Brimbank
Innovate
Reconciliation Action Plan
July 2024 to June 2026
Front cover artwork
x 4
x 2
Contents
Glossary
2
Acknowledgement
2
1. Our Reconciliation Vision
3
2. Mayor’s message
4
3. Message from the CEO
5
4. Statement from the
CEO Reconciliation Australia
6
5. Brimbank’s rich Aboriginal heritage
8
6. Our Business
10
6.1 How local government works
10
6.2 Services that help the community
11
7. Brimbank Community Profile
12
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents
14
8. Our Reconciliation journey – key outcomes 16
9. The Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan
2024 – 2026
18
10
. Oversight and governance of the RAP 19
10.1 About the Brimbank City Council
Reconciliation Working Group
20
10.2 About the Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Consultative Committee
20
11. Community consultation for the Innovate
Reconciliation Action Plan 2024 – 2026 21
12.Innovate Reconciliation
Action Plan Themes
22
12.1 Relationships
22
12.2 Respect
25
12.3 Opportunities
30
12.4 Governance
32
Contact details
34
Meeting Place, by Aunty Marjorie Jean Mason
About the artist
Aunty Jean Mason is an Aboriginal Elder and Member of the Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Consultative Committee. She is a proud Bakandji woman from New South Wales. Aunty
Jean grew up in Wilcannia on a mission and thanks to her mum she grew up with her culture and her
language. Her mum took her and her eight siblings out to the bush and taught them about medicinal
plants, what to eat and what to look for. Aunty Jean has lived in the Brimbank area for 30 years, and
became involved with the community through her professional background working in community
services. She is passionate about education and improving opportunities for the Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander community to strengthen connections to culture and community. In 2024, Brimbank
Council announced Aunty Jean as the Brimbank Citizen of the Year.
The centre circle
is where the boss
lady (Martha) sits
The black
lines are the
pathways in and
out of the circle
The six circles
are the advisory
councillors and
the half circles
with the white
dot are the tribe
members sitting
There are four
females and
two males in
the advisory
councillors
The colours
represent the four
seasons and are
the ochre colours
Artists’ description
of the artwork
Our Reconciliation Vision
01
Brimbank acknowledges our history and embraces our
future with our support for reconciliation.
We are a diverse municipality, and the rich history
and culture of our Traditional Custodians is woven
throughout Brimbank.
Our vision for reconciliation is a municipality that
embraces unity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people and other Australians.
In the context of our organisation, this represents:
•
relationships with Traditional Custodians that are
built on trust and respect
•
historical acceptance of our shared history and
removal of negative race relations
•
reflection, celebration and promotion of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, stories
and connection to Country in our work and places and
spaces we manage
•
staff with cultural understanding and competency
•
equal opportunity, access and participation in Council
services, programs and activities for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people
•
an inclusive and diverse workplace that is not just
culturally safe, but culturally rich and proud
•
flexible ways of working that acknowledge the
needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people
We acknowledge we are on a journey of learning, and
we continue to work actively in partnership with the
Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live
and work.
Brimbank has the chance to be a voice for
generations, taking responsibility by advocating and
creating a better future with Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people and our community.
Acknowledgement
Brimbank City Council respectfully acknowledges and recognises the Wurundjeri and
Bunurong people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways on which the
municipality sits and pays respect to their Elders past, present and future. For the Traditional
Custodians the lands and waterways in the City of Brimbank have always been
a significant trading and meeting place.
Council acknowledges and thanks Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and
residents for their ongoing contribution to the diverse culture of our community and their
contribution to the development of the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Brimbank City Council acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self
determination is a human right enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous People, and we are committed to working towards social, economic, and cultural
equity for Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Glossary
BCC
Brimbank City
Council
BCCC
Brimbank
Community and
Civic Centre
MOU
Memorandum of
Understanding
WRLGRN
Western Regional
Local Government
Reconciliation
Network
NAIDOC Week
National Aborigines
and Islander
Day Observance
Committee Week
RWG
Reconciliation
Working Group
(internal)
First Nations people
This term is interchangeably
used throughout this
document to refer to
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people
DHHS
Victorian Department of
Health and Human Services.
NOTE in 2021, this department
was separated into two separate
departments:
–
The Department of Health (DH)
–
Department of Families, Fairness
and Housing (DFFH)
Traditional Custodians
Aboriginal people or nations who have the
responsibilities in caring for their Country.
Brimbank Traditional Custodians include:
–
Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural
Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
–
Bunurong Land Council
Aboriginal Corporation
Aboriginal Flag and Australian Flag flying
2
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
3
Mayor’s message
02
Message from
the CEO
03
At Brimbank City Council, we recognise the profound
importance of acknowledging our shared history with
the Traditional Custodians of Brimbank, the Wurundjeri
Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
and Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, and
embracing a future built on unity and partnership. This
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) stands as a testament
to our ongoing dedication to these ideals.
This is our second RAP at the Innovate level as we
have some unfinished business. In the following
pages, we invite you to join us on a journey that
embodies our commitment to reconciliation,
respect, and understanding.
Developed in close collaboration with Traditional
Custodians, the Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Consultative Committee, staff, and the
broader Brimbank community, our RAP reflects our
collective aspirations.
As part of our reconciliation journey, Council supported
a First Nations Voice to Parliament as part of the 2023
Referendum. We remain committed to inclusive decision
making, truth telling about Australia’s history, self
determination and treaty for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples.
Brimbank is a place of diverse cultures, languages,
and histories, and within this tapestry, we find
strength. This RAP is a declaration of our intention
to continually strengthen our relationships, deepen
our respect, and create opportunities that benefit all
members of our community.
