Agenda of Aboriginal Advisory Committee - Tuesday, 21 November 2023

Aboriginal Advisory Committee

Meeting Date: Tuesday, 21 November, 2023

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

Time: 5.00pm

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. Meeting Conduct Statement

2. Apologies

3 Acknowledgement of Country

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

5. Confirmation of Minutes

· Aboriginal Advisory Committee - 22 August 2023....................................................... 1

6. Declarations of Interest

7. Presentations

AA23.27...... Presentation - Jerrinja Tribe - Representative Membership Request

The Aboriginal Advisory Committee (AAC) invited the Jerrinja Tribal Group to present their case to the next AAC meeting in relation to the Jerrinja Tribal Group having a representative member on the Committee.

AA23.28...... Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment - Project Update

This presentation will provide the Shoalhaven City Council Aboriginal Advisory Committee with an introduction to, and update on progress of, the Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital Development project.

With a focus on:

1. Project overview – what are the key drivers for the development?

2. Project timeline – how its tracking

3. Community engagement – opportunities to get involved

4. Questions

8. Reports

AA23.29...... Aboriginal Advisory Committee - Appointment of Community Members...... 6

AA23.30...... Development of Reconciliation Action Plan for Council................................. 8

AA23.31...... Aboriginal Advisory Committee Action Table Report November 2023........ 24

9. General Business

AA23.32...... Glossy Black Cockatoo Project - Feedback

The Department of Planning and Environment (DPIE) presented to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee on 22 August 2023, the work that has been undertaken on the Glossy Black Cockatoo Project. It was advised the AAC would provide their feedback at the next meeting to be held on 21 November 2023.

The draft plan and interactive mapping tool can be found here: Healthy Country Plan for glossy black-cockatoo

Aboriginal Advisory Committee – Tuesday 21 November 2023

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Membership

Chairperson - Ms Natalie Lloyd

All Councillors

Chief Executive Officer or nominee

Ms Janet Atkins

Ms Sylvia Timbery

Mr Shane Brown

Mr Paul McLeod

Mr Charlie Ashby

Ms Nicole Moore

Ms Caryn Carpenter

Ms Sharlene Cruickshank

Mr Jason Groves - Nowra LALC

Mr Alfred Wellington - Jerrinja LALC

Ms Karen Tronier - Ulladulla LALC

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 2027 (SCCSP) and endorsement of the Uluru Statement of the Heart June 2020.

Role of the Committee

All members are encouraged to become actively involved in the business of the AAC and to be an advocate between community and Council. The role of the Committee is:-

· 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.

· Provide specialist advice to other Committees of Council.

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: Tuesday, 22 August 2023

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

Time: 5.12pm

The following members were present:

Ms Natalie Lloyd - Chairperson

Clr Amanda Findley

Clr John Kotlash

Clr Matthew Norris

Clr Moo D'Ath (Remotely)

Clr Evan Christen

Clr Patricia White

Clr Tonia Gray – Left at 6:18pm (and returned at 7:10pm remotely).

Mr Paul McLeod

Mr Shane Brown

Mr Charlie Ashby (Remotely) – Joined at 5:36pm and left at 6:42pm.

Ms Caryn Carpenter (Remotely)

Ms Sharlene Cruickshank

Ms Ulladulla LALC - Karen Tronier (Remotely)

Others present:

Ms Kerrie Hamilton – Director City Performance

Ms Brooke Aldous – Governance Coordinator

Ms Carly McWalters – Lead – Community Capacity Building

Mr Allen Bloxsome – Community Capacity Builder

Ms Clare Steele – Communications and Community Engagement Officer

Ms Coralie Bell – Tourism Manager - Left at 6:50pm

Ms Kristy Mayhew – Tourism Marketing Specialist – Left at 6:50pm

Mr Simon Tedder – Department of Planning & Environment

Mr Jared Brown

Mr Ron Carberry – Jerrinja Tribal Group – Left at 6:39pm

Mr Graham Conolly Jnr - Jerrinja Tribal Group - Left at 6:39pm

Mr Jacob Norris – (Remotely) Joined at 7:05pm

AA23.3 Election of Chairperson

HPERM Ref: D22/513056

Ms Carly McWalters – Lead – Community Capacity Building opened the meeting and asked the members to submit any nominations for the role of Chairperson noting that there were two nominations for Ms Natalie Lloyd and Ms Sylvia Timbery.

