Agenda of Aboriginal Advisory Committee

Aboriginal Advisory Committee – Monday 26 November 2018

Page II

Membership

Ms Sue-Anne Cutmore - Chairperson

All Councillors

Mr Russ Pigg or nominee

Ms Janet Atkins

Ms Sylvia Timbery

Ms Patricia Lester

Mr Shane Brown

Ms Leonie Ebzery

Mr Noel Wellington

Mr Paul McLeod

Mr Charlie Ashby

Ms Janaya Hennessy

Mr Morgan Blakeney

Ms Valda Corrigan (NPWS)

Nowra LALC – Sharlene Cruickshank

Jerrinja LALC - Rebecca Woods

Ulladulla LALC – Paul Keith

Quorum – Five (5)

Purpose

To provide appropriate and considered advice to Council on all relevant issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the Shoalhaven LGA, and to influence Council’s support & intent in achieving their objectives for the current Statement of Commitment 2010 (SoC) and the Shoalhaven City Council Community Strategic Plan 2023 (SCCSP).

Role of the Committee

· 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, 13 August 2018

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

Time: 4.00pm

The following members were present:

Ms Sue-Anne Cutmore - Chairperson

Clr Mark Kitchener

Clr Nina Cheyne

Clr John Levett

Clr Bob Proudfoot

Clr Patricia White – arrived 5.04pm

Mr Noel Wellington

Ms Patricia Lester

Ulladulla LALC – Paul Keith

Mr Charlie Ashby – arrived 5.13pm

Ms Janaya Hennessy

Nowra LALC - Sharlene Cruickshank – left 4.51pm

Mr Shane Brown

Others present:

Mr Gordon Clark – Strategic Planning Manager

Mr Ray Massie – Coast and Estuaries Officer

Ms Margaret Simoes – Community Development Officer - Aboriginal

Ms Cathy Campbell – Senior Community Development Officer

Ms Lili Hutchinson – Social Infrastructure Planner

Mr Trevor Cronk – Unit Manager - Property

Apologies / Leave of Absence

Apologies were received from Leonie Ebzery, Valda Corrigan, Charlie Ashby, Clr Findley, Clr Gartner.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (Nowra LALC - Sharlene Cruickshank / Clr Cheyne)

That the Minutes of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee held on Monday 07 May 2018 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Declarations of Interest

Nil

Reports

AA18.22 Callala Bay Headland Midden - Interpretive Signage

HPERM Ref: D18/176280

Lili Hutchinson - Social Infrastructure Planner addressed the meeting and advised that Council have engaged a consultant Judy Denby. Council is also waiting for Jerrinja to provide dimensions for the sign and then will review the content options for Aboriginal Land Council interpretive signage.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee accepts this report for information only.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee accepts this report for information only.

CARRIED

AA18.23 Uluru Statement From the Heart

HPERM Ref: D18/245400

Members discussed various matters regarding the Statement including changing the name from Uluru Statement from the Heart to just Statement from the Heart, the meaning and intent of the statement and community engagement undertaken or needed.

Patricia Lester addressed the meeting and suggested that the consultation should be the whole of Shoalhaven and should be inclusive of all people for reconciliation purposes.

Recommendation

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee receive this report and note the letters that have been received from members of the community regarding Council’s decision not to support the Uluru Statement from the Heart for information.

RECOMMENDATION (By consent)

That:

1. The report regarding the Uluru Statement from the Heart be received for information.

2. The Aboriginal Advisory Committee adopt and support the Statement from the Heart (and remove the word Uluru); and

3. Request that Council give in principal support for the Statement from the Heart and urge the Federal Government to do the same and adopt the Statement.

For: Sue-Anne Cutmore, Clr Kitchener, Clr Cheyne, Clr Levett, Patricia Lester, Shane Brown, Noel Wellington, Janaya Hennessy, Sharlene Cruickshank and Paul Keith

Against: Clr Proudfoot

AA18.24 Invitation to nominate a representative for the Business and Employment Development Committee

HPERM Ref: D18/253946

Note: Sharlene Cruikshank left at 4.51pm

Margaret Simoes - Community Development Officer - Aboriginal and the Chairperson called for any nominees who wish to be a representative on the Business and Employment Development Committee.

Members that were present did not nominate.

Margaret Simoes - Community Development Officer - Aboriginal advised that the matter should be deferred and she will put out an EOI to all the members of the Committee and report back to the next meeting.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee nominates [a representative] as its representative on the Business and Employment Development Committee.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That this matter be deferred and an EOI be sent to all Committee members and this matter be reported back to the next meeting.

CARRIED

AA18.25 Request for Advice - Development of Sensory Garden and Native Flora Area - Boongaree

HPERM Ref: D18/254311

Note: Clr White arrived at 5.04pm

Lili Hutchinson - Social Infrastructure Planner addressed the meeting in relation to Berry District Park, now named “Boongaree” which was the name chosen by the Community following community consultation.

