DRAFT Reconciliation Action Plan

Waverley Council DRAFT Reconciliation Action Plan

2014 – 2019

Contents

Acknowledgment ...... 3 Introduction ...... 3 Background and Definitions ...... 4 Our Vision ...... 5 Our Commitment for Reconciliation ...... 5 Guiding Principles of the RAP ...... 6 Our RAP ...... 6 Relevant legislation, policies and plans ...... 7 About Waverley ...... 8 Waverley's Aboriginal Heritage ...... 8 Waverley's ATSI Population – What does the census say? ...... 10 Key Partnerships ...... 11 La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council ...... 11 Eastern Region Local Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Forum (ERLGATSIF) ...... 11 Relationships ...... 13 Respect...... 15 Opportunities ...... 17 Tracking progress and reporting ...... 18

Acknowledgment

Waverly Council acknowledges the Bidjigal and Gadigal people, who traditionally occupied the Sydney Coast and we acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders both past and present.

Waverley Council acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) Australians were the first people of this land and were dispossessed by the European occupation more than two centuries ago. The arrival of Europeans brought massive change to the land and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Waverley Council acknowledges and grieves for the loss by ATSI people of their land, their children, their health and their lives. However, we also celebrate their survival and the survival of their culture.

Introduction

Waverley’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is our commitment to national reconciliation efforts. The plan's proposed actions and strategies include those already undertaken by Council as internal organisational initiatives. Also featured are actions carried out in partnership with local and regional services and communities aimed at improving outcomes for ATSI people in our broader community.

Commitment to reconciliation is underpinned by a deep respect for the rich and complex nature of ATSI culture. ‘Reconciliation involves symbolic recognition of the honoured place of the first Australians, as well as practical measures to address the disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples in health, employment, education and general opportunity’ - Reconciliation Australia.

Implementation of the RAP is part of Council’s existing commitment to regional efforts towards reconciliation through the Eastern Region Local Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ERLGATSI) partnership. The RAP will consolidate and strengthen Council strategies we are already pursuing, in line with the vision and direction of our Community Strategic Plan, Waverley Together 3. Importantly, the RAP will revise and improve Council's outdated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access and Equity Policy (1999). Waverley is a prominent tourist destination. With a stronger focus on the area’s economic development, there is potential to investigate opportunities for ATSI communities in relation to small business development, traineeships and environmental sustainability.

Background and Definitions

Waverley Council has supported reconciliation strategies for a number of years. Previous reports on access and equity initiatives have provided regular updates and reflect our progress in this area.

The RAP will act as Council’s framework of ATSI strategies that align with Council’s strategic directions expressed in Waverley Together 3 and through other Council policies and satellite plans (eg Equal Employment Opportunity). Similar to our Cultural Diversity Policy, the RAP combines policy and action planning and includes measures and timeframes.

For ease of use, we have adopted the term Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) to refer to two distinctly different cultural groups. The term Indigenous is used when referring to all Indigenous people in Australia and is a more generic term.

Waverley Council recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have strong connections to place and country. This policy encompasses people, land and culture as being intrinsically connected in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity.

Waverley Council acknowledges that the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council is the elected body under the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 for Aboriginal Land, culture, heritage and housing in the Waverley LGA. The La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council extends from Dover Heights to the Sutherland Shire.

Our Vision

Waverley’s vision includes clear statements about reconciliation with our indigenous past and shared future. These statements frame our strategic plan and guide all our actions. In 2012, these sentiments were renewed following community consultations to inform Council’s revision and updates for Waverley Together 3, our current community strategic plan.

The following vision statements reflect our aspirations for reconciliation:

“We are united by a common passion for our beautiful home between the city and the sea. Inspired by the magnificent landscape of Waverley and by the gifts we have inherited from those who have been here before us, we dream of a fulfilling life where... • we are safe • we are reconciled with and value our indigenous past • connections within families and between generations can remain unbroken • we are inspired and able to renew our physical and spiritual wellbeing • everyone is welcome to participate positively in community life • we can express our essential selves through our traditions, our arts, our cultures and our lifestyles • we act together as a compassionate society…”

Our Commitment for Reconciliation

Our vision for reconciliation is a community where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are truly valued as the first people through respect and understanding. We commit ourselves to respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sacred sites and special places.

We support the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians to determine their own future and recognise their right to live according to their own values and customs.

Waverley’s inclusive and tolerant community is proud to help create and nurture equitable access and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in all spheres of life.

Council recognises the valuable contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and we look forward to a future of mutual respect and harmony.