Ms Natalie Lloyd informed that Ms Sylvia Timbery has withdrawn her nomination.

Ms Natalie Lloyd was nominated for the position of Chairperson. There being no further nominations, the Committee agreed the election process was conducted fairly and reasonably. Ms Natalie Lloyd was declared the Chairperson and assumed the Chair.

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.

RECOMMENDATION

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee elect Ms Natalie Lloyd as Chairperson for the 4 year term as per the Terms of Reference, and seek the endorsement of this appointment by Council.

Ms Natalie Lloyd opened the meeting by observing a Minute of Silence in Respect of Aboriginal Elders, Past and Present.

Mr Paul McLeod provided a Welcome to Country.

Apologies / Leave of Absence

Apologies were received from Ms Nicole Moore, Ms Sylvia Timbery, Ms Janet Atkins, Mr Michael Paine and Ms Jane Lewis.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (Sharlene Cruickshank / Natalie Lloyd)

That the Minutes of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee held on Wednesday 21 June 2023 be confirmed with the following amendment.

· Apologies were received by both Mr Paul McLeod & Mr Shane Brown (names to be amended)

CARRIED

Declaration of Interests

Nil

Presentations

AA23.13 Glossy Black Cockatoo Project Presentation - Rod Broad - Department of Planning and Environment

HPERM Ref: D23/180516

Mr Simon Tedder - Department of Planning and Environment (DPIE) and Mr Jared Brown (Black Cockatoo Advisory Committee, community member) presented to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee on behalf of Mr Rodney Broad regarding the work that has been undertaken on the Glossy Black Cockatoo Project.

Clr John Kotlash queried if BirdLife Shoalhaven have received a copy of this draft plan. Mr Jared Brown clarified this was presented at the Bird Haven Festival last year and BirdLife Shoalhaven were provided with this information at this event.

Clr Evan Christen queried if DPIE had discussed with the Rural Fire Service (RFS) about the findings on the habitat as this is concerning. Mr Jared Brown confirmed DPIE has had good opportunity to work alongside the RFS. RFS representatives had attended the DPIE community days and workshops and these findings and ideas were discussed and shared.

Mr Simon Tedder clarified on Page 37 of the draft plan, there is a list of potential recommendations from community advocating for Council to consider.

The draft plan and interactive mapping tool can be found here: Healthy Country Plan for glossy black-cockatoo (arcgis.com)

Action: Council to send the website link of the Glossy Black Cockatoo Project Plan to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee members for information, this be added to the next Agenda to provide feedback and to determine where in principal support be given by the Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

AA23.22 Presentation – Jerrinja Tribe – Cultural Values

HPERM Ref: D23/248897

Mr Graham Connolly Jnr and Mr Ron Carberry – Jerrinja Tribal Group presented to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee on cultural values.

Action: That Mr Graham Connolly Jr & Mr Ron Carberry be invited to present their case to the next Aboriginal Advisory Committee meeting on 21 November 2023 to request a representative of the Jerrinja Tribal Group to be added to the membership.

Reports

AA23.23 Shoalhaven Visitor Guide - Aboriginal Content

HPERM Ref: D23/295482

Ms Kristy Mayhew – Tourism Marketing Specialist presented to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee on the Shoalhaven Visitor Guide.

Ms Kristy Mayhew advised, Council is seeking the Aboriginal Advisory Committee’s endorsement on the existing disclaimer in the Shoalhaven Visitor Guide in relation to Aboriginal Cultural Product.

Clr John Kotlash queried if Council have other brochures with similar disclaimers. Ms Coralie Bell confirmed where Council promote Aboriginal and cultural businesses, a disclaimer is recognised and this was at request of this Committee. Ms Coralie Bell clarified Council are here to support these Aboriginal businesses.

Ms Kristy Mayhew advised the Committee to refer any known Aboriginal cultural working groups/businesses to the Tourism Department.

This year’s Guide to Shoalhaven can be found here: https://www.shoalhaven.com/guide/

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the next Shoalhaven Visitor Guide continue with existing disclaimer in relation to Aboriginal Cultural Product.

