Reconciliation Action Plan 2018/19 – 2021/22 Dr. Richard Walley OAM performing Welcome to Country. Bulgalla – Banksia (Menziesii).
Message from the Mayor
I am pleased to present the City of process, delivering strong cultural practices and cultural Wanneroo Innovate Reconciliation outcomes and positive impacts for protocols and history, including the Action Plan (RAP) 2018/19-2021/22. our community. impact of past Government policies. The City’s journey to reconciliation This RAP symbolises our commitment Underpinning this pillar is a strong started in 2010 when Council to continuously work towards commitment to staff training and resolved to develop its inaugural improving relationships, opportunities community education programs RAP, implemented through and respect within the City. to improve cultural understanding and awareness. 2012-2014. Reconciliation at the City aspires The inaugural RAP sought to to foster mutual respect where The pillar of ‘Opportunities’ focusses create awareness for residents and Aboriginal people and other on building strategies to increase employees of the City’s commitment Australians come together to learn, employment opportunities and to reconciliation and a greater appreciate and grow proud of the the support and engagement understanding of Aboriginal culture rich Aboriginal culture that has of Aboriginal organisations and in the City of Wanneroo. existed for thousands of years and businesses. It identifies ways that continues today. the City can refine, prioritise and The RAP 2018/19-2021/22 is focus its actions to achieve real a result of extensive community The actions in the RAP are based results in employment and training consultation, together with the RAP on the three pillars of Relationships, outcomes for Aboriginal Australians. Working Group, which consists of 10 Respect and Opportunities. community members of Aboriginal I would like to sincerely thank Actions within the pillar of the RAP Working Group for and non-Aboriginal descent, myself ‘Relationships’ are designed and three City Councillors. their commitment, collaboration to acknowledge key dates in the and guidance in developing this The actions in this Plan reflect Aboriginal cultural calendar; Reconciliation Action Plan. greater engagement with the develop our relationships with Aboriginal community, stronger Aboriginal communities and I invite you to read, reflect on and working relationships and organisations; and promote our support initiatives in the plan as broadening of networks to advance RAP, and our commitment to it, we move towards reconciliation the great opportunities already to the broader community. and a more vibrant, diverse and inclusive City. in place. Actions within the pillar of ‘Respect’ This Plan will enable the City to are focused on building our Mayor Tracey Roberts JP further research the reconciliation knowledge of past and current
1 / Reconciliation Action Plan Karak – Red-tailed black cockatoo
Message from Reconciliation Australia
On behalf of Reconciliation Australia, of the community—governments, Aboriginal Reconciliation reminded I am delighted to see the City of civil society, the private sector, and the nation in its final report: Wanneroo continue its reconciliation Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reconciliation is hard work—it’s journey and to formally endorse its communities—have a role to play to a long, winding and corrugated second Innovate RAP. progress these dimensions. road, not a broad, paved highway. Through the development of an The RAP program provides a Determination and effort at all levels Innovate RAP, the City of Wanneroo framework for organisations to of government and in all sections of continues to play an important advance reconciliation within the community will be essential to part in a community of over 1,000 their spheres of influence. This make reconciliation a reality. dedicated corporate, government, Innovate RAP provides the City On behalf of Reconciliation Australia, and not-for-profit organisations of Wanneroo with the key steps I commend the City of Wanneroo on that have formally committed to to establish its own unique the continuation of your RAP, and reconciliation through the RAP approach to reconciliation. look forward to following its ongoing program since its inception in 2006. Through implementing an Innovate reconciliation journey. RAP organisations across Australia RAP, the City of Wanneroo will are turning good intentions into strengthen its approach to driving Karen Mundine positive actions, helping to build reconciliation through its business Chief Executive Officer higher trust, lower prejudice, and activities, services and programs, Reconciliation Australia increase pride in Aboriginal and and develop mutually beneficial Torres Strait Islander cultures. relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders. Reconciliation is no one single issue or agenda. Based on international We wish the City of Wanneroo well research and benchmarking, as it embeds and expands its own Reconciliation Australia, defines unique approach to reconciliation. and measures reconciliation We encourage the City of Wanneroo through five critical dimensions: to embrace this journey with open race relations; equality and equity; hearts and minds, to grow from institutional integrity; unity; and the challenges, and to build on historical acceptance. All sections its successes. As the Council for
City of Wanneroo / 2 Alkimos Community activity
Contents
History of Wanneroo...... 4
Acknowledgements ...... 5
Our Vision for Reconciliation...... 5
Our Business...... 6
Our Community...... 6
Our RAP...... 7
The Way Forward...... 8
Action Plan
Relationships...... 9
Respect...... 10
Opportunities...... 11
Progress and Reporting...... 12
Definitions...... 13
Strategic Documents...... 13
3 / Reconciliation Action Plan Reconciliation Walk 2017.
