Manningham Council has taken another step forward on its reconciliation journey, becoming one of only ten Victorian councils to develop and endorse a Reconciliation Action Plan.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Paul McLeish said Council recognises the importance of establishing strong partnerships with both local and Indigenous communities.

“The Manningham 2015-2017 Reconciliation Action Plan builds on previous actions, the national experience thus far of Reconciliation, and incorporates what the Wurundjeri Elders, local community partners and Council feel are the most important and achievable local objectives.”

 “The Plan aims to achieve realistic, measurable and relevant areas of action within the Manningham community, while supporting the State and National framework for Reconciliation including cultural celebration, cultural education and the preservation of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Sites of Significance in Manningham.”

 “A key part of this process has been the extensive consultation with the local community, a wide range of peak Indigenous bodies, Wurundjeri Elders, the Eastern Local Indigenous Network, State Government and local Indigenous advisors and Council officers,” he said.

Cr McLeish said the Reconciliation Action Plan has been created under the guidance of Reconciliation Australia, and in coming years will see the delivery of a number of reconciliation initiatives, including a focus on new opportunities for Indigenous people in Manningham in the areas of training and employment.

“Council will also continue to support increased engagement with our local Indigenous communities and agencies, and advocate reconciliation education within schools and cultural programming,” he said.