RESOLVED (Sharlene Cruickshank / Shane Brown)

That the next Shoalhaven Visitor Guide continue with existing disclaimer in relation to Aboriginal Cultural Product.

CARRIED

AA23.24 Aboriginal Advisory Committee Action Table Report August 2023

HPERM Ref: D23/303175

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee:

1. Receive report for information.

2. Accept that the following actions are acknowledged as complete and removed from the action table:

a. AA23.11 - Nowra Riverfront Project - Update

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee:

1. Receive report for information.

2. Accept that the following actions are acknowledged as complete and removed from the action table:

a. AA23.11 - Nowra Riverfront Project – Update

CARRIED

AA23.25 Referendum on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice	HPERM Ref: D23/312901
Note: The Aboriginal Advisory Committee had a robust conversation surrounding the discrimination, pain and distress this is causing for many within the wider community when it is framed in a discriminatory way.
Recommendation That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee provide advice and guidance to Council on taking a position on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice (the Voice) for the referendum.
RECOMMENDATION (Sharlene Cruickshank / Paul McLeod) That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee: 1. Supports Council taking a position on The Voice Referendum and remains neutral in its advice. 2. Request that Council promote and share information from support services – on how to support Aboriginal people during this time of distress. CARRIED

GENERAL BUSINESS

AA23.26 Additional Item - Road Name Proposal - Gadhungal Marring - Bannada Way

Ms Clare Steele - Communications and Community Engagement Officer and Mr Jacob Morris – Gadhungal Marring - presented to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee in relation to a road naming opportunity and proposal from Mr Jacob Morris for the Far North Collector Road.

Mr Jacob Morris has chosen the word ‘Bannada’ for the proposed road name. Mr Jacob Morris clarified the word Bannada is southern Dharrawal for the Bomaderry Creek, meaning running water.

The road naming opportunity and proposal from Mr Jacob Morris will be attached to the Minutes.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee take the suggested road name proposal from Mr Jacob Morris back to the community and report back to the next Aboriginal Advisory Committee meeting, to be held on 21 November 2023.

CARRIED

AA23.27 Additional Item - Petrol Financial Assistance

Mr Paul McLeod is seeking endorsement from Council to assist in an allowance for travel to and from the Aboriginal Advisory Committee meetings.

Ms Brooke Aldous – Governance Coordinator confirmed the Aboriginal Advisory Committee do have a budget however, the Committee do not have the delegations to spend it. This budget is used for planning days or events etc. Ms Brooke Aldous clarified a recommendation would require endorsement by Council to use the budget for this purpose.

The Committee agreed all voting community representative members should receive an allowance.

RECOMMENDATION (Shane Brown / Sharlene Cruickshank)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee request for Council to consider a financial assistance/small fee for voting community representative members of the Committee from the Aboriginal Advisory Budget to be used towards fuel reimbursement.

CARRIED

· Aboriginal Advisory Committee - Membership

Ms Natalie Lloyd queried if previous Committee member, Mr Jared Brown re-obtains his membership as he no longer is a Council employee. It was clarified that, Mr Jared Brown would need to re-apply as per normal EOI process. The EOI process is currently open and is scheduled to close on Thursday, 31 August 2023.

It was confirmed there are currently four (4) vacancies on the Committee, two (2) youth positions and two (2) community representative positions.

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 7:41pm.

Ms Natalie Lloyd

CHAIRPERSON

Aboriginal Advisory Committee – Tuesday 21 November 2023

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AA23.29 Aboriginal Advisory Committee - Appointment of Community Members

HPERM Ref: D23/404201

Department: Community Connections

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Attachments: 1. AAC Application Assessments November 2023 (Confidential)

Reason for Report

The purpose of this report is to recommend to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee the appointment of two Aboriginal community member representatives to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee following the recent Expression of Interest (EoI) process.

Recommendation

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee:

1. Endorse and accept the appointment of David Blakely as a member of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

2. Endorse and accept the appointment of Belinda Little as a member of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

3. Provide an unsuccessful outcome letter to the other applicants and thank them for their application, with encouragement to apply to the next EOI for the Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

Options

The Aboriginal Advisory Committee accept the recommendation as written above. Implications: This will ensure vacant positions are filled and the recommendation is forwarded to Council for consideration.

