Agenda of Aboriginal Advisory Committee

Aboriginal Advisory Committee – Monday 11 September 2017

Page iii

Membership

Ms Sue-Anne Cutmore - Chairperson

Clr Findley - Mayor

Clr White

Clr Cheyne

Clr Kitchener

Mr Russ Pigg or nominee

Ms Janet Atkins

Mr Shane Brown

Ms Valda Corrigan

Ms Leonie Ebzery

Ms Leslie Halls

Ms Patricia Lester

Ms Sylvia Timbery

Mr Noel Wellington

Ms Christine Finney

Mr Charlie Ashby

Mr Paul McLeod

Ms Janaya Hennessy

Ms Morgan Blakeney

Nowra LALC

Rebecca Woods - Jerrinja LALC

Ulladulla LALC

Quorum – Five (5)

Purpose

· To advise Shoalhaven City Council on necessary issues relating to Aboriginal communities in the LGA.

· Promote and increase knowledge & understanding of Aboriginal society, history & culture in the LGA.

· Facilitate access and accessibility to services and facilities for Aboriginal people.

· Advise on the development and implementation of the Shoalhaven City Council Community Strategic Plan.

· Develop strong collaborative partnerships between Aboriginal communities and Shoalhaven City Council.

· Maintain strong links between Council and Aboriginal communities throughout the Shoalhaven to accomplish the relationships and outcomes required for genuine reconciliation.

· Foster and safeguard a spirit of mutual trust and respect which allows the AAC and Shoalhaven City Council to work together in their commitment towards intelligent, well informed decision making processes that are sensitive to all Aboriginal issues.

· Recognise, support & uphold past and present local cultural heritage and its place in future Council directions.

· Remain a meaningful ‘place’ for the communication of messages and information from Aboriginal community voices that identify local needs for services, facilities and activities.

· Support and promote significant celebrations and events within the Shoalhaven Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Minutes of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee

Meeting Date: Monday, 15 May 2017

Location: Jervis Bay Rooms, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra

Time: 4.07pm

Noel Wellington – Welcome to Country and a minute’s silence of respect of Aboriginal Elders past and present.

The following members were present:

Ms Sue-Anne Cutmore – Chairperson

Clr Findley

Clr White

Clr Kitchener

Clr Cheyne

Sylvia Timbery

Charlie Ashby

Noel Wellington

Valda Corrigan

Shane Brown

Others Present:

Margaret Simoes - Aboriginal Community Development Officer

Ray Massie – Coast and Estuaries Officer

Helen Waterhouse – Community Development Officer

Apologies / Leave of Absence

Apologies were received from Leslie Hall, Janaya Hennessy, Patricia Lester, Paul McLeod, Christine Finney, Janet Atkins

Confirmation of the Minutes

Note: Clr Findley arrived at the meeting 4.14pm

RESOLVED (Clr White / Noel Wellington)

That the Minutes of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee held on Monday 06 February 2017 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Presentations

AA17.7 Livvis Place Mollymook All Inclusive Park

HPERM Ref: D17/25829

Helen Waterhouse – Community Development Officer gave a presentation in relation to Livvi’s Place, Mollymook All Inclusive Park.

The following points were made:

The park is designed for all ages and all abilities, with universal design. The park will be the only fully fenced park within the Shoalhaven
A Changing Places toilet block will be built within the fenced park.
The construction is underway with completion anticipated prior to Christmas
Noel Wellington – noted that the Council should acknowledge the traditional custodians with any future development on community land

Helen Waterhouse advised that Community Consultation along with the consultation of local Aboriginal heritage took place.

Milton Ulladulla Garden Club will contribute by donating plants etc for the park

· Two (2) sound boards have been designed with the local hotels and businesses in mind.

Reports

AA17.8 Adoption of Applications - Membership - Four (4) Year Term

HPERM Ref: D17/61973

Recommendation

1. That Council acknowledge the applications of Membership and appoint the following members for a continuing four (4) year term:

a. Janet Atkins

b. Sylvia Timbery

c. Patricia Lester

d. Christine Finney

e. Shane Brown

f. Leonie Ebzery

g. Valda Corrigan

h. Leslie Halls

i. Sue-Anne Cutmore

j. Noel Wellington

2. That the completed application from Paul McLeod be accepted and he be appointed to the Aboriginal Advisory committee for a term of four (4) years

3. The two (2) Youth applications from Janaya Hennessy and Morgan Blakeney be accepted and appointed for a term of four (4) years

4. That consultation continue to obtain a representative member of each of the three (3) Aboriginal Land Councils as members on the Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

5. That should representation from each of the Land Councils not be achieved, then the Committee should consider how such vacancy will be managed.

