Community encouraged to provide feedback on Council’s draft Indigenous Recognition Policy

Council is seeking community input into proposed measures to acknowledge the Indigenous culture and history within the Meander Valley after a draft policy was approved for consultation at the Council Meeting on 12 October 2021.

Mayor Wayne Johnston said the Indigenous Recognition Policy would formalise Council’s recognition of the historic and ongoing connection of Indigenous people with the land of Meander Valley.

“It is important the original connection to the land of the Pallitore and Panninher people who are now passed is recognised. Council’s recognition will complement local Aboriginal community efforts to preserve the knowledge of these past people and also the contemporary connection of current peoples with the land and our community,” Mayor Johnston said.

“Council has drafted this policy in consultation with local Elders and other members of the Aboriginal community and we would now like to cast the net more widely for feedback before adopting a final policy.”

The policy proposes measures to fly the Aboriginal flag in the Council Chamber at Westbury and at other official ceremonies, as well as flying the Aboriginal Flag externally at the Council Chambers during days of significance like NAIDOC week.

It also recommends Council invites a representative from the local Aboriginal community to perform a Welcome to Country at official ceremonies and significant community events and meetings delivered by Council. An Acknowledgement of Country would also be introduced at Council organised public events, such as Council Meetings and Citizenship Ceremonies.

To view the draft policy and leave your feedback, click here.
Feedback from the community is invited until 9 November.