Guiding Principles of the RAP

Relationships We aim to maintain and strengthen respectful and mutually beneficial working relationships between Council and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff members, community members, peak bodies and organisations, to include and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Respect We work hard to recognise, protect, conserve and celebrate Aboriginal cultural heritage in Waverley and to promote cultural understanding amongst Council staff by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to do this. Opportunities We endeavor to promote services and programs and implement strategies in our region to benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by increasing opportunities in employment, business, education, art and culture, environment and heritage.

Tracking and Monitoring We will review and improve our RAP on an annual basis.

Our RAP

Our RAP builds on Council's Statement of Commitment to Reconciliation (2000) as well as our commitments under our ATSI Access and Equity Policy (1999). Council committed to developing a Reconciliation Action Plan in response to Reconciliation Australia’s call for all Australians to join a National Program of Action. The forum then worked on creating a process for a regional strategy, however, it was then decided that each local council develop their own Action Plan in consultation with the Forum.

Council’s work has focused on building relationships, improving our practices and programs, and creating opportunities for ATSI residents. We have developed and promoted cultural protocols, procedures and policies, resourced staff with an understanding of our Indigenous cultural heritage, raised awareness of ATSI related issues within the community, supported local ATSI services and projects, identified and protected culturally significant sites within the LGA, employed and mentored ERLGATSI Forum workers and contributed to regional planning and action for Reconciliation through the ERLGATSI Forum.

Relevant legislation, Policies and Plans

The RAP is based on the social justice principles of rights, participation, access and equity for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people. These principles underpin our integrated planning framework in local government. This initiative has provided a good opportunity to integrate access and equity initiatives into our corporate strategic plan. Actions incorporated into these plans include measurable targets and identify officers responsible for implementation and reporting.

The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was developed through a process which included:

Reference to the following Council plans, policies and guidelines:

• Waverley Council Community Strategic Plan Waverley Together 3 - 2013 - 2025 • Waverley Council Delivery Program - 2013 - 2017 • Waverley Council Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access and Equity Policy (1999)

Reference to the following international and national plans, policies and guidelines:

• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (March 2009) • Racial Discrimination Act 1975 • National Anti-Racism Strategy July 2012 • Local Government Charter • Reconciliation Australia – Guidelines to Producing a RAP (March 2013)

Consultation activities including:

• Community consultation held at Biddigal Reserve in 2009 • Consultation with the Eastern Region Local Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Forum • Consultation with the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council • Draft reviewed by Reconciliation Australia and assessed as Level 2 - recognising Council’s extensive foundation for reconciliation work • The establishment of a small internal stakeholder group (yet to be implemented)

About Waverley

Waverley is a mid-sized urban local government area in eastern Sydney bounded by Woollahra LGA in the north and west, the Tasman Sea in the east, and the City of Randwick in the south. With a population of 62,727, Waverley is the most densely populated LGA in Australia after Sydney, and includes the suburbs of Bondi Junction, Queens Park, Bronte, Waverley, Bondi, North Bondi, Tamarama, Dover Heights and parts of Rose Bay.

Waverley is one of Sydney’s most popular residential areas. Visitors and residents are drawn to our local beaches and the rugged coastline, world famous Bondi Beach, busy retail and commercial centres and a relaxed and vibrant lifestyle. Bondi Junction is a regional shopping and commercial centre which is well serviced by efficient train and bus links. These links bring Bondi Junction in close proximity to Sydney’s Central Business District. Waverley has no heavy industry. Its major employing industries are property and business services, retail, and health and community services.

Waverley has many sites that are of cultural significance to Aboriginal people. The area’s local history and traditions have been enriched by different waves of migration from all over the world which has resulted in a dynamic, culturally diverse community.

In 2013 11 staff members, or 2% of Council’s workforce of 583 people, identified themselves as being from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background. Waverley Council has had one Indigenous Councillor since 1999. Indigenous staff members are entitled to one day leave during NAIDOC week to enable them to participate in National Aboriginal and Islander Day (NAIDOC) celebrations and four staff used their 2013 NAIDOC entitlement as a public holiday.

Waverley's Aboriginal Heritage

The Waverley area was originally inhabited by the Gadigal (Cadi-gal) people and the Bidgigal (Biddigal, Bidigal) people who traditionally occupied the Sydney coastline. Aboriginal people made use of the abundant fresh water which was once available at Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte. When the British arrived at Botany Bay in 1788, around 1500 Aboriginal people were estimated to have lived between Broken Bay and Botany Bay. Within a few years of the European arrivals the Aboriginal population along the coast had been devastated. By the mid-1800s, most of the coastal Aboriginal groups had either been dispossessed from their traditional lands or had died from European diseases. European settlement of the La Perouse area dates from the 1830s, with land used mainly for farming and market gardening. Growth occurred in the late 1800s and early 1900s, enabled by the construction of the tram line, which allowed for significant development after World War I and II.

