Minutes of the Aboriginal
Advisory Committee
Meeting Date: Tuesday, 26 July
2022
Location: Jervis
Bay Rooms, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra
Time: 4.10pm
The following members were present:
Mr Jared Brown - Chairperson
Mayor Amanda Findley – left 5.43pm
Clr John Wells
Clr Patricia White
Clr Tonia Gray
Clr Evan Christen
Clr John Kotlash
Clr Liza Butler (Remotely) – joined 4.17pm
Ms Janet Atkins
Mr Charlie Ashby
Ms Nicole Moore
Ms Natalie Lloyd (Remotely)
Ms Sharlene Cruickshank – arrived at 4.16pm
Ms Kalinda Wills – arrived at 4.32pm
Mr Jerrinja LALC - Alfred Wellington (Remotely) –
joined at 4.13pm
Mr Michael Paine - Manager - Community Connections
Others present:
Mr Carey McIntyre – Director City Futures
Mr Matt Rose – Acting Strategic Planning Manager
Mr Eric Hollinger – Coordinator – Special
Projects Team
Ms Brooke Aldous – Governance Coordinator
Ms Carly McWalters – Team Leader Community Capacity
Building
Ms Michelle Toms – Community Capacity Cadet -
Aboriginal
Ms Kristy Mayhew – Tourism Marketing Specialist
An apology was received from Sylvia Timbery.
Janet Atkins acknowledged the
traditional custodians of the land and paid respect to Elders past and present,
welcomed everyone present. The Chairperson commenced a moments silence.
Note: Alfred Wellington – Jerrinja LALC joined the
meeting at 4.13pm
Nil
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AA22.9 Presentation - Huskisson Church - Eric Hollinger
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HPERM Ref: D22/281765
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Item dealt with later in the meeting.
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Reports
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AA22.10 Aboriginal Advisory Committee
Representative on Shoalhaven Arts Board
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HPERM Ref: D22/235761
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Note: Sharlene Cruickshank
arrived at 4.16pm
The Committee
discussed and requested that a complete list of all Council Advisory Committees
be forwarded to Councillors and the AAC Members.
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Recommendation (Item to
be determined under delegated authority)
That the
Aboriginal Advisory Committee further endorse Drew Longbottom as the
nominated Aboriginal Representative on the Shoalhaven Arts Board, for a
period of four (4) years.
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RESOLVED (Nicole Moore / Clr Wells)
That:
1.
The Aboriginal Advisory Committee note Drew Longbottom as the
nominated Aboriginal Representative on the Shoalhaven Arts Board, for a
period of four (4) years.
2.
Correspondence regarding the future Aboriginal representation on the Shoalhaven
Arts Board to be forwarded through the Chairperson for dissemination;
CARRIED
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AA22.12 Shoalhaven Visitor Guide -
Aboriginal Content
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HPERM Ref: D22/274826
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Kristy Mayhew –
Tourism Marketing Specialist addressed the meeting, and presented the current
Visitors Guide noting that the new Guide will be produced in December.
Ms Mayhew advised that the
Committee has time to submit feedback on the Guide content.
Note: Kalinda Wills arrived at
4.32pm
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Recommendation (Item to
be determined under delegated authority)
That the next
Shoalhaven Visitor Guide continue with existing disclaimer in relation to
Aboriginal Cultural Product.
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RESOLVED (Jared Brown / Charlie Ashby)
That the next
Shoalhaven Visitor Guide continue with existing disclaimer in relation to
Aboriginal Cultural Product.
CARRIED
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AA22.14 Membership - Expression of
Interest - update
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HPERM Ref: D22/288744
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Ms Carly
McWalters – Team Leader Community Capacity Building addressed the
meeting and provided a verbal update to the report. It was noted that:
·
Following the last meeting a membership audit letter was sent
out to all members confirming their term dates and requesting that they
confirm their membership for an additional term or relinquish their
membership.
·
As a result of the audit conducted, two (2) positions were
identified as vacant and an expression of interest (EOI) was conducted.
·
Based on some concern about the reach of the EOI and
appropriate advertising for target communities, the Chairperson requested
that the EOI needed to be extended.
·
Council received two (2) applications from the first round of
EOI and those individuals have been shortlisted for interview following
closure of the extended EOI period.
·
It is proposed to conduct the interviews in August
·
Staff are seeking feedback and input from the Committee on the
draft interview questions and supporting assessment criteria. Staff will send
a few questions to the AAC Chairperson for distribution and feedback.
·
Mixed responses were received in relation to preferred days and
times for AAC meetings. Various options were put forward including but not
limited to Tuesday at 4.00pm and Monday at 5.00pm.
The
Chairperson sought feedback from the members present and suggested meetings
be conducted on Tuesdays at 5.00pm.
The Committee
also discussed the option to hold the meetings at alternate locations. Noting
that Wi-Fi, Screen and Teams capability is required. The Chairperson advised
he is happy to keep the meetings in the Jervis Bay Rooms, however its open
for discussion in the future. The Aboriginal Advisory Committee prefer to
meet in informal meeting spaces such as the Jervis Bay Rooms.
