Agenda of Aboriginal Advisory Committee

Aboriginal Advisory Committee – Monday 13 May 2019

Page II

Membership

Ms Sue-Anne Cutmore - Chairperson

All Councillors

Mr Stephen Dunshea 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 Nicole Moore

Ms Caryn Carpenter

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, 11 February 2019

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

Time: 4.05pm

The following members were present:

Ms Sylvia Tymbery - Acting Chairperson

Clr Amanda Findley

Clr Patricia White

Clr Nina Digiglio

Clr Bob Proudfoot

Clr Mark Kitchener

Clr John Levett

Ms Nicole Moore

Ms Leonie Ebzery

Mr Paul McLeod

Ms Sharlene Cruickshank - Nowra LALC

Ms Valda Corrigan - NPWS

Others Present:

Jane Lewis – Manager – Recreation, Community and Culture

Catherine Campbell – Senior Community Development Officer

Alasdair Stratton – Natural Resources and Floodplain Manager

Megan Birmingham – Bushfire and Bushland Management Officer

Madeline North – Community Engagement Officer

Bronwyn Coulston – Arts and Culture Manager

Pirate Myangah – Community

Joe Brown McLeod - Community

Scott Balsar – Shoalhaven Basketball Association

Election of Chairperson

RESOLVED (By consent)

That Sylvia Tymbery be appointed as the Acting Chairperson for the meeting of Monday 11 February 2019.

CARRIED

Apologies / Leave of Absence

An apology was received from Sue Cutmore, Ulladulla LALC - Paul Keith and Margaret Simoes.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (Clr Digiglio / Clr White)

That the Minutes of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee held on Monday 26 November 2018 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Declarations of Interest

Nil

AA19.5 Additional Item - Presentation - Uluru Statement From the Heart - Consultation

Catherine Campbell – Senior Community Development Officer addressed the Committee and provided a presentation in relation to a way forward to action MIN18.742 - Uluru Statement From the Heart - Aboriginal Advisory Committee recommendation - Community Consultation.

Catherine suggested that a small Working Group be formed to assist with the community engagement.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That:

1. A Working Group be formed to establish the terms and progress the Community Consultation in regards to the Uluru Statement From the Heart, the Working Group comprise of Council Staff, one (1) representative form each of the Land Councils including Wreck Bay.

2. Invitation to the Working Group also be extended to all interested members of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

CARRIED

Presentations

AA19.1 Indigenous Round of Basketball - Bomaderry - 6 July 2019 - Design of Local Indigenous Uniforms

HPERM Ref: D19/28966

Scott Balsar provided a presentation in relation to the Indigenous Round of Basketball to be held at the Bomaderry Basketball Stadium in July 2019 and sought feedback on ways the Aboriginal Advisory Committee can provide support.

The following requests were made in relation to the proposal:

1. Have the Aboriginal Advisory Committee input to the design of the team uniforms incorporating the indigenous meaning of the Shoalhaven. (See page 3 of an Indigenous Basketball uniform design) – If any members can provide Scott Balsar with contact details of local artists who can contribute to the design of the Uniforms.

2. Members to provide contacts of local indigenous people who can perform a Smoking ceremony at the beginning of the 1st Game (Game times: 2pm, 4pm and 6pm)

3. Members to provide contacts of local indigenous people who can perform a Welcome to the Land

4. Members to provide contacts of local indigenous people who can perform half-time entertainment (Aboriginal dance group)

5. An invitation will be forwarded to Aboriginal elders and committee (corporate box catered)

It was noted that Scott Balsar in conjunction with Council staff commence a competition and the Committee members will send out to all known local indigenous artists

Reports

AA19.2 Advice on terminology for Regional Art Gallery Exhibition	HPERM Ref: D19/39439
Note: Clr White left the meeting at 5.05pm
The Committee held a discussion in relation to the term Yuin people and the background surrounding why this item has come to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee for direction. Bronwyn Coulston – Arts and Culture Manager sought feedback from the Committee members in relation to the Gallery exhibition using the term Yuin or Traditional Custodians/Owners. It was suggested that the wording be changed to: “The largely unknown story of how the European settlers were assisted by the First Nation Peoples to find the route from the high plains to the sea, as told in this exhibition by a proud Yuin man (Pirate Myangah)”
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) Submitted for consideration.
RESOLVED (By consent) That: 1. The Aboriginal Advisory Committee endorse the following wording in relation to the Indigenous Art Exhibition: “The largely unknown story of how the European settlers were assisted by the First Nation Peoples to find the route from the high plains to the sea, as told in this exhibition by a proud Yuin man (Pirate Myangah).” 2. The Committee at a future date develop a Protocol Statement regarding the use of Indigenous names and Terms for Council and Community Protocols. CARRIED

