultural history Aboriginal community

3.4 Explore ways in which the City and Council recognises • RAPs Annually • Community community milestones, consulting closely with the • Broader Partnerships Traditional Owners and the local Aboriginal community Aboriginal community

Objective 4: Enhance and increase opportunities for Aboriginal people to help guide and participate in City activities and events

ACTION APPLICABLE TO TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

4.1 Develop a shared plan of action to progress key measures • RAPs December • Community and self-determination principles under the Victorian • Broader 2021 Partnerships Aboriginal and Local Government Strategy 2020-2025 Aboriginal community

4.2 Provide a range of opportunities to increase Aboriginal • RAPs Ongoing • Community perspectives and participation in City processes and • Broader Partnerships activities, including leadership opportunities for Aboriginal • Community Wellbeing Aboriginal residents community

4.3 Provide opportunities for Aboriginal residents, and • RAPs Ongoing • Community particularly young people, to have input into City services • Broader Partnerships and programs through Advisory Committees and working Aboriginal groups, the Youth Council and engagement with City staff community and teams

24 | Barpangu ‘build together’ Aboriginal place naming in Greater Bendigo – Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre, Kangaroo Flat

Objective 5: Aboriginal cultural heritage, history and story-telling is integrated into our public spaces

ACTION APPLICABLE TO TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

5.1 Increase the visibility of Aboriginal culture, history and • RAPs Ongoing • Community landscapes across Greater Bendigo through Public Art, Partnerships interpretative signage, public performances and initiatives • Regional Sustainable Development • Bendigo Venue & Events

5.2 City festivals and civic events to include Traditional Owner • RAPs Ongoing • Tourism and Major and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content within • Broader Events event programming Aboriginal community

Objective 6: Provide opportunities for all residents in Greater Bendigo to engage in reconciliation

ACTION APPLICABLE TO TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

6.1 Provide information to the wider community regarding • RAPs Ongoing • Communications reconciliation initiatives and provide opportunities • Broader • Community for increased public awareness and understanding of Aboriginal Partnerships Traditional Owners and the local Aboriginal community community

Reconciliation Plan 2021–2025 | 25 Partnerships Create and strengthen our partnerships with Traditional Owners and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community by genuine engagement that is embedded across the organisation, and by investing in our relationships and building trust

Objective 7: Enhance our engagement and delivery of the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Recognition and Settlement Agreements

ACTION APPLICABLE TO TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

7.1 Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation • RAPs Annually • Statutory Planning (DDWCAC) • Parks and Open Space Continue to strengthen our compliance with the • Engineering Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010, Aboriginal • Active and Healthy Heritage Act 2006 and the Dja Dja Wurrung Recognition Lifestyles and Settlement Agreement 2013, including: • Community • Engaging Dja Dja Wurrung to provide annual training Partnerships to relevant City staff on cultural heritage, the Land Use Activity Agreement and the Recognition and Settlement Agreement • Incorporate the Dhelkunya Dja Country Plan goals into City planning, policy and service delivery

7.2 Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLWC) • RAPs Annually • Community Strengthen our partnership with the TLWC to support Partnerships the implementation of the Taungurung Recognition and • Executive Settlement Agreement 2018, including: Management Team • Engaging Taungurung to provide training to relevant City staff on the Taungurung Recognition and Settlement Agreement, and City participation in the Taungurung Local Council Forums

7.3 Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Traditional Owners • RAPs Annually • Financial Strategy Host and resource Traditional Owner participation in • Procurement annual formal strategic meetings between City and Traditional Owner senior staff to determine projects for collaboration and to forecast upcoming Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs), Land Use Activity Agreements and capital works program

7.4 Develop a Memorandum of Understanding for Traditional • RAPs July 2021 • Procurement Owner Consultation and Engagement, including developing a schedule of fees for Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Traditional Owner consultation and engagement

26 | Barpangu ‘build together’ 7.5 Explore opportunities to create an annual ‘Recognition • RAPs May 2021 • Executive and Settlement Agreement Retainer’ that is funded by Management Team Councils situated on Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung • Community Country and is used to assist Councils with Traditional Partnerships Owner liaison and engagement; relationship building, and guidance on cultural heritage and planning

7.6 Develop specific Strategic Planning Tools within the • RAPs Ongoing • Statutory Planning planning system to protect places of significant Aboriginal • Engineering cultural heritage

Objective 8: Partner with the Traditional Owners to support and recognise Aboriginal land, water and cultural heritage rights

ACTION APPLICABLE TO TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

8.1 Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation • RAPs January 2023 • Regional Sustainable (DDWCAC) – January Development Co-develop a joint management framework with the Dja 2024 • Parks and Open Space Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation for managing the City’s relevant public land that will include developing a governance model, specify principles of engagement, and identify levels of decision making for specific land parcels

