Minutes of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee

Meeting Date:     Tuesday, 28 February 2023

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

Time:                   5:08pm

The following members were present:

Ms Sylvia Timbery - Chairperson

Clr Patricia White

Clr Evan Christen

Clr John Kotlash (Remote)

Clr Moo D’Ath

Clr Tonia Gray (Remote) – left at 5.25pm

Ms Sharlene Cruickshank

Mr Shane Brown (Remote)

Ms Caryn Carpenter (Remote) – left at 5.31pm

Ms Nicole Moore (Remote)

Ms Natalie Lloyd – arrived at 5.15pm

Mr Charlie Ashby (Remote) – joined at 5.47pm

Mr Jason Groves - Nowra LALC

Mr Alfred Wellington - Jerrinja LALC (Remote) – joined at 5.11pm

Mr Michael Paine - Manager - Community Connections

Others present:

Ms Jane Lewis – Director City Lifestyles

Ms Sarah Taylor – Manager Library Services

Ms Brooke Aldous – Acting Manager - Business Assurance & Risk

Mr Jared Brown – Community Capacity Builder - Aboriginal

Mr Allen Bloxsome – Community Capacity Builder - Aboriginal

Ms Caitlin Lewis – Manager Media & Communications

Mr Paul Donnelly – Lead Open Space & Recreation Planning

Mr Michael Paine - Manager - Community Connections assumed the role of Chairperson and opened the meeting by observing a Minute Silence in Respect of Aboriginal Elders, Past and Present.

Mr Jason Groves Acknowledged the Traditional Custodians of the land.

Apologies / Leave of Absence

Apologies were received from Clr Findley, Mr Paul McLeod, Ms Janet Atkins.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (Clr Kotlash / Nowra LALC - Jason Groves)

That the Minutes of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee held on Tuesday 06 December 2022 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Declarations of Interest

Nil

Procedural Motion - Bring Item Forward

RESOLVED (Sharlene Cruickshank / Clr White)

That the matter of item AA23.3 – Election of Chairperson be brought forward for consideration.

CARRIED

Note: Mr Alfred Wellington – Jerrinja LALC joined the meeting (remotely) at 5.11pm

AA23.3       Election of Chairperson	HPERM Ref: D22/513056
Mr Michael Paine - Manager Community Connections (Acting Chairperson) called for nominations for Chairperson. Ms Sharlene Cruickshank nominated Ms Sylvia Timbery. Ms Sylvia Timbery accepted the nomination as Interim Chairperson to September 2023. It was noted that Ms Janet Atkins had expressed interest in the Election of Chairperson. Staff suggested that Ms Sylvia Timbery accept the nomination as Interim Chairperson and the matter be deferred to the next meeting to allow further consideration by members and to confirm that Ms Janet Atkins accepted her nomination. Note: Ms Natalie Lloyd arrived at 5.15pm
Recommendation That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee elect (insert name) as Chairperson for the period to September 2023, and seek the endorsement of this appointment by Council.
RESOLVED (Clr D'Ath / Sharlene Cruickshank) That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee elect Ms Sylvia Timbery as Interim Chairperson and the Election of Chairperson be deferred to the next meeting to allow for further consideration. CARRIED

Note: Ms Sylvia Timbery assumed the role of Interim Chairperson.

Presentations

AA23.1       Presentation - Sanctuary Point Library - Outdoor Artwork	HPERM Ref: D22/520984
Ms Sarah Taylor - Manager Library Services provided a presentation to the Committee in relation to the outdoor artwork at the Sanctuary Point Library. The presentation will be distributed to members via email. Note: Ms Caryn Carpenter left the meeting at 5.31pm during the presentation.

Note: Ms Nicole Moore advised that in relation to the Election of Chairperson, Ms Janet Atkins doesn’t accept the nomination as Chair.

