Agenda of Aboriginal Advisory Committee

Aboriginal Advisory Committee

Meeting Date: Monday, 03 May, 2021

Location: Council Chambers, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra

Time: 4.00pm

Please note: Council’s Code of Meeting Practice permits the electronic recording and broadcast of the proceedings of meetings of the Council which are open to the public. Your attendance at this meeting is taken as consent to the possibility that your image and/or voice may be recorded and broadcast to the public.

Agenda

1. Apologies

2. A Minute Silence in Respect of Aboriginal Elders, Past and Present

3. Confirmation of Minutes

· Aboriginal Advisory Committee - 22 February 2021.................................................... 1

4. Declarations of Interest

5. Presentations

AA21.5........ Presentation - National Indigenous Australians Agency - Tyrone Taylor

An update will be provided to the Committee on whole-of-government coordination of Policy Development, Program Design, and service delivery for Aboriginal Australians, especially for the Shoalhaven.

Mr Taylor will also discuss the recently announced Indigenous Voice co-design process that is currently underway and how individuals and the AAC can contribute.

6. Reports

AA21.6........ Consideration of Membership - Ron Carberry............................................... 5

AA21.7........ Tourism Marketing Update........................................................................... 10

AA21.8........ Aboriginal Advisory Committee Status Action Report................................. 13

7. General Business

AA21.4........ Workshop Dates

Discussion of dates for Workshop to review Terms of Reference.

Aboriginal Advisory Committee – Monday 03 May 2021

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Membership

Mr Jared Brown – Chairperson (Youth Representative)

All Councillors

Chief Executive Officer or nominee

Ms Janet Atkins

Ms Sylvia Timbery

Ms Patricia Lester

Mr Shane Brown

Ms Leonie Ebzery

Mr Paul McLeod

Mr Charlie Ashby

Ms Nicole Moore

Ms Caryn Carpenter

Ms Sharlene Cruickshank

Ms Natalie Lloyd

Ms Valda Corrigan (NPWS)

Ms Kalinda Wills – Youth Representative

Nowra LALC –

Jerrinja LALC – Alfred Wellington

Ulladulla LALC – Paul Keith

Quorum – Five (5) local Aboriginal community members

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.

Ordinary Meeting 21 December 2009 – Item 43 – MIN19.1808

STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT

This Statement commits Shoalhaven City Council to continue building mutually respectful relationships with the Aboriginal Communities of the Shoalhaven.

Shoalhaven City Council values its culturally diverse communities and lifestyles and is deeply committed to working in partnership with Aboriginal people of the Shoalhaven. This Partnership will be based on mutual respect and equality to further employment, social, cultural and economic community development.

Shoalhaven City Council recognizes and acknowledges the history and treatment of Aboriginal people in Australia and supports the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation’s vision and values.

Shoalhaven City Council recognises Aboriginal people’s valuable contribution made in strengthening and enriching our communities and the heritage of all Australians.

Shoalhaven City Council Acknowledges and Recognises:

· Aboriginal people as the first people of Australia

· Past practices and policies that impacted on Aboriginal people’s lives, cultures and society

· The customs and traditions of Aboriginal people and their spiritual relationship with the land

· The rights of Aboriginal people to live according to their own beliefs, values and customs, and

· The significant contribution made by Aboriginal people in the past, present and future.

Shoalhaven City Council commits itself to:

· Ensuring local Aboriginal involvement in events and celebrations of significance which respect the dignity and protocols of the local Aboriginal communities

· The ongoing development of strategies to improve and increase the level of participation of local Aboriginal people in the local Government decision making processes

· Undertake holistic community planning to address wellbeing, employment and social economic or cultural disadvantage experienced by local Aboriginal people in the Shoalhaven

· Ensuring all council staff and Councillors are exposed to ongoing education and cultural training and development programs to increase knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal Cultural heritage and the needs of the Aboriginal communities

· Celebrate and support significant Aboriginal ceremonies and events, e.g. NAIDOC week, Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week and Survival Day

· To continue to fly the Aboriginal flag in places such as City Administrative Centre, Council Chambers, Reception room and in other prominent Council locations.

Minutes of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee

Meeting Date: Monday, 22 February 2021

Location: Council Chambers, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra

Time: 4.11pm

The following members were present:

Clr Patricia White

Clr Nina Digiglio

Clr John Levett

Charlie Ashby

Sharlene Cruickshank

Jared Brown – (remotely)

Janet Atkins

Nowra LALC - Nicole Moore – (remotely) left at 5.15pm

Others present:

Ray Massie

Gordon Clark

Michael Paine

Colin Wood

Kristy O’Sullivan

Charlie Ashby was nominated and elected as Interim Chairperson for the meeting until Item AA21.1 Election of Chairperson.