8.2 Support and work with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans • RAPs Ongoing • Regional Sustainable Aboriginal Corporation and other Traditional Owner Development Groups to deliver initiatives as part of the UNESCO City of Gastronomy program

8.3 Continue to progress the Reimagining Bendigo Creek • RAPs Ongoing • Regional Sustainable project in partnership with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Development Aboriginal Corporation • Parks and Open Space

8.4 Continue to implement the Bendigo Botanic Gardens • RAPs Ongoing • Parks and Open Space Masterplan in collaboration with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation

8.5 Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Traditional Owners • RAPs Ongoing • Parks and Open Space Continue to work with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans • Community Aboriginal Corporation and the Taungurung Land & Partnerships Waters Council to support community aspirations under the Country Plans

8.6 Deliver actions under the Greening Greater Bendigo • RAPs Ongoing • Parks and Open Space strategy and work with the Traditional Owners to recognise and respect connection to country through public space and urban tree management

8.7 Progress opportunities for Traditional Owners to deliver • RAPs Ongoing • Business Services natural resource and land management strategies on • Parks and Open Space Council owned and/or managed land, including at Bendigo Airport, Bendigo Creek and other sites across the municipality

8.8 Integrate native plants into public spaces and gardens • RAPs By January • Parks and Open Space where appropriate, and provide support to the Traditional 2022 and Owners to develop a list of locally significant Indigenous ongoing vegetation

Reconciliation Plan 2021–2025 | 27 Objective 9: Improve health and wellbeing outcomes through connections to family, community and story-telling

ACTION APPLICABLE TO TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

9.1 Seek opportunities to fund community-led camps and/or • RAPs December • Community cultural exchange trips to support and strengthen culture • Broader 2023 Partnerships and connections for Aboriginal residents Aboriginal • Bendigo Venues community & Events

9.2 Identify opportunities to partner with and support BDAC • RAPs Annually • Community Wellbeing community initiatives, significant sporting events, and • Broader • Active and Healthy programs for local Aboriginal residents Aboriginal Lifestyles community

9.3 Increase Aboriginal participation in recreational activities • RAPs Ongoing • Active and Healthy across Greater Bendigo through supporting and ensuring • Broader Lifestyles access to mainstream sports, social activities, and Aboriginal recreational facilities at both the local and state level community

Objective 10: Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, children and Elders

ACTION APPLICABLE TO TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

10.1 Continue to liaise and work in partnership with BDAC, • Broader Ongoing • Community Wellbeing the Early Childhood Professional Practice Partnership Aboriginal Advisory Group and local services to support children and community their families in early years

10.2 Complete annual Reconciliation Action Plans for the • RAPs Annually • Community Wellbeing Helen Jessen and Annie Galvin Early Learning Centres • Broader through Reconciliation Australia’s Narragunawali Aboriginal program, and work with Koorie Engagement Support community Officers to review Cultural Audits and work done to date

10.3 Work with BDAC to review the City’s existing • Broader July 2021 • Community Wellbeing documentation and intake forms and processes to ensure Aboriginal they follow culturally safe practises community

10.4 Seek opportunities to celebrate the role and contribution • RAPs October 2021 • Community Wellbeing of local Elders and older Aboriginal people to the Greater • Broader (and ongoing) Bendigo community, working closely with Traditional Aboriginal Owners and BDAC community

Objective 11: Support healing, justice and reconciliation within our community

ACTION APPLICABLE TO TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

11.1 Support the Traditional Owners to hold a memorial • RAPs February 2023 • Community service to recognise the Frontier Wars and the local story Partnerships of this Country

11.2 Investigate ways to support Aboriginal families and • RAPs January 2024 • Parks and Open Space children experiencing the effects of trauma, such as access • Broader • Community to sensory gardens or playgrounds, offering professional Aboriginal Partnerships development for City staff in direct service provision, and community • Community Wellbeing adopting a trauma-informed lens to the City’s work

28 | Barpangu ‘build together’ Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Aunty Marilyne Nicholls at the Bendigo Art Gallery Opportunities Enhance the wellbeing of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community through social inclusion, civic participation and cultural expression, and by providing employment and facilitating economic participation

Objective 12: Increase Aboriginal procurement and business engagement to support improved economic and social outcomes