History of Wanneroo
The City of Wanneroo is situated Wanneroo is part of Mooro Country, Over the past 14 years, the in Whadjuk country and the word the district of Yellagonga, an population has more than doubled. ‘Wanneroo’ is a Noongar word important Noongar Elder and leader. The area is rich in history and is which means ‘place of Aboriginal The Mooro people used the lakes proud of its heritage, with a number woman’s digging stick’. In Noongar that can be found throughout the of original buildings and sites, Boodjar (country) there are 14 City of Wanneroo and surrounds including: language groups. as camping, social and ceremonial • Atlantis Marine Park At the time of early European areas, and as an importance source settlement, the Whadjuk people of sustenance. • Buckingham House and Old Wanneroo School House were divided by the Swan River into The lake areas were used as rest four resident groups, each with its points between the foothills and the • Cockman House own territory. ocean, and between Mt Eliza (Kings • Cooper’s Lime Kilns These were described by the then Park) and the Moore River as Mooro • Fisherman’s Hollow imprisoned Aboriginal resistance people moved according to season. • Leeman’s Landing Monument leader Yagan in 1832 during an Wanneroo’s lakes, caves and interview with writer Robert Lyon: coastline are part of Dreaming • Lime Kilns - Emerald Reserve • Beeliar – led by Midgegooroo, stories which remain important to • Mary Lindsay Homestead father of Yagan, were south of Noongar people today. • Perry’s Paddock the Swan River and south west Many Dreaming stories explain how • Wanneroo Show Grounds of the Canning River; local landforms and animals came • Beeloo – led by Munday, were to be created. • Wanneroo War Memorial in the region south of the Swan Like the Noongar people the new • Yanchep National Park and north east of the Canning, to settlers used the natural resources • Yanchep War Memorial the Helena Rivers; of the ‘lakes districts’ to sustain (Yanchep National Park) • Mooro – led by Yellagonga, north them and by 1872 there were 60 • Yellagonga Regional Park of the Swan River and east to new families in the area. Ellen’s Brook; and The City had a population of 100 • Mountain tribe (Noongar name people at the time of settlement in unknown) – led by Weeip, in 1902, growing to 1,100 in 1950, the Darling Range (north east 8,000 in 1970, 80,000 in 2001 and of Beeloo and east of Mooro). 199,290 in 2017. (Green, 1984)
City of Wanneroo / 4 Natasha Talbot painting from 2016 Yokayi exhibition (detail).
Acknowledgments
The City of Wanneroo The City of Wanneroo is committed The City of Wanneroo appreciates acknowledges the Traditional to honouring Australian Aboriginal the support of Reconciliation Owners of this land, the Whadjuk peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual Australia in developing our third RAP people of the Noongar Nation; the relationships to the land, waters and The City of Wanneroo would also Custodians of the lands on which seas and their rich contribution to like to thank members of the the City is located and where we the community. community and staff from across conduct our business. The goal of Reconciliation is the City for their valuable input into We pay our respects to ancestors building relationships, respect and our third RAP through participation and Elders, past, present and future. trust between the wider Australian in the Reconciliation Action Plan Community and Aboriginal Peoples. (RAP) Working Group.