A minute’s silence in Respect of Aboriginal Elders, Past and Present.

Apologies / Leave of Absence

Apologies were received from Caryn Carpenter and Valda Corrigan.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (Janet Atkins / Clr White)

That the Minutes of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee held on Monday 07 December 2020 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Declarations of Interest

Nil

Reports

AA21.1 Election of Chairperson

HPERM Ref: D20/561974

Nominations were received for Charlie Ashby, Nicole Moore and Janet Atkins, who all declined.

A nomination was received for Jared Brown, who accepted the nomination.

Recommendation

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee elect (insert name) as Chairperson for the period until the 2021 Local Government Elections.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee elect Jared Brown as Chairperson for the period until the 2021 Local Government Elections.

CARRIED

AA21.2 Suburb Naming Options - Moss Vale Road Urban Release Areas

HPERM Ref: D21/59290

Gordon Clark (Manager, Strategic Planning) clarified that the list of proposed names has been bought to the Committee ensure that no potentially problematic names will be taken forward to the Geographic Naming Board (GNB). The endorsement of both the Committee and the Nowra LALC is required.

Kristy O’Sullivan (Strategic Planner) explained how the proposed names had been sourced, including a process of cross-referencing to establish correctness. An important stipulation is that the name should not sound too similar to existing names, to ensure clarity for emergency services.

The Committee raised no objections to the names on the list, but asked whether the timeframe would accommodate consultation with the community, whose broader knowledge would result in further names being proposed.

The need to follow the timeframe was stressed, as the name needs to be approved by the GNB and in place before people start moving to the area, within next 12 months.

Nicole Moore advised she is presenting the Council proposals to the Nowra LALC Board and will take suggestions from the community. Charlie Ashby will reach out to people in the community and feed back to Nicole.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That:

1. The Aboriginal Advisory Committee (AAC) provide feedback on the proposed names for a new suburb encompassing the Moss Vale Road North and South Urban Release Areas.

2. Pending endorsement from the Nowra Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC), the AAC offer ‘in-principle’ support for the following proposed shortlisted names if appropriate: (delete as required):

a. Badagarang

b. Buru / Booroo

c. Calboonya

d. Gumbeengang / Janbeegang

3. If accepted by the AAC and Nowra LALC, the shortlist of proposed names be reported to an upcoming Council Ordinary Meeting to seek endorsement to proceed to public exhibition.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That:

1. The Aboriginal Advisory Committee (AAC) provide feedback on the proposed names for a new suburb encompassing the Moss Vale Road North and South Urban Release Areas.

a. Badagarang

b. Buru / Booroo

c. Calboonya

d. Gumbeengang / Janbeegang

3. If accepted by the AAC and Nowra LALC, the shortlist of proposed names be reported to an upcoming Council Ordinary Meeting to seek endorsement to proceed to public exhibition.

CARRIED

AA21.3 Aboriginal Advisory Committee Status Action Report

HPERM Ref: D21/11996

Colin Wood (Manager, Building & Compliance) gave an update on AA20.11 Additional Item – Cullunghutti Plan of Management. He advised the viewing platform and its materials at the summit of the mountain have been removed. The land owner advised they will not use concrete again but will use shale and road base.

Jared Brown asked when the DA / consent runs out, and whether the owner would consider a more sympathetic use for the land. Colin Wood advised Rose O’Sullivan (NPWS) had been due to investigate this issue, but confirmed there is no end date to a Development Consent, and that it remains with the land, transferring between successors of title. Similarly, any issue of notices stays with the land. The Consent can be surrendered by any future owner.

Charlie Ashby expressed concern that the damage may still continue even though the platform structures have been removed, e.g. damage to tree root systems or rocks? Colin Wood advised Council retains the power to enforce compliance with noise, water and air pollution controls, and to require rectification of damage. Council can also advise the owner on culturally significant areas that should be avoided if the community can provide information about them.

The community would require legal access to the private property to obtain photographic evidence to ensure preservation.

Clr Levett noted that, as NPWS are custodians of Aboriginal heritage, Rose O’Sullivan could broker a meeting with the owner to discuss the importance of the land.

Gordon Clarke noted the property is, or was, on the market, and that the current owners may not wish to run Bigfoot for long.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

1. That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee receive the updated December 2020 Status report for information.

