Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan May 2019–May 2021 Reconciliation Action Plan | 2019–2021 2 Reconciliation Action Plan | 2019–2021 CONTENTS Introduction 4 A Message from the Mayor 5 Our Vision for Reconciliation 6 Our Business and Community 8 Our Reconciliation Action Plan Journey 15 Action Plan Relationships 21 Respect 23 Opportunities 28 Governance, Tracking Progress and Reporting 31 STATEMENT OF RESPECT As an organisation we are committed to raising awareness about reconciliation, demonstrating this commitment and raising the profi le of reconciliation in our community. We recognise and value the work and teachings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their communities across this region.We need to develop an understanding of, and refl ect on the injustices that continue to impact our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The City of Ballarat believes in raising awareness and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture, and that through ongoing learning and education we will deepen our connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through working together, we can collectively build our understanding for a better future, based on stronger relationships between all Australians. Cover image: Painting by Darmon Holloway, a Yorta Yorta/Barkinja man from Victoria. "The circles in the painting represent the diff erent organisations working with the City of Ballarat. The smaller lines inside the circles symbolise the diff erent departments within the organisations coming together. The lines radiating out from the circles represent the journeys of various organisations and people as they work together towards reconciliation, supporting positive change in the community. The fi gures represent the First Peoples of Australia and non-Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples on this journey together." Photographs on opposite page and rear cover from the Ballarat photographic portrait exhibition celebrating NAIDOC Week 2018 "Because of Her, We Can!" Image (above): ‘Murrup Laarr’ Ancestral Stones – Indigenous sculpture park created by Wadawarrung woman and artist, Deanne Gilson. Offi cially launched at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens March 2019 3 Reconciliation Action Plan | 2019–2021 INTRODUCTION The City of Ballarat stands on the Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung Through continued strength and and Dja Dja Wurrung Peoples. resilience, Aboriginal and Torres Strait In Wadawurrung language, ‘Ballarat’ Islander peoples strive to sustain their derives from words used to describe languages, lore, cultural practices ‘a resting place’. Ballarat has been a and care for Country. resting place for tens of thousands of As part of Reconciliation, we look years. forward to working together with While Ballarat is renowned for its all Aboriginal and Torres Strait colonial history, European Settlement Islander peoples to enhance the had devastating impacts on acknowledgement, recognition and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander respect for the area’s extremely rich peoples. cultural heritage and for the many places of cultural signifi cance. We acknowledge that the trauma of genocide still has an impact and The City of Ballarat acknowledges the resonates with people today. varied history and cultural stories. Ballarat has become the home to We work towards Reconciliation to many Aboriginal and Torres Strait make the City of Ballarat a place for Islander peoples from right across all First Nations People to be proud of Australia, sometimes under diffi cult and to live together in harmony in our circumstances; such as being intercultural city. survivors of the Stolen Generations. The City of Ballarat celebrates Reconciliation Week annually through sport 4 and showcases its support on local sporting grounds. Reconciliation Action Plan | 2019–2021 A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR It is my great pleasure to present the As a city, we know we have much City of Ballarat’s Reconciliation Action more to accomplish together. We Plan (RAP) 2019–2021. are committed to doing all we can to make the path towards reconciliation The Reconciliation Action Plan is a more achievable one. the City of Ballarat’s commitment to supporting the reconciliation process Thank you to those who have and articulates how the organisation, worked to deliver this plan – City Council and stakeholders will engage of Ballarat staff , the Reconciliation in reconciliation and contribute to Action Plan Working Group, the greater unity within the Ballarat Koorie Engagement Action Group, community. Reconciliation Australia - as well as members of the Aboriginal and Torres As our third RAP, this plan further Strait Islander and wider community. cements the achievements of our fi rst two plans and outlines our The City of Ballarat is committed to innovative and aspirational strategies developing and elevating positive to further advance reconciliation while relationships with Aboriginal and empowering Aboriginal and Torres Torres Strait Islander peoples in our Strait Islander peoples. community. This RAP outlines a raft of achievable At the City of Ballarat, we encourage actions that work towards realising the entire community to ensure that the City of Ballarat’s unique vision their events, programs and processes for reconciliation. It aims to increase celebrate diversity and showcase a inclusiveness, equity, representation culture of inclusiveness. and quality of life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Ballarat. While we strive to close the life expectancy gap, it is also about opening doors. As you read through this document, you will discover the breadth of community members, initiatives and City of Ballarat Mayor celebrations all working to progress Cr Samantha McIntosh reconciliation in our city. 5 Reconciliation Action Plan | 2019–2021 OUR VISION FOR RECONCILIATION The City of Ballarat’s vision is to strong and courageous leadership acknowledge through actions, as in pursuing reconciliation activities well as words, the histories and across the organisation and within continuing contributions made the community it serves. by Aboriginal and Torres Strait We aspire to become an employer of Islander peoples – in particular the choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Islander peoples, strengthening our people. service off ering to the community. The City of Ballarat will support, Together we celebrate our foster and encourage the sharing strong and vibrant Traditional of walking together with Aboriginal Custodians, the Wadawurrung and Torres Strait Islander peoples as and Dja Dja Wurrung peoples, and well as non-Indigenous community all Aboriginal and Torres Strait members. Our vision for reconciliation Islander peoples who call this is also built on a strong relationship municipality their home. with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within our municipality and demonstrates our commitment to further listen to the diverse voices of our community, including young people and children. At the City of Ballarat, we are committed to reconciliation and believe that it is everyone’s business. We value, understand and promote the full landscape of our community, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's cultural heritage and knowledge. Building on the success of our previous Reconciliation Action Plans, the City of Ballarat commits to challenging and questioning the status quo and encourages Gunditjmara/ Wotjobaluk woman and City of Ballarat’s Best Start Project Offi cer Nikki Foy (left); 6 Wirangu, Barngarla, Kokatha woman Jasmine Graham (right) shadowed the City of Ballarat Mayor during NAIDOC Week 2018 Reconciliation Action Plan | 2019–2021 OUR VISION FOR RECONCILIATION CHOICES • Employment • Services • Access to culturally safe spaces Breaking RESOURCES • Budget allocation Down Barriers • Procurement policy • Council building design principles and Leading • Employment target the Way • Koorie engagement offi cer • Capacity building amongst community VOICES • Aboriginal Councillor(s) • Elder Council • Koorie representation on Youth Council • Aboriginal input into Council Plan and internal strategies • Stronger language and recognition in Council strategies • Increased representation on Council committees • More consultation with children and youth • Mayor and Councillor mentoring and knowledge exchange *We acknowledge the contributions of Tony Lovett, Peter-Shane Rotumah Jnr. and Matthew Graham towards our 20 year 'Vision' outlined in the graphic above. Lal Lal Falls and Mt Buninyong, Ballarat region 7 Reconciliation Action Plan | 2019–2021 OUR BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY Ballarat is the regional capital the City of Ballarat delivers more of Western Victoria and one of than 100 services to the residential Australia’s fastest growing inland population. cities. It is the third largest city The City of Ballarat is the in Victoria and has a residential representative body that strives population of 104,355 people. The to engage with all segments of municipal district encompasses the the community to understand the City of Ballarat and the townships diverse needs and aspirations of of Learmonth, Buninyong, Miners the local community. The City of Rest and Cardigan Village. The local Ballarat collaborates with members government area currently covers of our Aboriginal and Torres 740 square kilometres. Strait Islander community in the The city has a strong Aboriginal development of our various plans, and Torres Strait Islander history strategies and programs. and, today, has