Today, La Perouse and Phillip Bay is an established residential and recreational area, with a strong Aboriginal population. Many members of the La Perouse Aboriginal Community can trace their family ancestry to Aboriginal persons who occupied the coastal area of Sydney and Botany Bay prior to European occupation. There are eleven recorded archaeological sites in the form of rock engravings, shelters with middens, open campsite and burial, and shelter with rock art which still exist in Waverley. There are also a number of other possible sites which require further study.

Waverley's ATSI Population – What does the census say?

Waverley has a small population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents. According to the 2011 ABS Census, there were 245 ATSI residents living in Waverley, or 0.39% of the total population. This is a small percentage compared to Greater Sydney’s 1.25%. Our neighbouring councils, Randwick and the City of Sydney, have much larger ATSI populations and are home to the well known Redfern and La Perouse communities. In our reconciliation efforts, these communities form an important part of our regional network.

There are some significant differences when comparing Waverley’s community profile with Greater Sydney’s. Not surprisingly, the characteristics of Waverley’s ATSI community are also markedly different. The Waverley profile highlights the fact that many of our ATSI residents enjoy a high standard of living and are doing very well in areas such as education, employment and housing. Compared to the overall ATSI population in Greater Sydney:

• The median age of ATSI people in Waverley was 27. This was much younger than our non-ATSI population 35, but older than the median age of Greater Sydney's ATSI population 22.

• The median weekly household income of our ATSI residents was $1,542. This was lower than the household income of our non-ATSI population $1,914, but higher than the household income of Greater Sydney's ATSI population $1,148.

• The median mortgage payment per month was $3,678 for our ATSI population, which was higher than the median payment for our non- ATIS population $3,000.

• The percentage of our ATSI residents in the labour force was 77.4%, which was higher than our non-ATSI population 73.8%, and much higher than Greater Sydney's ATSI population 56.1%.

• 8.3% of our ATSI population were unemployed, this was higher than our non-ATSI population 4% but much lower than Greater Sydney's ATSI population 13.2%.

• Of the ATSI population in Waverley, 68% have completed year 12 or equivalent. This was lower than our non-ATSI population at 79.7%, but much higher than Greater Sydney's ATSI residents at 30.6%.

• Of the total ATSI population over the age of 15 in Waverley, 47.1% had completed a qualification after school. This was lower than our non-ATSI population 72.1% but higher than Greater Sydney's ATSI population at 29.5%.

Key Partnerships

La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council The La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council (La Perouse LALC) is a key contact and point of reference for Waverley Council when addressing issues impacting our Aboriginal community, developing protocols and procedures, and coordinating community engagement and strategic planning activities. The objectives of the La Perouse LALC are to improve, protect and foster the best interests of all Aboriginal persons within the La Perouse LALC’s area and other persons who are members of the La Perouse LALC. Eastern Region Local Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Forum (ERLGATSIF) In 1999, the eastern Sydney councils resolved to form a committee that would develop and drive regional strategies aimed at addressing the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the community. Members councils include City of Botany Bay, City of Sydney, Leichhardt, Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra. The committee is made up of Councillors, council staff and representatives from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committees. Each council contributes money and in-kind resources to employ an Aboriginal person to coordinate committee projects. Every two years, a different council takes on the responsibility to host and mentor the part-time worker.

Waverley Council's core commitment to reconciliation is through the ERLGATSIF partnership. The objectives of the committee are to: • Develop regionally focused cooperative strategies to stimulate reconciliation efforts by all member councils • Include full participation by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the diverse aspects of council life . Display highly visible logo’s and literature welcoming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to member councils . Stimulate member councils to undertake actions in their service that will reflect a direct benefit to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community living in their municipality . Resource Reconciliation projects which will be beneficial to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and member Councils . Provide an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committees to consult with the ERLGATSIF on a regional level in order to participate in the development of strategies and decision making processes impacting the health and well being of their communities

Reconciliation Week and Pauline McLeod Awards Since its inception, the ERLGATSIF partnership has achieved a number of positive community outcomes through annual events to mark Reconciliation Week, including the Pauling McLeod Awards for Reconciliation. In 1962, Pauline was removed from her natural family, joining many others who had become part of the ‘stolen generation’. Throughout her life she was recognised as a versatile, multi-talented artist who excelled in all facets of the media, from TV and radio to theatre and film. She was best known as ‘Pauline from Play School’. Through her skill as a storyteller and performer she spread awareness of indigenous culture and heritage. Using her talents, Pauline opened the way for improved respect and understanding between indigenous and non-indigenous people. Pauline McLeod passed away on the 22nd May 2003, 11

aged 43. The Pauline McLeod Awards honour her legacy by acknowledging people who live and/or work towards true Reconciliation in one of the member council areas. The competition creates awareness and engagement in schools and the broader community and promotes meaningful discussions about our ATSI cultural heritage and the journey to Reconciliation.