ACTION APPLICABLE TO TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

12.1 Deliver the recommendations of the ‘Improving • RAPs Staged • Procurement Aboriginal Procurement in Local Government’ project • Broader approach by in partnership with Loddon and Mount Alexander Shire Aboriginal January 2025 Councils, including creation of an Aboriginal Procurement community Lead officer position for the Loddon Mallee region and seek funding to resource the project, and developing an Aboriginal Procurement Strategy

12.2 Deliver supplier briefings to Aboriginal and Torres • RAPs In • Procurement Strait Islander businesses in relation to procurement • Broader development • Regional Sustainable opportunities and business support at the City Aboriginal Development community

12.3 Implement a supplier development program to educate • RAPs In • Procurement and support suppliers on Aboriginal procurement • Broader development opportunities, including RSA-related engagement with Aboriginal Traditional Owners community

12.4 Set target of 1% for increased Aboriginal procurement • RAPs Staged • Procurement on categories where Aboriginal business spend has been • Broader approach by • Financial Strategy identified*, with a view to building towards this target Aboriginal January 2025 over 2021-2025, and establish an Aboriginal procurement community reporting framework to measure spend and program benefits annually *Set target of 1% on total spend on the categories of construction and operations, parks and gardens, repairs and maintenance, and community support and events

12.5 Continue City membership of the Victorian Aboriginal • RAPs Annually • Procurement Chamber of Commerce, Kinaway to improve visibility, • Broader support and engagement with Aboriginal businesses Aboriginal community

12.6 Explore opportunities to create a dedicated Operational • RAPs December • Executive Funding allocation to assist City Service Units to fund • Broader 2021 Management Team Traditional Owner engagement, cultural programs, and Aboriginal Procurement engage Aboriginal businesses community

30 | Barpangu ‘build together’ Objective 13: Increase support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned businesses within Greater Bendigo

ACTION APPLICABLE TO TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

13.1 Develop an Economic Development Plan to support • RAPs Staged • Regional Sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and • Broader approach by Development enterprises, and deliver a range of capacity building Aboriginal 2025 initiatives to support business development community

13.2 Develop commercial relationships with Aboriginal and/or • RAPs Ongoing • Procurement Torres Strait Islander businesses • Broader • Regional Sustainable Aboriginal Development community

13.3 Support the development and promotion of Aboriginal • RAPs Ongoing • Tourism and Major cultural tourism opportunities that showcase Aboriginal Events culture, natural resources and cultural heritage across • Visitor Information Greater Bendigo Centre • Bendigo Art Gallery

Objective 14: Create employment and training pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at the City

ACTION APPLICABLE TO TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

14.1 Develop and implement an Aboriginal Employment • RAPs Staged • People and Culture and Retention Plan, which includes setting KPIs and • Broader approach by employment targets with a commitment to work towards Aboriginal January 2025 an initial employment target of 1.7% representation in community line with community demographics and to supersede these targets over time

14.2 Present a business case and seek funding for an identified • RAPs July 2025 • Tourism and Major position within the Tourism and Major Events team • Broader Events to assist with developing Aboriginal cultural tourism Aboriginal opportunities community

14.3 Establish a Mentoring Support Program for Aboriginal • RAPs April 2022 • People and Culture employees at the City, setting up external cultural • Broader • Community supervision, and encouraging connections to other Aboriginal Partnerships networks and support programs community

14.4 Provide training and career pathways for Aboriginal young • RAPs Annually • People and Culture people into employment, with a focus on work experience • Broader • Community and student placements, traineeships, and targeted Aboriginal Partnerships career pathway days community • Community Wellbeing • Bendigo Art Gallery

14.5 Seek out and create partnership opportunities to • RAPs Ongoing • People and Culture support Aboriginal young people around education and • Broader • Community employment Aboriginal Partnerships community

Reconciliation Plan 2021–2025 | 31 Jason Kerr, Uncle Rick Nelson, and Tashara Roberts at the Indigenous Film Festival smoking ceremony

Objective 15: Increase opportunities for Aboriginal youth leadership and empowerment

ACTION APPLICABLE TO TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

15.1 Working through local Aboriginal organisations and • RAPs • July 2022 • Community communities, fund two of either cultural excursions, • Broader • July 2024 Partnerships immersion camps or exchanges to other Country to Aboriginal support Aboriginal young peoples’ connection to culture, community spirit and healing

15.2 Work with local artists and creatives to run at least three • RAPs Ongoing, • Community arts-based workshops and other leadership training • Broader starting April Partnerships sessions for Aboriginal young people Aboriginal 2021 community

15.3 Working in partnership with local Aboriginal communities • RAPs December • People and Culture and organisations, explore opportunities to hold Croc • Broader 2024 • Community Fest or similar arts and education event in the region to Aboriginal Partnerships encourage positive learning, mental health, and wellbeing community • Bendigo Venues outcomes for young people & Events