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Recommendation (Item to
be determined under delegated authority)
That the
Aboriginal Advisory Committee receive this report for information.
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RESOLVED (Jared Brown / Kalinda Wills)
That the
Aboriginal Advisory Committee receive this report for information.
CARRIED
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AA22.13 Proposed development of
Reconciliation Action Plan
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HPERM Ref: D22/110189
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Mr Michael
Paine – Manager Community Connections addressed the meeting and
provided the following comments:
·
To date Council hasn’t had a Reconciliation Action Plan
(RAP)
·
Council are going to develop a RAP and work is scheduled to commence
in October/November 2023
·
Invite members of AAC onto a Project Control Group to assist
council with the development of the RAP
Mayor Findley
raised a question regarding the budget for the RAP and payment for the AAC
members on the Project Control Group?
Mr Paine
responded and advised that the budget will allow for the payment of those
members appointed to the Project Control Group to participate and share their
cultural knowledge and experience.
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Recommendation (Item
to be determined under delegated authority)
That the
Aboriginal Advisory Committee (AAC):
1. Support the development of a Reconciliation
Action Plan (RAP) for Shoalhaven City Council
2. The AAC nominate representatives to form part
of a Project Reference Group to assist in the development of the RAP:
a. Insert name of representative at meeting
b. Insert name of representative at meeting
3. Receive a future report with detailed
timelines and plans for community engagement.
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RESOLVED (Sharlene Cruickshank / Charlie Ashby)
That the
Aboriginal Advisory Committee (AAC):
1. Support the development of a Reconciliation
Action Plan (RAP) for Shoalhaven City Council
2. The AAC nominate representatives to form part
of a Project Reference Group to assist in the development of the RAP:
a. Jared Brown
b. Kalinda Wills (TBC)
3. Receive a future report with detailed
timelines and plans for community engagement.
Note: Natalie
Lloyd advised that she is interested in in being part of the Group if an
opportunity should arise.
CARRIED
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AA22.15 Update on Actions - July 2022
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HPERM Ref: D22/290383
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The Committee discussed the
Action Report and made comments on the following Items:
·
AA21.17:
o Alfred
Wellington advised that in relation to Cullunghutti, this matter needs to
remain open as this is a complex matter and to date there hasn’t been
any directions given.
·
AA21.19:
o In relation
to consultation with Nowra LALC, Nicole Moore advised that this hasn’t
happened yet.
o Michael Paine
advised that they had attempted to do so, however this hasn’t transpired.
o A report will
come back to a future meeting in relation to the Community Wellbeing Plan.
o Ms Moore
suggested that future consultation with the Nowra LALC be requested through
the administration email. Ms Moore to confirm the contact details.
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Recommendation (Item to
be determined under delegated authority)
That
1. The Aboriginal Advisory Committee accept and
receive the Update on Actions report for information.
2. The following actions are considered complete
and removed from the action table
a. AA21.17 - Aboriginal Advisory Committee Action
Table Report - Invitation - Jerrinja LALC - Community Consultation -
Cullunghutti - report received
b. AA21.19 - Presentation - Shoalhaven Community
Wellbeing Plan - consult with LALC
c. AA22.6 - Membership Audit and Expression of
Interest - Formal consultation / time of meetings - Reappointment - Janet
Atkins / Sylvia Timbery / Shane Brown
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RESOLVED (Kalinda Wills / Sharlene Cruickshank)
That
1. The Aboriginal Advisory Committee accept and receive
the Update on Actions report for information.
2. The following actions are considered complete
and removed from the action table
a. AA22.6 - Membership Audit and Expression of
Interest - Formal consultation / time of meetings - Reappointment - Janet
Atkins / Sylvia Timbery / Shane Brown
CARRIED
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AA22.11 Huskisson Church - Options to
resolve future use of site
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HPERM Ref: D22/184697
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Eric Hollinger
– Coordinator – Special Projects Team provided an update in
relation to the report and made the following comments:
·
Following Council’s resolution (detailed in the report)
it is proposed to conduct a Briefing in late August.
·
News on the Planning Proposal is the proponent formally
withdrew the Planning Proposal on 11 July 2022. The Department also terminated
the Gateway Determination. Any new rezoning request would require a new
planning Proposal to be submitted.
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Recommendation (Item to
be determined under delegated authority)
That direction
be provided on whether the Committee wishes to provide feedback to Council
and/or be involved in a Councillor briefing on the future use of the former
Anglican Church site, Huskisson.
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RESOLVED (Janet Atkins / Kalinda Wills)
That the Aboriginal
Advisory Committee be invited to the Councillor Briefing (as detailed in
MIN22.243) on the future use of the former Anglican Church site, Huskisson
and provide feedback at that briefing.
CARRIED
Note: Council resolution (MIN22.243) reads as follows:
That Council:
1. Reaffirms
MIN21.303, that requires Council to “Continue to liaise with key
stakeholders including the Jerrinja LALC, Council’s Aboriginal Advisory
Committee, and the Huskisson Heritage Association (HHA)”.