2. The following action be noted as completed and removed from the Action table.

a. AA18.23 Uluru Statement from the Heart

b. AA20.11 Additional Item – Cullunghutti Plan of Management – Invite Rose O’Sullivan (DPIE) – Compliance concerns report request.

RESOLVED (By consent)

1. That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee receive the updated December 2020 Status report for information.

2. The following action be noted as completed and removed from the Action table.

a. AA18.23 Uluru Statement from the Heart

b. AA20.11 Additional Item – Cullunghutti Plan of Management – Invite Rose O’Sullivan (DPIE) – Compliance concerns report request.

CARRIED

General Business

AA21.4 Workshop Dates

HPERM Ref: D21/49575

This item was not addressed.

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 5.15pm.

Jared Brown

CHAIRPERSON

Aboriginal Advisory Committee – Monday 03 May 2021

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AA21.6 Consideration of Membership - Ron Carberry

HPERM Ref: D21/74509

Department: Business Assurance & Risk

Approver: Kevin Voegt, Director - City Performance

Attachments: 1. Membership Application - Ron Carberry ⇩

Reason for Report

To consider the membership application (Attached) to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee for Ron Carberry.

Recommendation

That:

1. The Aboriginal Advisory Committee consider recommending that Council appoints Ron Carberry as a community member on the Aboriginal Advisory Committee;

2. Subject to Part 1 being adopted, Council amend the Terms of Reference and increase the Community Membership to 14 members.

Options

1. The Aboriginal Advisory Committee endorse the recommended applicant for membership and recommend his appointment to Council as a member of the Committee.

Implications: This will take the Aboriginal Advisory Committee to 14 Community Members. The Terms of Reference currently allow for 13 Community Members.

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

Implications: The Aboriginal Advisory Committee would remain at 13 community members.

3. The Aboriginal Advisory Committee endorse the recommended applicant for membership and recommend their appointment when a vacancy arises on the committee.

Implications: The Aboriginal Advisory Committee would remain at 13 community members.

Background

At the Aboriginal Advisory Committee (AAC) meeting held on Monday 17 February 2020 it was recommended that Council call for expressions of interest to fill the vacant position on the Committee. Advertisements calling for nominations were placed in the South Coast Register and on Council’s website during August 2020. Council received five nominations by the closing date of 3 September. A selection panel comprising:

• Council’s Aboriginal Community Development Officer, Margaret Simoes,

• Senior Community Development Officer, Michael Paine,

• Chair of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee, Sue Cutmore,

• Shane Brown, Aboriginal Advisory Committee member

• and Caryn Carpenter, Aboriginal Advisory Committee member

assessed the applications against the criteria that is contained in the Committee’s Terms of Reference and on the Application for Membership form. These criteria are set out in section 4.2 of the Terms of Reference – the Role of the Advisory Committee.

The panel particularly considered the skills and experience that each nominee could bring to the Committee as outlined in their respective application forms. Membership recommendations where reported and adopted by the Aboriginal Advisory Committee at their meeting of 7 December 2020.

At the Council meeting of 25 January 2021, the minutes to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee where reported. At this meeting Council requested that the Aboriginal Advisory Committee re-consider the membership application of Mr Ron Carberry (Attachment 1) who had not been recommended in the report of 7 December 2020.

If the Committee choose to appoint Mr Carberry to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee, he will need to be appointed as a Community Member. There is currently no option to appoint Mr Carberry as a representative of the Jerrinja Tribal Group within the Terms of Reference. This would require a variation to the current Terms of Reference which currently allows for 13 community members. Mr Carberry’s appointment would bring the total to 14 community members.

Alternatively, the committee could consider appointing Mr Carberry when a position on the committee becomes vacant.

A review of the Terms of Reference will allow the Committee to consider the membership makeup of the Advisory Committee.

Community Engagement

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.

Policy Implications

Subject to the membership being adopted, the Terms of Reference membership will be amended.

Aboriginal Advisory Committee – Monday 03 May 2021

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AA21.7 Tourism Marketing Update

HPERM Ref: D21/136189

Department: Tourism

Approver: Robert Domm, Director - City Futures

Attachments: 1. Aboriginal Tourism Product Overview (Confidential)

2. DRAFT Aboriginal Spread - 2022 Visitor Guide (Confidential)

Reason for Report

To provide an update on Aboriginal-related tourism marketing activity from Council’s tourism team and provide feedback to the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group (STAG).