AA23.2       Draft Community Engagement Strategy Presentation

HPERM Ref: D23/26662

Ms Caitlin Lewis – Manager Media & Communications addressed the Committee and provided an overview of the Community Engagement Strategy and encouraged the Committee to provide feedback and in particular how they wish to receive communication and how Council can engage meaningfully with the Indigenous Community. The link to the Draft Strategy document will be forwarded to members via email, to allow members to provide feedback. Note: Mr Charlie Ashby joined the meeting (remotely) at 5.47pm

Reports

AA23.3       Election of Chairperson	HPERM Ref: D22/513056
Item dealt with earlier in the meeting.

AA23.4       Report Back - Proceed of Sale - Aboriginal Cultural Centre - 160 Junction St Nowra, Lot 12 DP 584374	HPERM Ref: D22/527650
The Committee held a discussion in relation to the sale of the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and questions were raised about what the purchaser from Council did with the proceeds when it was on sold in 2006 by South Coast Aboriginal Centre Pty Ltd. A question was raised about who the South Coast Aboriginal Cultural Centre Ltd ‘Elders Advisory Committee’ is.
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That as resolved on the 5 December 2022 (MIN22.939), the Aboriginal Advisory Committee receive this report detailing the financial transaction for the Sale of the Aboriginal Cultural Centre on land identified as 160 Junction Street Nowra, for information.
RESOLVED (Sharlene Cruickshank / Sylvia Timbery) That: 1. As resolved on the 5 December 2022 (MIN22.939), the Aboriginal Advisory Committee receive this report detailing the financial transaction for the Sale of the Aboriginal Cultural Centre on land identified as 160 Junction Street Nowra, for information. 2. The Technical Services Manager be invited to attend the next meeting to address the Committee, investigate and provide clarity on who the South Coast Aboriginal Cultural Centre Ltd ‘Elders Advisory Committee’ to enable further inquires to be made related to what they did with the funds from the sale of the property. CARRIED

AA23.5       Aboriginal Advisory Committee Terms of Reference Review 2023	HPERM Ref: D23/26743
Mr Michael Paine – Manager Community Connections and Mr Jared Brown – Community Capacity Builder – Aboriginal addressed the Committee and provided a verbal update on the proposed changes to the Terms of Reference. The members present suggested to hold a Workshop to consider the proposed changes to the Terms of Reference. This Workshop is intended to be held prior to the next meeting therefore the Terms of Reference can be reported to the next subsequent Committee meeting for endorsement. Questions were raised regarding the Expression of Interest process and the consideration of Elders (male and female) for membership. It was suggested that this be addressed as part of the Terms of Reference Workshop.
Recommendation That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee accept the new format and proposed amendments to the Terms of Reference and submit to Council for adoption.
RESOLVED (By consent) That prior to the next Committee meeting, a Workshop be held to discuss the Terms of Reference, and following the Workshop the Draft Terms of Reference be reported to the Committee for adoption. CARRIED

AA23.6       Boongaree Reconciliation Garden - Naming	HPERM Ref: D23/46612
Mr Paul Donnelly – Lead Open Space & Recreation Planning addressed the meeting and provided a verbal update to the report. Questions were raised around the meaning of, and where the term ‘Boongaree’ originated and how the Aboriginal Community were consulted. Mr Paul Donnelly ensured that going forward it’s his intention to engage with this Committee and Aboriginal Elders. Mr Donnelly advised that he is open to receiving feedback from the Committee and intends on coming back to the Committee on an as needs basis, for project matters as they arises.
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee receive this report as an update relating to naming of the Boongaree Reconciliation Garden.
RESOLVED (Nowra LALC - Jason Groves / Sharlene Cruickshank) That: 1. The Aboriginal Advisory Committee be invited to contribute of the development of interpretive signage for Boongaree; 2. All matters relating to Aboriginal Heritage values at Boongaree be referred to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee. CARRIED