AA19.3 2019 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards

HPERM Ref: D19/16947

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee

1. Receive the information regarding the 2019 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards.

2. Nominate a representative of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee to become a member of the 2019 Regional NAIDOC Awards Committee.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee

1. Receive the information regarding the 2019 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards.

2. Nominate Sharlene Cruikshank and Paul McLeod as representatives of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee on the 2019 Regional NAIDOC Awards Committee.

CARRIED

AA19.4 Cullunghutti - Update on the proposed Plan of Management & actions in relation to damage to the environment on the mountain

HPERM Ref: D18/446997

Alasdair Stratton – Natural Resources and Floodplain Manager addressed the Committee in relation to this report and advised Council staff investigated the site in 2018 and have reported the issue to OEH. A report will come back to the Committee advising of the outcome of the OEH investigation.

Staff will advise when Grant opportunities are available for the Plan of Management.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Committee support the budget bid of $50,000 (2019-20) to prepare a Plan of Management for Cullunghutti in accordance with details outlined in the community consultation undertaken in 2015.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Committee support the budget bid of $50,000 (2019-20) to prepare a Plan of Management for Cullunghutti in accordance with details outlined in the community consultation undertaken in 2015.

CARRIED

GENERAL BUSINESS

AA19.6 Additional Item - Plaques - Cultural Significance Telling Shoalhaven Stories

Clr Digiglio suggested that Plaques be placed around the Shoalhaven at sites of Cultural significance telling the story of the area and the Indigenous people.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That:

1. The matter relating to the Plaques for Indigenous Shoalhaven Stories be added to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee Action Plan

2. Staff provide a report to the Committee on costings in relation to the design and installation of a Plaque at places in the Shoalhaven identifying locations where smoking ceremonies have taken place.

CARRIED

AA19.7 Additional Item - Proposed Art Exhibition - Cook 2020 Anniversary

Bronwyn Coulston – Arts and Culture Manager sought feedback from the members in relation to their opinions on the proposed Art Exhibition for the Cook 2020 Anniversary.

It was noted that a report was submitted to the Committee in November 2018 (AA18.32). For further information please refer to this report. The report can be viewed via the following link:

https://shoalhaven.infocouncil.biz/Open/2018/11/AA_20181126_AGN_8795_AT.PDF

The objective of the feedback is to gain understanding of cultural significance around this anniversary and to also portray Indigenous impacts on this event.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That Committee members provide feedback to the General Manager (Finance Corporate and Community Services – Arts and Culture Manager) on the Cook 2020 Anniversary proposed Exhibition.

CARRIED

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 5.54pm.

Ms Sylvia Timbery

ACTING CHAIRPERSON

Aboriginal Advisory Committee – Monday 13 May 2019

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AA19.8 2019-2021 Aboriginal Advisory Committee Strategic Plan

HPERM Ref: D19/16890

Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group

Section: Recreation Community & Culture

Attachments: 1. Statement of Commitment - Shoalhaven City Council - Aboriginal Communities ⇩

2. 2019 - 2021 Aboriginal Advisory Committee Strategic Plan (under separate cover) ⇨

Purpose / Summary

To recommend for adoption by Council the 2019-2021 Aboriginal Advisory Committee Strategic Plan.

Recommendation

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee:

1. Endorse the Draft 2019-2021 Aboriginal Advisory Committee Strategic Plan;

2. Recommend to Council that the draft 2019-2021 Aboriginal Advisory Committee Strategic Plan be endorsed to provide direction and action for the Aboriginal Advisory Committee from 2019 to 2021.

Options

1. As Recommended.

Implications: The Aboriginal Advisory Committee have been working on this document for some time. Formal adoption of the draft 2019-2021 Aboriginal Advisory Committee Strategic Plan provides a clear framework and strategic direction for the Aboriginal Advisory Committee. Formal adoption by Council will recognise the work of the committee and support their direction into the future.

2. Provide an alternate recommendation

Implications: Unknown at present - however this may delay the adoption of the draft 2019-2021 Aboriginal Advisory Committee Strategic Plan resulting in delays to actions.