Our Vision for Reconciliation
City of Wanneroo’s vision for The City of Wanneroo Strategic reconciliation is to create an Community Plan’s societal aspiration inclusive community with strong of creating a healthy, safe, vibrant relationships across cultures and connected community supports based on mutual respect and our vision for reconciliation. The understanding. RAP and actions included are Our actions will contribute to the proudly endorsed by Council and goal of closing the gap between are a commitment in the City’s Aboriginal Australians and other Corporate Business Plan. Australians so that all people are valued and can participate fully in the community.
Noongar Coolamon
5 / Reconciliation Action Plan Kurulbrang – Kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos).
Our Business
The City of Wanneroo is Western The City delivers more than 100 Key responsibilities include Waste Australia’s fastest growing Local different services to a community of and Health Services, Environmental Government spanning both urban over 200,000 residents. Management and Conservation, and rural areas with a workforce The City maintains facilities such Land Development and other of 766 full-time equivalents (1003 as Community Centres, Leisure Infrastructure projects to keep the headcount) in 2018. Centres and Public Open Space to City running efficiently and plan for We service an area of 685 square encourage healthy, active lifestyles the future needs of the community. kilometers, which includes bushland, and community connections. We The City’s Community Development wetlands, urban and rural areas as support local business development team are custodians of the RAP, well as 32 kilometres of coastline. and provide a range of lifespan in addition to other strategic services from early childhood community plans such as the through to seniors. Access and Inclusion Plan and strategies for Age Friendly, Early Childhood and Youth initiatives.
Our Community
The official population of City of It is important to us that the people Wanneroo as of the 30th June who live in the City of Wanneroo, 2018, was 212,096. as well as the wider population Between 2001 and 2016, the understand and appreciate the population grew from 80,400 to depth of Aboriginal culture that is 195,253 and is anticipated to grow present in its land and in its people. to over 412,000 by 2041. The City of Wanneroo maintains Our population is extremely diverse a strong community and cultural with approximately 40.9% of development role in the delivery of residents being born overseas local government services. (2016 Census). The City’s Strategic Plan, built on Australian Bureau of Statistics four pillars – Society, Economy, Census 2016 showed that 1.4% Environment and Civic Leadership of the total population of the City aspires to address the needs of of Wanneroo identified as being of a population diverse in age and Aboriginal descent. cultural backgrounds.
City of Wanneroo / 6 Members of the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group with Mayor Tracey Roberts and CEO Daniel Simms.
Our RAP
In 2010 Council resolved to development, and delivery of our for student workshops and develop its inaugural RAP that second RAP throughout 2015-2017 events through the 2016/17 was implemented through 2012- which included such actions as: financial year; 2014 and sought to influence City • A Reconciliation Walk at Lake • The City has hosted five employees and residents to be Joondalup facilitated by Noongar Aboriginal Art Exhibitions more aware of our commitment people; between July 2016 and to reconciliation and of Aboriginal July 2017; culture in the City of Wanneroo. • Noongar language classes delivered within each City of • At the 2016 Public Health The City’s RAP is managed by the Wanneroo ward; Advocacy Institute of WA’s Community Development team and Children’s Environment and has been developed through wide • City employees received training to increase their Health Local Government Report community consultation as well as Card awards, the City received close consultation with the RAP understanding of protocols around Acknowledgement of a Gold Award for the Aboriginal Working Group which consists of Child Health category; community members of Aboriginal Country, Welcome to Country and non-Aboriginal descent as well and Smoking Ceremonies; • Acknowledgment to Country as up to three City Councillors and • Inclusion of Welcome to Country and history of Aboriginal people the Mayor. from Traditional Custodians in Wanneroo has been included at the City’s Australia Day in City’s corporate reporting The 2012-2014 Plan implemented Annual Report; such actions as: celebrations, and all other significant City’s events; • Lake Joondalup Noongar Six • On country cultural awareness Seasons Signage installed at training for staff; • Aboriginal education activities were included at major City Rotary Park; • A revised Welcome to events, such as dance and • The naming of ‘Waitj Dreaming Country Policy; music at Live in the Amphitheatre Reserve’ in Two Rocks to • The Aboriginal and Torres Strait opening night; acknowledge the mythological Islander flags being flown outside • An Aboriginal themed community Aboriginal site; the City’s Civic Centre daily; and canvas was created at the City’s • An Aboriginal themed community • Literature being developed for annual Global Beats and Eats canvas was created at the City’s cultural education purposes at event; Wanneroo presents Concert; and City libraries and museums. • The City continues to cultivate • New City of Wanneroo entry Delivery and completion of our first their relationship with the statement signage features RAP along with community surveys Girrawheen Senior High School the Noongar word ‘Wandjoo’ and in-depth consultation with the Aboriginal Art students and have (welcome) alongside the English RAP Working Group informed the continued to provide facilitators ‘Welcome’.