2. The Aboriginal Advisory Committee do not accept the recommendation and consider an alternative option.

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 (AAC) meeting held on Tuesday 22August 2023 it was recommended that Council call for Expressions of Interest (EoI) to fill the two vacant positions on the Committee.

Advertisements calling for nominations were shared through local networks and via online platforms. A selection panel comprised of two nominated community representatives being Natalie Lloyd and Charlie Ashby and Council’s Community Capacity Builder – Aboriginal, Allen Bloxsome. This panel assessed the four eligible applications against the criteria, adhering to the Committee’s Terms of Reference and the Application for Membership form.

The panel considered the skills and experience that each nominee could bring to the Committee.

The Assessment Panel discussed the four eligible membership applications received in September 2023 and provided the following recommendation:

The recommendation of the assessment panel is that David Blakely and Belinda Little are appointed to the two vacant community member positions. This decision is based on the applicants:

Ø knowledge

Ø connection to Country

Ø cultural identities

Ø professional skills and experience

Ø strong communication skills

Ø connection to organisations and local and regional networks

Ø experience in diverse committees

The assessment panel valued the broad knowledge and experience that Belinda Little and David Blakely would be able to bring to the committee and therefore put forward the recommendation for these applicants to be endorsed for the two (2) vacant membership positions (see attachment 1 for full assessment summary).

Community Engagement

The Expression of Interest notices to fill the vacancies were promoted and disseminated throughout the Shoalhaven Local Government Area.

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

Aboriginal Advisory Committee – Tuesday 21 November 2023

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AA23.30 Development of Reconciliation Action Plan for Council

HPERM Ref: D23/431293

Department: Community Connections

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Attachments: 1. Report to Council's Ordinary Meeting - 9 October 2023 - Commencement of Development of Reconciliation Action Plan for Council ⇩

2. DRAFT Terms of Reference for the RAP Yarning Group ⇩

Reason for Report

The purpose of this report is to inform the Aboriginal Advisory Committee about the commencement of the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan for Shoalhaven City Council, providing an overview of the planned activities and process.

The report identifies the role of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee in supporting the development of the Reconciliation Action Plan. In addition, this report seeks the committee’s commitment to maintaining two nominated representatives, in alignment with the Terms of Reference for the project’s Yarning Group.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee:

1. Receive this report Development of Reconciliation Action Plan for Council for information.

2. Resolve to support the development of the Reconciliation Action Plan and reaffirm the nominations of Natalie Lloyd and Jason Groves as being the AAC’s representatives on the RAP Yarning Group in line with the draft Terms of Reference as detailed in the report.

Options

1. Adopt the recommendations.

Implications: The development of the Reconciliation Action Plan will proceed with the named Aboriginal Advisory Committee representatives.

2. Not adopt recommendations.

Implications: The Aboriginal Advisory Committee may decide to nominate alternate members to be on the Yarning Group or decide not to have representation on the group.

Background

The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) will be a strategic document for the organisation. It will outline actions, within the scope of Council’s role, that Council will undertake towards reconciliation in the Shoalhaven. This is about ensuring that the way Council provides services and employs people integrates reconciliation, including through respectful race relations, understanding the impact of historical wrongs, providing equitable access to opportunities and valuing a shared national identity.

The report Commencement of Development of Reconciliation Action Plan for Council (Attachment 1) was received by Council on 9 October 2023. The attached report to Council provides an overview of the planned activities and process for developing the RAP.

The role of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee (AAC) in supporting the development of the Reconciliation Action Plan is outlined below.

Roles of people involved in developing the RAP

The RAP will be developed by a RAP Working Group, guided by input from Aboriginal staff and stakeholders. The people who will be involved in developing the RAP are outlined below.

1. Working Group – decision-makers from Council teams that will deliver RAP actions.

The Working Group will decide what to include in the RAP, considering Reconciliation Australia’s requirements, organisational capacity and information gathered from community, staff and stakeholders.