Recommendation (By consent)

That:

1. Council acknowledge the applications of Membership and appoint the following members for a continuing four (4) year term:

a. Janet Atkins

b. Sylvia Timbery

c. Patricia Lester

d. Christine Finney

e. Shane Brown

f. Leonie Ebzery

g. Valda Corrigan

h. Leslie Halls

i. Sue-Anne Cutmore

j. Noel Wellington

2. The completed application from Paul McLeod be accepted and he be appointed to the Aboriginal Advisory committee for a term of four (4) years

3. The two (2) Youth applications from Janaya Hennessy and Morgan Blakeney be accepted and appointed for a term of four (4) years

4. Consultation continue to work to obtain a representative member of each of the three (3) Aboriginal Land Councils as members on the Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

5. Should representation from each of the Land Councils not be achieved, then the Committee should consider how such vacancy will be managed.

CARRIED

AA17.9 Application for Membership - Youth Positions	HPERM Ref: D17/65436
Note: This item was dealt with in conjunction with AA17.8
Recommendation That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee accept the two (2) applications from Janaya Hennessey and Morgan Blakeney.
RESOLVED (By consent) That the report regarding AA17.9 – Application for Membership – Youth Positions be received for information. CARRIED
Note: These memberships are being reported to Council in a separate report.

AA17.10 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards

HPERM Ref: D17/123899

Margaret provided the following information:

Will be hosted by Wollongong Council this year, each Council contributes financially to the event.
The event will be held on Saturday 22^nd July at the Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow.
Wollongong will be carrying on recent traditions of having the community making the centre pieces.
The event organisation is progressing well.
Tickets $65 per person.

Recommendation (By consent)

That The Aboriginal Advisory Committee financially contribute $2,000 to the 2017 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards.

CARRIED

AA17.11 Aboriginal Advisory Committee Action Plan

HPERM Ref: D17/130949

The Committee discussed the Action Plan and the following points were made:

Walk of Fame

The Grant application was unsuccessful
A new manager has started

AAC Meeting Room (Arts Centre)

Hiring fee for the meeting room is deposited to Council’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee budget. This supports the maintenance of the meeting room.

Effectiveness Training

Feedback will be provided by members in relation to the training
Identify 5 key issues – to be discussed

Statement of Commitment

Needs to be workshopped and finalised

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee:

1. Receives the Progress Action Plan report

2. Discuss and consider any further actions from the Progress Action Plan report.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee:

1. Receives the Progress Action Plan report.

2. Discuss and consider any further actions from the Progress Action Plan report.

CARRIED

GENERAL BUSINESS

AA17.12 Additional Item - Conference - NSW Local Government Aboriginal Network

The NSW Local Government Aboriginal Network has been operating since 1988. The conference provides information exchange and acts as a forum for discussion on Local Government issues relating to Aboriginal communities, business and the wider community.

The aim of the conference is to provide an exciting and interesting forum for enhancing the profile of Aboriginal communities, their skills and culture and discussion on current issues such as employment strategies, enterprise and cultural development and policies. The Conference participants include representatives from many NSW local government areas, Mayors, Councillors, Directors, other Council staff, Council Advisory Committee members, government and community service providers.

In 2016 Sue Cutmore, Aboriginal Advisory Committee Member attended the Local Government Conference held in Tweed Heads. Sue provided a verbal report to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee and recommended that representatives from Shoalhaven City Council attend to be informed of other Council initiatives, community programs and networking.

The 2017 NSW Local Government Aboriginal Network Conference (NSW LGAN) will be held in Albury from Wednesday 13th - Friday 15th September 2017.

Note: An EOI will be sent to interested members to Identify whom will attend the event on behalf of the Committee.

Recommendation (By consent)

That:

1. An Aboriginal Advisory Committee Member be funded to attend the NSW LGAN Conference in Albury Entertainment Centre Wednesday 13 to Friday 15 September 2017;

2. The Cost of attending the conference be funded from the General Manager and Councillors Budget.

CARRIED

Note: To be funded from the Council Activities Management Budget.

AA17.13 Additional Item - Effectiveness training Feedback

The Committee provided feedback on the Effectiveness Training:

Clr Kitchener – Peter provided a professional, authentic training session
Valda Corrigan – agrees, all contributed to each individual’s beliefs
Noel Wellington – attended the first session, it was a good idea to have Peter return, found the session too formal and complex, would have a better understanding in a less formal and interactive manner
Clr White - a way forward would be to workshop the template and then ask Peter to come back
Margaret Simoes - some of the suggestions by Peter were – The members to report on issues to the committee and to have name badges, from the second session – The Committee to identify 3 critical areas, and focus areas (community, culture and relationships) then under those 3 areas identify critical issues
Clr Findley suggested that Jerrinja give a presentation to Council, the Economic Development Manager and Group Directors via a Briefing or Council Meeting or to the AAC.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Committee:

1. Continue to work on developing an action plan (from the discussions with Peter McLaughlin);

2. Write to the Land Council’s and inviting the CEO’s and other interested Board members to talk to the AAC on how their vision and how we work together going forward (following this process, stage the next letters to other LALCs).