Relationships Council aims to maintain, build and strengthen our relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and organisations to understand past injustices, address issues of historical inequities, and support the reconciliation process. Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target 1.1 Seek feedback on the draft RAP RCP May 2014 2 x articles in Pipeline and use of other internal and external and publicise and promote RAP onwards communication channels objectives and achievements internally and externally Targeted internal and external consultation feedback sought and considered.

Key stakeholders engaged to assist with RAP implementation, monitoring and reporting.

1.2 Continue to support and RCP Annually Number of meetings attended by Councillors and Council financially contribute to the work of officers (6 meetings p/a). the Eastern Region Local Government Aboriginal and Torres Financial contribution to the cost of employing the Strait Islander (ERLGATSI) Forum. ERLGATSI Forum worker. Council’s contribution to regional strategies documented in ERLGATSI Forum five year action plan.

1.3 Support and promote ERLGATSI RCP Annually Art competition and Pauline McLeod awards ceremony Forum Reconciliation Week hosted in partnership with La Perouse LALC, local schools, activities. GMU May-June community members and groups.

LCS Staff time and Council’s financial contribution to the CCS ERLGATSI Forum. Promotional material distributed through Council’s website

1.3 Strengthen relationships with RCP May 2014 Partnership with La Perouse Aboriginal Land Council Waverley’s ATSI peak bodies and onwards strengthened. interagencies to assist with RAP PES implementation. Consultation undertaken to establish level of involvement of La Perouse LALC/other bodies in regional initiatives eg protocols, staff education and training, community engagement and protection of culturally significant sites.

Report twice per year on activities of La Perouse Koori Interagency by maintaining contact via phone, emails, meetings.

Respect

The Waverley community values Aboriginal cultural heritage and Council endeavors to continually work in best practice ways to recognise, conserve and celebrate Aboriginal cultural heritage in our organisation and in the Waverley community.

Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target 2.1 Explore protocol options for ATSI PES Jun/2015 Options for cultural protocols and management of ATSI sites of significance with input from significant sites across the LGA are investigated, reported La Perouse LALC. and included in POMs.

Provide information and skills RCP Workshop developed and delivered with PES staff, in development for PES on cultural ERLGATSIF partnership with ERLGATSIF, the Office of Environment heritage issues in planning and and Heritage and Local Aboriginal Land Councils. assessment.

2.2 Continue to promote activities for RCP ongoing Number of events promoted as listed in the Operational national days of significance which Plan. relate to ATSI cultural heritage and GMU reconciliation. EBD Significant days integrated into Council's events and promotional calendar. CCS Promotional material on ATSI significant days developed

HR/OD and distributed through website and other communications channels.

Leave entitlements for ATSI staff are continued to be promoted to encourage participation in local NAIDOC week events.

2.3 Formalise and promote existing RCP Dec 2014 Protocols formalised and promoted internally. cultural protocol for Welcome to 15

Respect

Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target Country and Acknowledgement of HR&OD Country to ensure appropriate and consistent use. GMU GIP

2.4 Continue to engage new HR&OD Jun 2015 Working With Difference training held twice a year. employees in cultural learning. Working With Difference handbook updated and promoted in Staff Induction training.

2.5 Review and update information RCP Aug 2014 Information on Council's website updated. on Waverley's ATSI community, cultural heritage and Council initiatives

Opportunities

Waverley Council acknowledges the social, economic and community benefits of cultural diversity in our organisation and community. We believe access and equity and equal opportunity are important principles in engaging and including minority groups into our organisation and community.

Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target 3.1 Improve staff access to ATSI CCS Jun/2015 Consolidated list of ATSI businesses supporting Council businesses in the fields of programs and events made available to staff and entertainment, catering, tourism and LCS promoted internally. education. RCP

3.2 Promote awareness of RCP Jun/2015 One advertisement in Koori Mail per year. affordable and community housing programs in Waverley’s ATSI Number of ATSI people in our affordable and community community. housing programs reported.

3.3 Support HR&OD in the HR/OD Jun/2015 Proportion of ATSI employees in Council workforce is in implementation of EEO plan line with benchmark data, as part of Council’s EEO plan strategies targeting ATSI people. and Access and Equity reporting. • Advertisement strategies developed to improve access to ATSI candidates • Continue to support ATSI employees through targeted learning, development and mentoring opportunities • Targeted ATSI traineeships considered

Tracking progress and reporting Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target 4.1 Waverley Council reports on RCP Jun/2015 RAP report completed for Council’s access and equity RAP achievements and annual report and inclusion in Impact Measurement Report challenges. for Reconciliation Australia.

Attachment 1 - Waverley

celebrating Indigenous culture