3. Decline to adopt the draft 2019-2021 Aboriginal Advisory Committee Strategic Plan.

Implications: This will result in no clear framework or strategic direction for the Aboriginal Advisory Committee. This will impact negatively on cultural competency within Council. This will also hinder the securing of grant funding applications.

Background

The Shoalhaven City Council Aboriginal Advisory Committee plays a vital role in increasing Council’s knowledge and understanding of the Shoalhaven Aboriginal people’s history and culture.

Work associated with the development of the draft Aboriginal Advisory Committee 2019-2021 Strategic Plan (Attachment 1) was undertaken using a Community Development approach that was participatory (rather than consultative) in nature. All concepts and ideas in this plan have been generated by committee members and have been identified as important by the Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

The draft 2019-2021 Aboriginal Advisory Committee Strategic Plan is an important document that provides the framework to enable the delivery of 21 actions that will benefit Aboriginal people, Council and the broader Shoalhaven community.

Community Engagement

Shoalhaven City Council values its culturally diverse communities and is committed to building stronger collaborative working partnerships with local Aboriginal communities. The Aboriginal Advisory Committee is representative of community members, Elders, youth and local Aboriginal Land Council representatives. The draft 2019-2021 Aboriginal Advisory Committee Strategic Plan was developed following four (4) workshops that were held with the Aboriginal Advisory Committee members throughout 2017 and 2018.

It is intended that this document be a tangible representation of what is recommended by the Aboriginal Advisory Committee Members. It is not intended to be a community wide strategy. Members of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee will be actively involved in planning and delivery of actions in partnership with the Community Development Team and progress updates will be provided regularly to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee and Council as required.

If formally adopted by the Committee and Council, committee members will continue to build stronger working relationships between Council and community as per the Terms of Reference.

Internal stakeholders identified in the draft Strategy are intended to be consulted in the implementation of the plan and are not considered responsible for the direct delivery of actions. This will be the responsibility of the Community Development Team in partnership with the Committee.

Policy Implications

Development of the draft 2019-2021 Aboriginal Advisory Committee Strategic Plan aligns with objectives that are contained in Shoalhaven City Council’s Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal People. A copy of the existing Statement of Commitment is provided in Attachment 2.

Adoption of the draft 2019-2021 Aboriginal Advisory Committee Strategic Plan has no policy implications currently; however, long term it identifies the need for a Cultural Protocol and a Reconciliation Action Plan. If developed and adopted by Council, this may impact some existing Council Protocols or Policies, such as the Community Engagement Policy. Any future impacts will be reported to Council for consideration in the future.

Financial Implications

Actions identified in the Strategic Plan are currently within the scope of the Committee and relevant Council staff. Many actions that identify internal stakeholders seek to reflect existing relationships formally, rather than create additional workloads. It is intended that delivery of any new actions are within the scope and workload capacity of the existing Community Development Team in consultation with the identified internal stakeholders.

Some key projects identified are currently unfunded. These include:

· The Development of Shoalhaven City Council’s First Aboriginal Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). When complete, the RAP will seek to assist Council to build and strengthen relationships with Aboriginal people and is a significant, positive move that will enhance reconciliation. This will be subject to funding being allocated in the 2019/20 budget. A Staff Budget Submission has been made for $25,000 to facilitate production of this document.

· Aboriginal Place of Remembrance in the Shoalhaven LGA is an identified project in concept only. It will be necessary to undertake a feasibility study and concept plans that identifies possible locations and potential designs. Subject to the Strategic Plan is approved and adopted, staff will seek funds to enable the feasibility study to be undertaken. Where available staff will seek grant funding to facilitate the feasibility study and construction. Co-funding from Council may be required, and a report to Council will be provided for consideration at the appropriate time.

Aboriginal Advisory Committee – Monday 13 May 2019

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AA19.9 Status Report - April 2019

HPERM Ref: D19/120132

Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group

Section: Recreation Community & Culture

Attachments: 1. Aboriginal Advisory Committee Status Report - April 2019 ⇩

Purpose / Summary

To update the Aboriginal Advisory Committee on progress made against actions and resolutions that have been passed at previous meetings of the Shoalhaven Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee receive the April 2019 Status report for information.

Options

1. Adopt the recommendation as printed.

Implications: The Aboriginal Advisory Committee is kept updated about progress towards the completion of identified actions.

2. Request more information.

Implications: Members of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee will be provided additional information as requested and available.

Background

Progress towards the completion of actions and resolutions that have been made at previous meetings of the Shoalhaven Aboriginal Advisory Committee are detailed in Attachment 1.