2. Yarning Group – Aboriginal staff and key Aboriginal stakeholders.

The Yarning Group will guide development of the RAP and offer advice about the effectiveness of the proposed RAP and project activities in progressing towards reconciliation in the Shoalhaven.

3. Project Team – team organising the project activities.

The Project Team will plan and facilitate engagement activities and meetings of the Working and Yarning Groups.

4. Engagement participants – people from the Shoalhaven community and Council staff.

Everyone in the community can be a part of developing the RAP by coming to a session or completing a survey. Each engagement participant will have an opportunity to share their experiences of reconciliation in the Shoalhaven. Further information about engagement participants and activities is provided below.

Role of AAC in developing the RAP

On 26 July 2022, Council’s AAC resolved (AA22.13) to:

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.

At the AAC meeting on 28 February 2023, the committee resolved (AA23.8) to nominate Natalie Lloyd and Jason Groves as the AAC representatives to support the RAP development.

The two representatives nominated by the AAC will be members of the Yarning Group (described above).

Terms of Reference for the Yarning Group have been drafted for adoption at the first Yarning Group meeting planned for December 2023. The draft Terms of Reference outline the process for appointing the two AAC representatives as members of the Yarning Group as:

· Membership appointment will be decided by the Aboriginal Advisory Committee and recorded within the committee’s meeting minutes. The Aboriginal Advisory Committee will manage the membership appointment process.

· Appointments to the Yarning Group will be for the duration of the development of the RAP, or until a replacement member is appointed by the Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

The first meeting of the Yarning Group is provisionally booked for the morning of Thursday December 14th. Meetings will be held every four weeks.

Information about the design of RAP engagement activities

The Project Team includes non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal staff, allowing project activities to be co-designed with consideration for cultural safety and inclusion. This commenced with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff working together to develop the principles that will guide planning and implementation of work throughout the project.

Engagement activities will be co-facilitated by non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal members of the Project Team, aiming to ensure cultural safety and participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Over 30 engagement sessions and an online survey will invite participation of all community members, community organisations and service providers, Council teams and Councillors. Some engagement activities will be targeted to achieve participation of Aboriginal employees, Aboriginal organisations and service providers, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members.

The engagement activities will be designed to build community engagement and build community capacity. In addition, the activities will be designed to gather baseline data on the current situation in the Shoalhaven for each of the key aspects of reconciliation, to help us understand experiences of reconciliation in the community and when interacting with Council. The information we gather from talking with the community and staff will support Council to deliver work in a way that reflects what our local community tells us about their experiences and priorities for reconciliation in the Shoalhaven. The information will provide baseline data to enable Council to effectively track its reconciliation journey. Sessions with Council teams will be used to gather information on existing work towards reconciliation outcomes.

Internal Consultations

An online survey and engagement sessions will be used to collect information from internal stakeholders, to inform the development of the RAP. Planned engagement includes sessions for Council teams at 5 locations across the Shoalhaven. In addition, sessions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees of Council are planned for 5 locations across the Shoalhaven. There will also be a session held for Councillors.

Council staff will be involved throughout the development of the RAP, as the Working Group will comprise decision makers from Council teams that will deliver the RAP actions. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees of Council will be part of the Yarning Group, which will guide RAP development with advice about effectiveness of the proposed RAP.

External Consultations

An online survey and engagement sessions will be used to collect information from external stakeholders, to inform the development of the RAP. Planned engagement includes sessions for community organisations and service providers at 3 locations across the Shoalhaven. In addition, sessions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations and service providers are planned for 3 locations across the Shoalhaven.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations and service providers will be part of the Yarning Group, which will guide RAP development with advice about effectiveness of the proposed RAP.

The draft RAP will be placed on public exhibition to seek feedback from the community, including external stakeholders.

Community Consultations

An online survey and engagement sessions will be used to collect information from community members across the Shoalhaven, to inform the development of the RAP. Planned engagement includes 17 sessions for community members, including sessions to target Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and people of different ages.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members will be part of the Yarning Group, which will guide RAP development with advice about effectiveness of the proposed RAP.

The draft RAP will be placed on public exhibition to seek feedback from the community.

Policy Implications

There are no policy implications foreseen from the process of developing the RAP. Policy implications of actions within a draft RAP will be considered by the Working Group in deciding what to include in the RAP.