Have consulted with Nowra LALC and they have advised that they have land and will provide it for a Greenhouse.

If the Committee members know of any local people in the community that would be happy to volunteer their time and assistance to contact Lili directly.

Noel suggested that staff get in touch with the CEO of the Land Council and organise a meeting with the Board in relation to the signage in and around the park.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee:

1. Participate in discussion and provide advice on the development of a sensory garden and native flora area at Boongaree.

2. Nominate any additional people the committee believes should be consulted as part of this project.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee:

1. Participate in discussion and provide advice on the development of a sensory garden and native flora area at Boongaree.

2. Nominate any additional people the committee believes should be consulted as part of this project.

CARRIED

AA18.26 Federal Court Proceedings - South Coast People Native Title Claim

HPERM Ref: D18/221932

Note: Charlie Ashby arrived at 5.13pm

Trevor Cronk – Unit Manager - Property addressed the meeting and advised the following:

· Crown Lands Management –under the new Crown Land Management Act, Council is referred to as the Crown Land Manager.

· Council is to manage all Crown Land as Public Land so there is consistancy

· All Councils will (if required) employ/engage a Native Titles Manager

· The Native Title Claim was lodged on 3 August 2017 by the South Coast People this has passed the gateway processes, and the next step is to become registered with the Federal Court.

· All those with an interest in Crown Land would have received a notification

· The Federal Court will appoint a case officer to look at the claims

· Applications close on 29 August 2018

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee receive the report for information.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee receive the report for information.

CARRIED

General Business

AA18.28 Additional Item - Damage and Rubbish on Cullunghutti

Charlie Ashby addressed the meeting and advised that he regularly ascends Cullunghutti and has noticed that several rocks have been scarred from the BigFoot Trucks and also a significant amount of rubbish left at the summit by visitors.

Noel Wellington advised that he is meeting with National Parks on 22 August and he will provide Charlie with the information.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That a report be submitted to the next meeting of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee with an update of the Plan of Management for Cullunghutti.

CARRIED

AA18.27 Presentation - Peter McLaughlin - Aboriginal Advisory Committee Action Plan

HPERM Ref: D18/267545

Peter McLaughlin provided a presentation at the conclusion of the meeting.

As agreed by the Committee, Peter McLaughin attended the meeting to discuss the Aboriginal Advisory Action Plan.

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 5.25pm.

Ms Sue-Anne Cutmore

CHAIRPERSON

Aboriginal Advisory Committee – Monday 26 November 2018

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AA18.32 Cook 2020 Anniversary - Shoalhaven Regional Gallery Response - Advice sought

HPERM Ref: D18/333164

Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group

Section: Recreation Community & Culture

Purpose / Summary

To seek advice from the Aboriginal Advisory Committee on what response, if any, would be appropriate regarding the Cook 2020 anniversary, in relation to a potential exhibition at the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery.

Recommendation

1. That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee are consulted and discuss this report at this meeting, and provide advice to Council on what is considered an appropriate response, if any, in relation to a potential exhibition at the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery.

2. Insert advice from Aboriginal Advisory Committee

Options

Recommendation to be determined by the Aboriginal Advisory Committee at the meeting and referred to Council.

Implications: The Aboriginal Advisory Committee are consulted on what response, if any, would be appropriate regarding the Cook 2020 anniversary, in relation to a potential exhibition at the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery. Through this Council are able to better understand how or if we acknowledge this event in gallery programming.

Background

In 2020, it will be 250 years since the ‘Voyage of Discovery’ by Captain James Cook. This voyage of discovery included the landing by Cook’s party at Kurnell and the first mapping of the Eastern Coast of Australia by a white person. In 2010 our now Prime Minister Scott Morrison (then shadow minister for Immigration and Citizenship) stated “The aim is to make 29 April 2020 the most significant national celebration since our bicentary.” (http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/genpdf/chamber/hansardr/2010-05-24/0156/hansard_frag.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf) While there does not seem to be any recent action on this anniversary, it is likely that the current government will seek to undertake some significant celebrations and there will be some dedicated grant funding for projects related to this event.

Shoalhaven Regional Gallery are currently undertaking our forward planning for the next 3 years, and before we commence any thinking about a response to the Cook 2020 Anniversary we would like to consult with the Aboriginal Advisory Committee on what response, if any, would be appropriate, to prevent offending Aboriginal people with the Cook 2020 Anniversary.

Shoalhaven City Art Collection contains over 200 works (water colours, oils, photographs and associated material) by colonial artist Samuel Elyard. Elyard works range from the 1870s to the 1910s and he captured a wide variety of local landmarks, the development of the town and Aboriginal life including paintings of Gunyahs and photographs of gatherings. These works are the main body of works in the collection relating to early contact, colonial life in the Shoalhaven and the changes made to the landscape by the arrival of the colonists. The collection also holds some linocut works by local artists including Julie Freeman, Shirley Stuart and Marilyn Smart as well as one bark painting from the Groote Elyandt area.