7 / Reconciliation Action Plan Aboriginal art workshop.
The Way Forward
The City of Wanneroo’s Innovate business opportunities, as well as reconciliation process to ensure RAP 2018/19 – 2021/22 has been promoting greater understanding stronger outcomes and positive developed as a guiding document and awareness of the rich history of impacts. Community members to help us achieve our vision for Aboriginal culture. from Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal reconciliation in the local area. We will continue to build respectful backgrounds will have the The actions detail our aspirations relationships and connections opportunity to be involved through which align with the three pillars to assist with achieving our various methods of consultation of Relationships, Respect and reconciliation goals; broadening and other engagement activities Opportunities. our networks to advance the great to inform our efforts to establish This RAP represents the City’s opportunities already in place and the best approach towards greater commitment to advancing establish new initiatives which are reconciliation for the City throughout reconciliation both internally and inclusive and enriching. 2018/19 – 2021/22 and years to come. in the wider community. Key Collaborative initiatives will allow objectives include improving us to delve deeper into the education, employment and
City of Wanneroo / 8 Lake Yellagonga. Relationships
Building strong relationships between Aboriginal peoples and other Australians is important to the City of Wanneroo because it allows us to explore opportunities to work collaboratively and in partnership with the Aboriginal community to achieve stronger working relationships and ensure our policies, programs and services are inclusive. Goal: To create opportunities that builds and strengthens relationships with Aboriginal people. Strategy Actions Responsibility Timeline Measureable target
1. Collaborate 1.1 RAP Working Group (RWG) to oversee Community Quarterly Four meetings per year. and monitor implementation and Development progress of 2018-2022 RAP Actions. Confirmation of RWG minutes. 1.2 Establish RAP Interest Group (RIG) Community August Two meetings per year. comprising of internal stakeholders to Development 2018 - support the implementation of 2018- June 2022 Confirmation of RIG 2022 RAP Actions. minutes.
2. Celebrate 2.1 Celebrate relevant events and Community July 2018 - Number of internal and activities across the City (i.e. NAIDOC, Development. June 2022 external events delivered Reconciliation Week, Harmony Day and and supported. Sorry Day).
2.2 Plan and implement Wandjoo Festival. Community Oct 2018 Wandjoo Festival Development delivered. Event evaluation complete.
3. Partner 3.1 Support partnering initiatives to deliver Cultural July 2018 - Number of organisations ‘Noongar Museum in a Box’ as a Development June 2022 using ‘Noongar Museum professional development resource in a Box’ resource. (i.e. Early Years Network and Murdoch University School of Education).
4. Promote 4.1 Promote information regarding the People & Culture Feb 2019 Staff induction updated. RAP objectives and actions, and other Aboriginal Initiatives through the City’s staff induction and on-boarding process.