Financial Implications

There are no financial implications from the process of developing the RAP, provided that the allocated budget is carried over from 2022/23 financial year, as the budget has been allocated for the activities outlined.

No budget has been allocated for implementing the RAP. Financial implications of implementing the RAP will be considered by the Working Group in deciding what to include in the RAP.

Risk Implications

As developing a RAP affirms Council’s commitment to improving reconciliation in the Shoalhaven and ensuring that Shoalhaven City Council is an inclusive and culturally safe place for people to work and engage, there are reputational risks to Council in not developing a RAP.

The risks involved in the activities used to develop the RAP will be managed using the organisation’s risk management procedures. For engagement activities about reconciliation, it has been identified that some people may find these conversations challenging or uncomfortable. In response, a plan will be developed to manage these risks and ensure staff and engagement participants have access to the supports they need.

Aboriginal Advisory Committee – Tuesday 21 November 2023

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AA23.31 Aboriginal Advisory Committee Action Table Report November 2023

HPERM Ref: D23/445819

Department: Community Connections

Approver: Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles

Attachments: 1. Report - Aboriginal Advisory Committee Action Table Report November 2023 - Aboriginal Advisory Committee 21 November 2023 ⇩

Reason for Report

The purpose of this report is to provide the Aboriginal Advisory Committee (AAC) with a progress report on outstanding actions.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Aboriginal Advisory Committee:

1. Receive report for information.

2. Accept that the following actions are acknowledged as complete and removed from the action table:

· AA22.26 – Additional Item - Cullunghutti Plan of Management – Updates

· AA22.21 - Cultural Immersion Workshops - Men’s Business - Investigate - Organisations

· AA23.25 - Referendum on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice - Support Services - Promotion

· AA23.27 - Additional Item - Aboriginal Advisory Committee - Consider Financial

· Assistance to members - Meeting Attendance Fuel costs

3. Accept the following completed actions to be removed from the Completed Actions section of the Action Table:

· AA23.6 - Boongaree Reconciliation Garden - Naming - Invite contribute signage – heritage

· AA23.18 - AAC Terms of Reference 2023 - Accept Amendments

· AA23.19 - 2023 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards Update and 2024 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards Committee Representative Nomination

· AA23.21 - Additional Item - First Nation Students Program – Workshop

Options

1. Adopt the recommendation as written.

Implications: The Aboriginal Advisory Committee is updated on the progress of actions and recommendations made at previous meetings.

2. Request more information.

Implications: Members of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee request further information.

Background

This report is to update the Aboriginal Advisory Committee on outstanding actions from previous meetings.

Subject to the Committee concurring that satisfactory progress has been made to complete the items in the November 2023 Action Table Report, the Committee is requested to adopt the recommendations to note completion of:

· AA22.26 - Additional Item - Cullunghutti Plan of Management – Updates

· AA22.21 - Cultural Immersion Workshops - Men’s Business - Investigate - Organisations

· AA23.25 - Referendum on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice - Support Services Promotion

· AA23.27 - Additional Item - Aboriginal Advisory Committee - Consider Financial Assistance to members - Meeting Attendance Fuel costs.

Subject to the committee concurring that satisfactory progress has been made to complete the items in the ‘Completed Actions – Not Reported’ section of the attachment, the Committee is requested to adopt the recommendations to note completion of:

· AA23.6 - Boongaree Reconciliation Garden - Naming - Invite contribute signage – heritage

· AA23.18 - AAC Terms of Reference 2023 - Accept Amendments

· AA23.19 - 2023 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards Update and 2024 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards Committee Representative Nomination

· AA23.21 - Additional Item - First Nation Students Program – Workshop

Attachment 1 provides information regarding the status of actions and resolutions made at previous meetings, including items which are still in works. Should AAC members require further information on the status of the actions in the table attached Council staff will provide as requested.

Internal Consultations

Responsible Officers have been consulted to provide an update on their actions.

External Consultations

It is important that the members of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee are kept informed on progress towards the completion of actions and projects. This report provides a structured approach to facilitate this information.

Community Consultations

Not applicable

Policy Implications

Not applicable

Financial Implications

Not applicable

Risk Implications

Not applicable