The Unit Manager – Arts and Culture, considers that if the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery acknowledges the Cook 2020 anniversary through their exhibition program, it should be a exhibition that encourages the creation of new work by Aboriginal Artists, and provides an opportunity to put the local language and stories back into the narrative of place, providing a new way of reading the land and changing the understanding of the visual record of the Shoalhaven gained through colonial artists such as Elyard.

The Cook 2020 anniversary provides an opportunity to further the relationship formed between the Gallery and community through the In Memory project and for the Aboriginal Advisory Committee to have input and provide guidance on forward programming at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery.

Community Engagement

Shoalhaven Regional Gallery is seeking to engage with the Aboriginal Advisory Committee and through them, the local Aboriginal community to understand better how or if we acknowledge this event in gallery programming.

Financial Implications

Exhibition and programming at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery is delivered through the annual operation budget with support from specific state and federal grants where the programming is appropriate to those streams. Any exhibition relating to the Cook 2020 anniversary will be delivered within the annual budget, and with support from grant funds if achieved.

Aboriginal Advisory Committee – Monday 26 November 2018

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AA18.33 Expressions of Interest for Aboriginal Advisory Committee Membership

HPERM Ref: D18/344347

Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group

Section: Recreation Community & Culture

Attachments: 1. Terms of Reference Aboriginal Advisory Committee ⇩

Purpose / Summary

Seeking approval to appoint two additional members to the Shoalhaven Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee

1. Endorse the appointment of Nicole Moore and Caryn Carpenter as members of the Shoalhaven Aboriginal Advisory Committee

2. Recommend their appointment as members of the Shoalhaven Aboriginal Advisory Committee to Council.

Options

1. The Aboriginal Advisory Committee endorse the recommended applicants for membership and recommend their appointment as members to Council

Implications: This will ensure vacant positions are filled and recommendation is forwarded to Council for consideration.

2. The Aboriginal Advisory Committee do not accept the recommended applicants for membership on the Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

Implications: The Committee provide an alternate recommendation regarding the selection of members to fill the existing two vacancies on the Committee in accordance with the Shoalhaven Aboriginal Advisory Committee’s Terms of Reference.

Background

At the Aboriginal Advisory Committee meeting held on Monday 12 February 2018 it was recommended that Council call for expressions of interest to fill two vacancies on the Committee.

Advertisements calling for nominations were placed in South Coast Register and on Council’s website during May 2018. As a result of advertising Council received four nominations by the due date. A selection panel comprised of Council’s Aboriginal Community Development Officer, Margaret Simoes, Senior Community Development Officer, Catherine Campbell and Chair of the Shoalhaven City Council Aboriginal Advisory Committee Chairperson, Sue Cutmore assessed the applications against criteria that is contained in the Committee’s Terms of Reference and particularly considered the skills and experience that each nominee could bring to the Committee.

Terms of Reference for the Committee are provided in Attachment 1.

As a result of the assessment process it is recommended that Committee members endorse the appointment of Nicole Moore and Caryn Carpenter as members of the Shoalhaven Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

Community Engagement

The call for applicants to fill the vacancies was advertised in the South Coast Register and on Council’s Website.

The Aboriginal Advisory Committee provides an opportunity for Council to develop both a structure for effective consultation and communication with Aboriginal communities and the opportunity for Aboriginal people to participate in Council’s decision-making process to achieve mutually co-operative responses for their cultural, environmental and economic wellbeing.

Aboriginal Advisory Committee – Monday 26 November 2018

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AA18.34 Invitation to nominate a representative for the Business and Employment Development Committee

HPERM Ref: D18/348092

Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group

Section: Governance

Purpose / Summary

To nominate a representative to join Council’s Business and Employment Development Committee.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee nominates [insert name] as its representative on the Business and Employment Development Committee.

Options

1. As recommended.

Implications: The Aboriginal Advisory Committee will have a representative on the Business and Employment Development Committee.

2. That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee resolve not to nominate a representative.

Implications: The Aboriginal Advisory Committee will not have a representative on the Business and Employment Development Committee.

3. Adopt an alternative recommendation.

Implications: Unknown.

Background

At the meeting on 23 May 2018 the Business and Employment Development Committee resolved to increase membership and invite a representative from the Aboriginal Advisory Committee to join the Committee.

The Business and Employment Development Committee meets four times a year and members are made up from Councillors, business organisation representatives and interested community members.

At the meeting on 13 August 2018 the Aboriginal Advisory Committee deferred this matter as no members present put forward a nomination. Following the meeting Mr Paul Keith (newly appointed member, Representtive Ulladulla LALC) put forward his interest.

Following this meeting an Expression of interest (EOI) was sent to all members on 18 September 2018 seeking nominations. To date no other nominations have been forthcoming.

Information sharing and committees working collaboratively will ensure a broad representation across Council and the community.