4.2 Increase promotion of culturally significant Communications, Feb 2020 Aboriginal Portal created. celebrations, events and services (i.e. Marketing & through development of an Aboriginal Events Portal on the City’s Intranet and Internet).
4.3 Museum education outreach resources Cultural Feb 2020 Resource available for focused on local Noongar culture and Development use by schools and history are developed for older student age universities groups (i.e. upper primary/lower secondary).
9 / Reconciliation Action Plan Respect
The City of Wanneroo acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. Respect for Aboriginal people, culture, lands and history is important to the City of Wanneroo and our core business activities because it creates the basis for local government knowledge and decisions concerning heritage issues, community planning, environmental planning, cultural development, community programs and governance. Goal: Demonstrate respect for, and promotion of Aboriginal culture and protocols. Strategy Actions Responsibility Timeline Measureable target
5. Cultural 5.1 Engage with Noongar Aboriginal Community June 2019 Number of CAT sessions Awareness Consultant to develop and deliver Development delivered. Noongar Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Training (CAT).
5.2 Support participation in Aboriginal People & Culture July 2018 - Number of employees Cultural Awareness Training (CAT) where June 2022 attending CAT. identified as role appropriate, and/or through PDRC process.
5.3 Investigate and implement the inclusion Community July 2018 - Number of Council of Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Development June 2022 members attending CAT. Training as part of the Council Training process.
6. Protocol 6.1 Investigate development of a formal Community June 2021 Report/recommendations process for naming streets, parks and Development completed. reserves.
6.2 Update the City’s Welcome to Country Community Dec 2019 Reviewed in accordance Policy and Procedure. Development with Governance processes.
7.History 7.1 Promote the City’s Aboriginal Heritage Community Jan 2019 Resources promoted Sites, Trails and local Noongar history Development through various mediums. (i.e. via Whadjuck Trail Network, signage and other relevant online resources).
7.2 Develop a Repatriation Management Cultural Dec 2018 Repatriation Management Plan to facilitate the repatriation of Development Plan developed. sacred items from external repositories and governing bodies, noting the City as temporary custodian of repatriated materials.
7.3 Support ongoing repatriation of sacred Cultural July 2018 - Number of repatriated items and objects through collaborative Development June 2022 items. approaches.
7.4 Repatriate the Turner Collection. Cultural Dec 2019 Turner Collection is Development repatriated.
8. Engage 8.1 Include Aboriginal cultural relevance Community Dec 2020 Community Engagement in the City’s Community Engagement Development Policy and procedures Policy and procedures. updated.
8.2 Develop links with Aboriginal and Community July 2019 - Number of relationships / Islander Education Officers and Development June 2022 partnerships established. Aboriginal Education Directorate representatives to establish respectful relations for future partnering opportunities.
8.3 Consult with and support Aboriginal Community July 2018 - Number of relationships / Elders to build respectful relationships Development June 2022 partnerships established. and ensure access to services.
City of Wanneroo / 10 Opportunities
The City seeks to provide meaningful employment, business and leadership opportunities for Aboriginal Australians. This includes a focus on relevant and culturally sensitive strategies that create positive long term outcomes contributing to closing the unacceptable 17 year life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. Goal: To increase employment and inclusion opportunities for Aboriginal people at all levels across the City. Strategy Actions Responsibility Timeline Measureable target
9. Employment 9.1 Support the City’s People & Culture People & Culture June 2019 Aboriginal initiatives Strategy, which includes initiatives included in P&C Strategy. designed to support employment of Aboriginal people.
9.2 Support Aboriginal people to participate Community June 2022 Number of Aboriginal in City led volunteering and community Development people linked with City’s leadership opportunities. Volunteering program.
10. Supporting 10.1 Develop and promote a registry of Community July 2021 Registry developed. Aboriginal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Development Business businesses (i.e. caterers, performers, speakers and consultants).
10.2 Promote business support & workforce Advocacy and July 2018 - Number of opportunities development opportunities via the City’s Economic June 2022 promoted to Aboriginal Economic Develop Strategy programs. Development people.