AA23.7       Action Table Report - February 2023	HPERM Ref: D23/48453
Mr Michael Paine – Manager Community Connections addressed the Committee and provided verbal updates in relation to items on the Action Table, the following comments were made: · AA22.13 – The draft project plan will be presented to the Executive Management Team in March. It was suggested that representatives be reappointed on the Project Reference Group, see AA23.8. · AA22.18 – This item has been superseded by AA22.28. Therefore this item is considered complete. · AA22.21 – Still in progress, action to remain open. · AA22.23 – The briefing has taken place. This item is considered complete. o It was noted that following the Briefing the membership was reported back to Council at its meeting of Monday 27 February 2023, at this meeting the Motion lapsed due to lack of seconder, therefore no decision was made in relation to the membership. o Staff suggested that as part of the TOR Workshop (AA23.5) the membership is also reviewed and an audit of members take place, following this a new EOI can be run. Staff will advise David Blakeney of that position/way forward and Mr Blakeney will not be required to re-apply during the EOI process. · AA22.25 – This item is considered complete. · AA22.26 – Comment provided in the table, ongoing. · AA22.27 – No update provided. · AA22.28 – Comment provided in the table. o Further to the comment in the table, Ms Brooke Aldous – Acting Manager Business Assurance & Risk advised that the 3 LALC’s have been contacted via email and followed up with a voicemail seeking both male and female representation on Council’s Advisory Committee’s in which the LALC’s have membership. · AA22.29 – Comment provided in the table, no further update provided. Mr Michael Paine advised he would follow up with the Strategic Planning team to see if there is further information. · AA22.31 – This item is considered complete. · AA22.32 – Comment provided in table, matter is ongoing. · AA22.33 – This item is considered complete. · AA22.5 – This matter is ongoing.
Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority) That 1.    Accept and receive the Action Table Report – February 2023 for information. 2.    The following actions are considered complete and can be removed from the action table: a.    Item AA22.18 – Consideration of Dedicated Aboriginal Member on all Council Advisory Committees. b.    Item AA22.23 – Aboriginal Advisory Committee – Membership Appointment – deferred – Clr Briefing. c.    Item AA22.33 - Presentation on Mollymook Coastal Masterplan.
RESOLVED (By consent) That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee: 1. Accept and receive the Action Table Report – February 2023 for information. 2. The following actions are considered complete and can be removed from the action table: a. AA22.18 – Consideration of Dedicated Aboriginal Member on all Council Advisory Committees. b. AA22.23 – Aboriginal Advisory Committee – Membership Appointment – deferred – Clr Briefing. c. AA22.25 - Boongaree Reconciliation Garden - Project Update / Further Concept Design Guidance - Project Stakeholder Group - Community Capacity Builder d. AA22.31 - Additional Item - Old Aboriginal Cultural Centre - Sale / Funds - Report Request e. AA22.33 - Presentation on Mollymook Coastal Masterplan. CARRIED

AA23.8       Additional Item - Appoint Representatives - Project Reference Group - Reconciliation Action Plan

The Committee discussed this matter as part of the Action Table (See AA22.13), it was noted that Mr Jared Brown has resigned and Ms Kalinda Wills is no longer within her Youth position on the Committee.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee nominate the following representatives to form part of a Project Reference Group to assist in the development of the Reconciliation Action Plan:

· Mr Jason Groves – (Nowra LALC)

· Ms Natalie Lloyd

CARRIED

GENERAL BUSINESS

AA23.9       Additional Item - Documents Tabled - Anti-Racism

Mr Jason Groves expressed concerns regarding the membership EOI processes, which he raised at the last meeting.

Mr Groves expressed his desire to make a difference in a meaningful way, and expressed where changes can be made in behaviour, and how issues as an Aboriginal Community can be addressed in collaboration with Council.

Mr Groves tabled 3 documents which will be distributed to the Committee via email.

AA23.11     Additional Item - Unions Shoalhaven - Presentation

Clr Kotlash has been contacted by Ms Pat David (Unions Shoalhaven) who requested to come and present to the Committee in relation to what the Union movement is doing around the ‘Yes Campaign’.

REcommendation (Clr Kotlash / Sharlene Cruickshank)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee invite Unions Shoalhaven (Representative Patricia David) to make a presentation to a future meeting in relation to the work they are doing around the ‘Yes Campaign’.

CARRIED

Directors Note: Council may consider it to be appropriate to seek an alternate view on the voice, to maintain a balanced approach and Council's impartiality

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 7.20pm.

Ms Sylvia Timbery

CHAIRPERSON