32 | Barpangu ‘build together’ Objective 16: Provide opportunities to promote and raise awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to the wider community

ACTION APPLICABLE TO TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

16.1 Commission Dja Dja Wurrung artists to develop renowned • RAPs In • Bendigo Art Gallery art pieces or installations to be permanently displayed in development Council buildings and across Greater Bendigo

16.2 Investigate the development of a First Nations community • RAPs In • Bendigo Art Gallery arts-led space which would support First Nation • Broader development creatives in areas of training, mentoring and future career Aboriginal development community

16.3 Integrate First Nations art, workshops and education • RAPs Annually • Bendigo Art Gallery programs into the Bendigo Art Gallery’s annual • Broader programming and provide support to First Nations art Aboriginal practitioners community

16.4 Deliver activities developed in partnership with • RAPs Annually • Bendigo Venues Multicultural Arts Victoria’s Emerge Cultural Hub Bendigo • Broader & Events to support artist led projects and initiatives as determined Aboriginal by the Emerge Cultural Hub communities community

16.5 Develop an Aboriginal identified position within the • RAPs Ongoing • Regional Sustainable Creative Communities team to support First Nations • Broader Development art and creative initiatives, and continue to support the Aboriginal • Bendigo Venues delivery of relevant actions under the Greater CREATIVE community & Events Bendigo Plan

Objective 17: Increase the presence and participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and performers in the City’s annual programming

ACTION APPLICABLE TO TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

17.1 Develop new relationships with Australia’s leading • RAPs Annually • Bendigo Venues Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, performers • Broader & Events and Performing Arts companies and present new works Aboriginal and programs that will engage the local community community

17.2 Support local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists • RAPs Annually • Bendigo Venues and performers in the development of new work and • Broader & Events ongoing projects Aboriginal community

Reconciliation Plan 2021–2025 | 33 Governance and reporting

Objective 18: Ensure effective mechanisms and supports are in place to enable success

ACTION APPLICABLE TO TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

18.1 Co-coordinate the delivery of the Central Victorian Local • RAPs Ongoing • Community Government Reconciliation Network to inform the delivery • Broader Partnerships of best practice activities that support reconciliation Aboriginal community

18.2 Promote reconciliation and the delivery of the • RAPs Ongoing • Community Reconciliation Plan 2021-2025 through the City’s internal • Broader Partnerships Reconciliation Champions Network, and provide Aboriginal opportunities for members to participate in cultural community training workshops and opportunities

Objective 19: Progress and review the delivery of the Reconciliation Plan 2021-2025

ACTION APPLICABLE TO TIMELINE RESPONSIBILITY

19.1 Establish an Aboriginal Community Engagement Group as • RAPs July 2021 • Community a mechanism to review, monitor and provide feedback on • Broader Partnerships the implementation of the Reconciliation Plan 2021-2025, Aboriginal provide input on other local issues as determined by community the group, and to form the foundation for establishing a future Aboriginal Advisory Committee

19.2 Develop a framework for the Reconciliation Plan 2021- • RAPs July 2021 • Community 2025 that provides a structure for implementing, reporting • Broader Partnerships and monitoring progress and outcomes Aboriginal community

19.3 Showcase the achievements and progress in delivering • RAPs Ongoing • Community the City’s Reconciliation Plan to staff, key partners and the • Broader Partnerships broader community Aboriginal • Communications community

34 | Barpangu ‘build together’ Acknowledgements We would like to sincerely thank the members of our Reconciliation Plan Working Group and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members who have contributed to and helped in the development of this Plan and its series of actions. We especially wish to thank the following: • Aunty Sue Allengame • Janet Bromley • Lorraine Brigdale • Sharon Briggs • Leigh Brown • Matthew Burns • Rodney Carter • Trina Dalton-Oogjes • Gabby Gamble • Raylene Harradine • Shonae Hobson • Racquel Kerr • Rick Kerr • Trey Kirby • Krystal Henderson • Jo Honeysett • Uncle Ron Marks • Aunty Marilyne Nicholls • Rhonda Penney • Simon Penrose • Nicola Perry • Morgan Rudd • Pauline Ugle • Aunty Lynn Warren • Baydon Widdicombe The City also thanks the many Aboriginal young people across Greater Bendigo who contributed to the development of this Plan and who were willing to share with us their thoughts, hopes and future aspirations for themselves, their families and their community. Address: 15 Hopetoun Street, Bendigo T: (03) 5434 6000 National Relay Service: 133 677 then quote 03 5434 6000 E: [email protected] W: www.bendigo.vic.gov.au

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