11. Inclusive 11.1 Promote inclusion of Aboriginal Community July 2018 - Community Engagement Consultation community in City wide consultation Development June 2022 Plans updated to include and engagement activities. Aboriginal community.
11.2 Investigate opportunities for Community June 2022 Report/recommendations intergenerational activities that bring Development provided. Aboriginal youth and Elders together.
11.3 Consult with local groups on content for Cultural July 2018 - Number of consultations interpretive signage. Development June 2022 conducted.
12. Art 12.1 Collaborate with community artists to Cultural June 2022 Report/recommendations investigate opportunities to increase Development provided. Aboriginal artwork and welcome statements in community spaces and Community City buildings (i.e. parks, beaches, Development community facilities).
12.2 Deliver a major exhibition in relation to Cultural June 2022 Exhibition delivered & contemporary Aboriginal culture. Development evaluation completed.
11 / Reconciliation Action Plan Reporting
Progress and Reporting Strategy Actions Responsibility Timeline Measureable target
1. Renew 1.1 Review the RAP 2018/19 – 2021/22. Manager June 2022 RAP Review Report Community completed. Development 2. Launch 2.1 Promote the RAP 2018/19 – 2021/22 Manager July 2018 Inclusive promotion of once draft is accepted by Council. Community new RAP across multiple Development platforms.
3. Monitor 3.1 Monitor RAP progress quarterly via RAP Manager Quarterly Four meetings per year. Working Group meetings. Community Development
3.2 Monitor RAP progress bi-annually via Manager Bi-annually Two meetings per year. RAP Interest Group meetings. Community Development 3.3 Update Reconciliation Australia about Manager June 2020 Progress updates commitments achieved, changes Community submitted. in the RAP program and provision Development of resources supporting the City of Wanneroo.
4. Report 4.1 Produce annual RAP report of Manager Annually RAP Review Annual achievements, challenges and learnings Community Report completed. for RAP Working Group and Council. Development
City of Wanneroo / 12 Emu Hill is a culturally rich area of ice-age habitation by Noongar people and includes part of the Waitch (Emu) Dreaming story. The caves in the area have wall art that goes back thousands of years. Definitions
Aboriginal Supporting Strategic Documents ‘Pertaining to the original inhabitants of Australia and to City of Wanneroo Strategic Community Plan their descendants.’ 2017/18 - 2026/27 (Source - Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act (1972) City of Wanneroo Annual Report 2016/17 City of Wanneroo Corporate Business Plan Person of Aboriginal descent 2016/17 - 2019/20 ‘Any person living in Western Australia wholly or partly City of Wanneroo Corporate Governance Framework descended from the original inhabitants of Australia who claims to be an Aboriginal and who is accepted as such City of Wanneroo RAP 2015-2017 in the community in which he/she lives.’ (Source - Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act (1972) Related Strategic Documents Torres Strait Islander Close the GAP Progress and Priorities Report 2017 A person who: Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage 2016 a. Is descended from a Torres Strait Islander; and National Partnership Agreement on Indigenous Economic Participation b. Identifies as a Torres Strait Islander; and c. Is accepted as a Torres Strait Islander by the Torres Director of Equal Opportunity in Public Employment Strait Islander community. Annual Report 2017 (Source - Children and Young Persons (Care and Targeted Recruitment Guidelines- Protection) Act (1998) No 157) Australian Human Rights Commission Reconciliation Australia Five Key Commitments Closing the Gap Prime Minister’s Report 2017- The Prime Minister’s annual report to Parliament on progress in closing the Gap ‘My Life My Lead’ Strengthening approaches to the social determinants and cultural determinants of Indigenous Health - Commonwealth Government
13 / Reconciliation Action Plan City of Wanneroo 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo, WA 6065 Locked Bag 1, Wanneroo, WA 6946 T : (08) 9405 5000 After Hours : 1300 13 83 93 E : [email protected] wanneroo.wa.gov.au