2. Notes
all the above-mentioned parties have raised with Council their objections to
the proposed scraping; and notes none of the above-mentioned were consulted
by Heritage NSW prior to issuing the s140 archaeological permit for
scraping.
3. Does
not proceed with any scraping of the grounds of Huskisson Anglican
Church Site to verify graves.
4. Defers
the matter to enable Councillors to receive a detailed briefing to include:
a. The
process, requirements, timelines for heritage listing of the church and
grounds, as recommended in the
Shoalhaven Heritage reports 2005.
b. The
potential for the retention of the SP2 special zoning for the site, including
legal advice.
c. An
outline of an approach for Council to work with the community and developer
to undertake a community led process to determine future options for use of
the site.
d. Inclusion
of the perspective of key stakeholders including the Jerrinja LALC,
Council’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee, and the Huskisson Heritage
Association. That they be allowed to present to Council as part of the
briefing.
For: Clr Findley, Clr
Kotlash, Clr Norris, Clr Butler, Clr D'Ath, Clr Christen and Clr Gray
Against: Clr Copley,
Clr Ell, Clr White, Clr Wells, Clr Watson and Clr Kitchener
CARRIED
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Presentations
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AA22.9 Presentation -
Huskisson Church - Eric Hollinger
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HPERM Ref: D22/281765
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This item was addressed in
conjunction with AA22.11 - Huskisson Church - Options to resolve future use
of site.
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AA22.12 Shoalhaven Visitor Guide - Aboriginal Content
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HPERM Ref: D22/274826
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Item dealt with earlier in the
meeting.
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AA22.14 Membership - Expression Of Interest - Update
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HPERM Ref: D22/288744
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Item dealt with earlier in the
meeting.
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AA22.13 Proposed Development Of Reconciliation Action Plan
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HPERM Ref: D22/110189
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Item dealt with earlier in the
meeting.
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AA22.15 Update On Actions - July 2022
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HPERM Ref: D22/290383
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Item dealt with earlier in the
meeting.
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GENERAL BUSINESS
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AA22.16 Additional
Item - Information from Shoalhaven Libraries
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Mr Paine advised that the Shoalhaven
Libraries (Sanctuary Point) Public Art EOI is open for submissions and
Council seeking expressions of interest from local First Nations artists for
a number of permanent public artwork commissions. There are three (3) opportunities
being Sea, Land and Sky. Further information can be found via this link https://getinvolved.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/sanctuarypoint-library
The EOI closes 8 August 2022.
Ms Sharlene Cruickshank
nominated to be part of the Art Selection Panel.
It was suggested that the information be promoted via
social media.
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AA22.17 Additional
Item - Development and Planning Consultation with the AAC
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The Chairperson addressed the
meeting and advised that he has aspirations for the AAC to be more than just
an Advisory Committee and would like the AAC to get to a space when Council
is approached in regards to major developments that the AAC is part of the
consultation process and Planning decisions prior to any council resolution
being made and moving decisions forward side by side.
Mayor
Findley suggested the Director City Development be invited to attend a future
meeting to walk the AAC through the Development process and discuss where the
AAC could fit into the process and where/when consultation can occur.
Mayor
Findley left at 5.43pm
Clr Christen suggested that
Councillors consider this process when viewing the Strategic Planning Works
Program.
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RESOLVED (By consent)
That the Director City Development be
invited to attend a future meeting to walk the AAC through the Development
process and where could the AAC fit into the process and where/when
consultation can occur.
CARRIED
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AA22.18 Additional
Item - Consideration of Dedicated Aboriginal Member on all Council Advisory
Committees
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Note: the Committee held a discussion as part of item
AA22.10 and the following recommendation was made:
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RECOMMENDATION (Nicole Moore / Clr Wells)
That:
1.
Council consider Aboriginal representation on all Council Advisory
Committees.
2.
In relation to the appointment of Aboriginal people to Council
Advisory Committees, the proposed nominees be referred to the AAC Chairperson
for information.
CARRIED
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The following matters were
raised in General Business:
·
Wollongong is hosting NAIDOC Awards on Saturday 30 July 2022.
Representatives from the Shoalhaven are attending this includes approximately
20 Elders. 2023 NAIDOC Awards will be hosted by Kiama, 2024 will be hosted in
Shoalhaven.
·
Janet Atkins provided an update in relation to the 2022 Year 12
Aboriginal Graduation Steering Committee and advised that this year there is 63
students within the Shoalhaven graduating Year 12 this year. Next year will be
the 20th Anniversary and trying to find a space that can hold the
event with up to 300 attendees and have been approaching Businesses for
sponsorship.
o A
suggestion was made that an application be made via the Community
Donations
Note: Post meeting update, a
Mayoral Minute was submitted to the 8 August 2022 Ordinary Meeting of Council,
the following resolution was made (MIN22. 515):
That Council support
the 2022 Shoalhaven Year 12 Aboriginal Graduation Ceremony in September 2022 by
providing $7,000 from the 2022/2023 Community Donations to cover this
year’s shortfall.
There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the
time being 5.45pm.
Jared
Brown
CHAIRPERSON