CARRIED

It was noted that the next workshop for the AAC Action Plan be Wednesday 7 June 2017 at 4.00pm

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 6.08pm.

Ms Sue-Anne Cutmore

CHAIRPERSON

Aboriginal Advisory Committee – Monday 11 September 2017

Page 7

AA17.14 Tourism Update

HPERM Ref: D17/240906

Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group

Section: Tourism

Attachments: 1. 2017 Visitor Guide pages ⇩

2. DRAFT Walking Guide (under separate cover) ⇨

Purpose / Summary

To update the Aboriginal Advisory Group on Tourism

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee receive the report for information and provide feedback as needed

Options

1. Receive the report for information and approve content in the Visitor Guide and Walking Guide for print with requested changes.

Implications: Visitor guide and walking guide will be printed as is and Tourism will continue to operate as is

2. Receive the report for information and provide feedback and comment on the content in the Visitor Guide and Walking Guide

Implications: Tourism will consider all feedback in print material and future plans

Background

The Aboriginal Advisory Group have requested an update on Aboriginal Tourism.

Shoalhaven Visitors Guide

Shoalhaven Tourism in consultation with Councils Aboriginal Liaison Officer and the Aboriginal Advisory Group added an Acknowledgement to Country to the beginning of the Visitor Guide in 2016, this remained in the current 2017 guide.

There is also a double spread on Aboriginal Tourism product in the guide, created in consultation with individual business owners.

To see the pages please see Attachment 1.

Note: Full copies of the guide will be brought for the meeting

Walking Guide

Shoalhaven Tourism have been working on a “Walking Guide” featuring 12 walks of the Shoalhaven. You can see a copy of the draft guide as Attachment 2.

Please note: All aboriginal content has been highlighted in the guide for this report for easy reference, although all highlights will be removed for printing.

Other

- Tourism are proud to have Paul McLeod on our Tourism Advisory Group (STAG)

- We are proud to now stock in the visitor’s centres boomerangs made by Laddie Timbery

Aboriginal Advisory Committee – Monday 11 September 2017

Page 13

AA17.15 2017 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards

HPERM Ref: D17/276619

Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group

Section: Recreation Community & Culture

Purpose / Summary

To advise the Committee of the outcome of the 2017 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee accept the report of the Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards and provide any feedback as needed.

Options

1. Accept the recommendation

Implications: This will ensure that the NAIDOC Awards event is acknowledged and continued with committee input and support.

2. Provide an alternative recommendation

Implications: Unknown at this time

Background

Wollongong City Council hosted the 7^th annual Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards on Saturday 22nd July 2017 at the Fraternity Club, Fairy Meadow with over 490 people in attendance.

Each year people enjoy coming together to celebrate the significant achievements made by individuals and organisations from the local government areas. This event serves a very important role in promoting regional cooperation and strengthens partnership between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, local Councils and other organisations and businesses.

Entertainment included performers from the local Wollongong area with Vic Simms as the main artist.

• Young Male Achiever of the Year Mark Hudson

• Young Male Achiever of the Year Highly Commended Jackson Tikkeros

• Young Female Achiever of the Year Berrima Blakeney

• Aboriginal Community Volunteer of the Year John Keith Williams

• Aboriginal Male Elder of the Year Uncle Ivern Ardler

• Aboriginal Female Elder of the Year Aunty Bev Armour

• Aboriginal Worker of the Year Kirli Rae Saunders

• Aboriginal Organisation of the Year Cullunghutti Aboriginal Child & Family Centre

• Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation Djirang Dance Ensemble

Overall sponsorship received for the 2017 Regional NAIDOC Awards totalled $28,750.

Sponsors included:

Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet	Australian Defence Force Recruiting
Aboriginal Affairs NSW	Barnardos Australia
University of Wollongong Australia	BlueScope WIN Community Partners
Southern Youth and Family Services	Big Fat Smile
Illawarra Forum	I98 FM
Booth Partners, Accountants Auditors Advisors	Campbell Page Employment
Kiama & Shoalhaven Community Colleges	NSW Family & Community Services, Illawarra Shoalhaven District

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor, Amanda Findley, presented Awards to Shoalhaven recipients - Berrima Blakeney, Young Female Achiever of the Year and Cullunghutti Aboriginal Child & Family Centre, Organisation of the Year.

Councillors Mark Kitchener, Nina Cheyne and Patricia White, as well as, Jane Lewis, Manager, Recreation, Community & Culture, Susan Edwards, Social Infrastructure & Planning Unit, Margaret Simoes and Helen Waterhouse, Community Development Unit also represented Shoalhaven City Council.

Kiama Municipal Council will be hosting the 2018 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards.

Community Engagement

Local community members, Elders, community groups and entertainers from the local government areas participate in the planning and presentation of the event.

Financial Implications

$2,000 was committed to support the 2017 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards from within the existing SCC Aboriginal Advisory Committee budget.