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee

a. receive the tourism marketing update for information and note the draft content to be included in the 2022 Visitor Guide.

b. provide the following feedback to the Tourism Advisory Group

i. > to be included in the meeting after discussion <

Options

1. Receive the report for information

2. Request more information

Background

The Shoalhaven Tourism Team works closely with Aboriginal tourism operators and would like to provide an update to the Aboriginal Advisory Group and seek any advice on other potential Aboriginal tourism businesses to work with.

Marketing Update

The 2022 Visitor Guide

Shoalhaven Tourism create a Visitor Guide annually, and as usual practice bring relevant content to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee for information and feedback if relevant. The 2022 Visitor Guide draft content on Aboriginal tours and experiences is included as Attachment 1.

Since 2016, the Shoalhaven Visitor Guides have included an Acknowledgment of Country as the first editorial spread, followed by the double page spread of Aboriginal tourism experiences.

Aboriginal Product Development

The Tourism Team works directly with Aboriginal businesses who want to build their business in the tourism industry. From initial meetings to assisting with free photography and videography, to advice on listing and booking platforms, all the way through to workshops and opportunities via Destination NSW and Tourism Australia, support is available for any local Shoalhaven Aboriginal business. This is an established KPI for the team, and any business referrals are welcomed. The product development process is tracked in Attachment 2.

The Tourism Marketing Unit is assigned an Action and KPI in the DPOP to provide the following:

· Action: Provide product development, marketing, and trade support to Aboriginal Tourism Operators

· KPI: Number of additional Australian Tourism Data Warehouse listings for Aboriginal Tourism Operators

The Aboriginal Advisory Committee is welcome to provide any potential new Aboriginal tourism businesses to the tourism team, or provide the tourism team contacts to share, please email: kristy.mayhew@Shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au or phone 0439 591 329.

Active Promotion of Culture

The Tourism team actively work on opportunities to promote culture in partnership with local businesses. A recent example was the Walking On Country Project, where the team worked closely with Margaret Simoes on the project, which now has 115,000 views and has been put in for a National Heritage Award as well as a Local Government Award this year.

The Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group

The Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group (STAG) is an Advisory Group of Council that operates in a similar capacity to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee (AAC), but serves to advise Council on tourism industry matters. In recent meetings, the importance of Aboriginal heritage and respectful tourism has been discussed anecdotally and informally, including the following key points:

a. Members have expressed a desire to recognise and acknowledge the importance of Aboriginal heritage to our region.

b. Generally, members have discussed the importance of storytelling in tourism promotion and recognise that Aboriginal culture is a critical part of the Shoalhaven story.

c. Members have raised concerns about the potential conflicts between the industry broadly with aboriginal culture. Individuals have expressed a particular interest in how the industry can better engage or work with local aboriginal communities.

The Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group have asked staff to seek advice from the Aboriginal Advisory Committee on ways to share information and collaborate regarding tourism matters. Industry members have expressed an interest in learning more from, and collaborating with, the Aboriginal Advisory Committee in order to be more educated and supportive of Aboriginal tourism product development, job creation, and any other matters relating to tourism or culture.

Some ideas suggested from the discussion included:

· Extend an open invite to the Chair of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee to present to the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group on key issues and opportunities for collaboration now and into the future.

· Extend an invite to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee to have a permanent position on the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group to ensure Aboriginal voice has representation in tourism strategic conversations, with the AAC to delegate the appropriate representative.

· Request that the Aboriginal Advisory Committee provide any feedback on other ideas members may have and provide feedback on future collaboration opportunities.

Staff will be at the meeting to hear any feedback or thoughts from the committee about the above suggestions and the committee can provide feedback formally in the recommendation (above).

Aboriginal Advisory Committee – Monday 03 May 2021

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AA21.8 Aboriginal Advisory Committee Status Action Report

HPERM Ref: D21/154720

Department: Community Connections

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Attachments: 1. AAC - Action Status Report April 2021 ⇩

Reason for Report

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:

1. The Aboriginal Advisory Committee received the updated May 2021 Status report for information.

2. The following action be noted as completed and removed from the Action table:

a. AA20.19 Membership - Resignation - Sue-Anne Cutmore - Appointment - Natalie Lloyd - Application consideration - Ron Carberry

b. AA21.3 Aboriginal Advisory Committee Status Action Report - Remove AA18.23 & AA20.11

c. AA21.1 Election of Chairperson - Jared Brown

d. AA20.18 Aboriginal Advisory Committee - Membership - Appointment - Sharlene Cruickshank

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 additional 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.