Community Engagement

It is important the members of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee are kept informed about progress towards the completion of actions and projects that have been the subject of discussion at meetings of the Committee. This report provides a structured approach to facilitate this information exchange.

Policy Implications

Not Applicable

Financial ImplicationsThere are no financial implications.

Risk Implications

There are no risk implications.

Aboriginal Advisory Committee – Monday 13 May 2019

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AA19.10 Shoalhaven Regional Gallery - Response to Cook 2020 Anniversary - Exhibition of Indigenous Culture

HPERM Ref: D19/120957

Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group

Section: Recreation Community & Culture

Purpose / Summary

Providing information regarding the outcomes of a meeting with Aboriginal community members to discuss possible formats for an exhibition that could be staged in 2020 and aligned with the anniversary of the arrival of Captain James Cook in Australia

Seeking approval to form a Working Party to consult on planning associated with development of an Exhibition that celebrates the survival of Indigenous cultures and peoples post colonisation.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee;

1. Receive the report for information;

2. Agree to the creation of a Working Group, comprising Committee members and interested members of the Aboriginal community, to consult with the Gallery on development of an Exhibition that celebrates the survival of Indigenous cultures and peoples post colonisation;

3. Nominate members to be on the working group as follows:

a. (insert members name / s)

Options

1. Adopt the recommendation as printed

Implications: The exhibition at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery in 2020 will go ahead as recommended through consultation and grant applications and project development can start.

2. Amend the recommendation

Implications: The exhibition may not be able to go ahead as planned, due to lack of opportunity to apply for grants and time to develop plans.

3. Reject the recommendation.

Implications: Shoalhaven Regional Gallery will need to review their exhibition schedule and may not be able to provide opportunity and space for an exhibition celebrating Indigenous culture and peoples in 2020.

Background

In November 2018, Shoalhaven Regional Gallery wrote a report to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee (AAC) seeking advice on what response, if any, would be appropriate for the Cook 2020 Anniversary (AB18.32). As a result of that report, a meeting was convened with invitations sent to members of the AAC, the Aboriginal Men’s group, appropriate organisations, Elders and other community members.

The group met on 12 April 2019 at the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery, Nowra. The meeting was well attended by members of the Djuwan Men’s Group (9 representatives) and three (3) members of the Shoalhaven Aboriginal Advisory Committee. The discussion initially centred on the appropriateness of staging an exhibition that used the Cook 2020 Anniversary as its inspiration, and if an exhibition was to take place, what form should it take.

The overwhelming advice from members of the Djuwan Men’s Group members and members of the Shoalhaven Aboriginal Advisory Committee was that the 2020 Cook Anniversary is not something to celebrate, but that it may be appropriate for the Gallery to contribute to an exhibition that celebrated the survival of Indigenous cultures and peoples post colonisation and features art in all its forms that told a positive future story for Indigenous cultures.

Council’s Unit Manager Arts and Culture advised that if this type of exhibition was to occur that it would be necessary for the Gallery to seek grant funding through appropriate State and Federal agencies as well as private philanthropic foundations. The funding would support the appointment of a curator to lead the exhibition project.

The Gallery would aim to secure an experienced curator with experience working with the local Aboriginal community and with strong connections to the South Coast. The curator could consult with a working party that is formed by the AAC to outline the overarching story that the exhibition will tell, identify artists, authors, historians, Elders and community members who should be invited to take part in the exhibition and work with the Gallery to coordinate design and / or purchase of necessary exhibition furniture (i.e. plinths, showcases, didactic panels, wall vinyls etc).

The exhibition period is currently set as 10 October – 5 December 2020, allowing 18 months for funding applications, development and artwork creation.

The involvement of the AAC is central to this project, and it is proposed to seek the Committee’s approval to form a Working Party to consult on planning associated with development of an Exhibition.

In establishing the Working Party, nominations are sought from members of the Shoalhaven Aboriginal Advisory Committee to join and participate in this Working Party, ensuring that the exhibition celebrates the survival of Indigenous cultures and peoples post colonisation, and features art in all its forms that tells a positive future story for Indigenous cultures.

Community Engagement

Engaging with the Djuwan Men’s Group is a community participation activity that aligns with Council’s Community Engagement Policy.

Financial Implications

Shoalhaven Regional Gallery’s operational budget includes limited funding for exhibitions and budget is regularly supplemented by grant funds sourced from State and Federal agencies and private philanthropic foundations. This project, if delivered as proposed, will require grant funding. However, is planned to be scalable if additional funding is not available.