This publication is more than just words on paper;
it’s a representation of our shared journey toward a
more inclusive and understanding future. As we turn
these pages, let’s be reminded that reconciliation
is a continuous process, one that requires ongoing
commitment and collaboration.
Thank you for joining us on this path of progress,
compassion, and unity.
Fiona Blair
CEO, Brimbank City Council
Walking Together. Acknowledging our History.
Embracing our Future.
I am proud to introduce Brimbank City Council’s second
Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024 -2026
(RAP), which supports and reaffirms our vision for
reconciliation, and embraces unity and respect between
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the
wider Australian community.
The RAP was developed in consultation with the
Brimbank’s Traditional Custodians, the Wurundjeri
Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
and Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation,
the Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Consultative Committee, local Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people, Council staff, and the wider
Brimbank community.
We began our reconciliation journey over 16 years ago
and built a foundation for reconciliation through:
•
Extending an apology to the Stolen Generations in
February 2008
•
Signing the Reconciliation Statement of
Commitment with the Wurundjeri Tribe Land and
Compensation Cultural Heritage Council in May 2012
•
Establishing a Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Consultative Committee to guide
Council in the development and implementation of
the RAP in 2014
•
Adopting our Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
Strategy in 2018
•
Adopting three Reconciliation Action Plans in 2013,
2019 and now in 2024
•
Supporting the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander community to establish Cooinda, a local
Brimbank based Aboriginal Centre in 2023
•
Establishing and maintaining relationships with the
Traditional Custodians, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung
Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and
Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
We remain committed to ensuring the history, culture
and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people are celebrated throughout our city.
We acknowledge we are on a journey of listening
and learning, and we continue to work actively in
partnership with the Traditional Custodians of our land,
as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
who make Brimbank their home.
The RAP is aspirational, and paves the way for greater
respect, inclusion and equity for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people in our community. Our vision
is to create opportunities, and ensure accessible
services for the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander community.
On behalf of Council, I would like to thank everyone
who has contributed to the development of our
Reconciliation Action Plan.
Cr Ranka Rasic
Mayor, Brimbank City Council
4
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
5
Statement from the
CEO Reconciliation Australia
04
Reconciliation Australia commends Brimbank City
Council on the formal endorsement of its inaugural
Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Commencing an Innovate RAP is a crucial and rewarding
period in an organisation’s reconciliation journey. It is
a time to build strong foundations and relationships,
ensuring sustainable, thoughtful, and impactful RAP
outcomes into the future.
Since 2006, RAPs have provided a framework for
organisations to leverage their structures and
diverse spheres of influence to support the national
reconciliation movement.
This Innovate RAP is both an opportunity and an
invitation for Brimbank City Council to expand its
understanding of its core strengths and deepen its
relationship with its community, staff, and stakeholders.
By investigating and understanding the integral role
it plays across its sphere of influence, Brimbank City
Council will create dynamic reconciliation outcomes,
supported by and aligned with its business objectives.
An Innovate RAP is the time to strengthen and develop
the connections that form the lifeblood of all RAP
commitments. The RAP program’s framework of
relationships, respect, and opportunities emphasises
not only the importance of fostering consultation and
collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples and communities, but also empowering and
enabling staff to contribute to this process, as well.
With close to 3 million people now either working or
studying in an organisation with a RAP, the program’s
potential for impact is greater than ever. Brimbank
City Council is part of a strong network of more than
3,000 corporate, government, and not-for-profit
organisations that have taken goodwill and intention,
and transformed it into action.
Implementing an Innovate RAP signals Brimbank
City Council’s readiness to develop and strengthen
relationships, engage staff and stakeholders in
reconciliation, and pilot innovative strategies to ensure
effective outcomes.
Getting these steps right will ensure the sustainability
of future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives, and provide
meaningful impact toward Australia’s reconciliation
journey.
Congratulations Brimbank City Council on your Innovate
RAP and I look forward to following your ongoing
reconciliation journey.
Karen Mundine
Chief Executive Officer, Reconciliation Australia
This mural is a collaboration between lead artist and renowned muralist / artist Mike Maka aka Makatron, and local Aboriginal artists Mandi Barton and
Lee-Anne Clarke. The Mural depicts local Aboriginal Elders Caroline Joyce Cooper (Aunty Joyce) and Graham Cooper (Uncle Boots) wearing traditional
Possum Skin Cloaks. Mural is located at Tin Shed in St Albans.
6
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
7
CALDER PARK
DELAHEY
KEILOR DOWNS
KEALBA
ST ALBANS
KINGS PARK
ALBANVALE
CAIRNLEA
SUNSHINE
NORTH
SUNSHINE
ARDEER
ALBION
SUNSHINE WEST
DERRIMUT
DEER PARK
BROOKLYN
SYDENHAM
KEILOR NORTH
TAYLORS LAKES
KEILOR
LODGE
KEILOR
KEILOR PARK
TULLAMARINE
KEILOR
EAST
HILLSIDE
Calder Fwy
Calder Fwy
Old Calder Hwy
Melton Hwy
Taylors Rd
Main Rd West
Tilburn Rd
Station Rd
Kings Rd
Mt Derrimut Rd
Western Hwy
Western Ring Rd
Western Ring Rd
Arthur St
Western Ring Rd
Western Fwy
Boundary Rd
Somerville Rd
Geelong Rd
Main Rd East
Ballarat Rd
Wright St
Forrest St
Anderson Rd
McIntyre Rd
St Albans Rd
Kings Rd
Sunshine Ave
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Brimbank’s rich Aboriginal
heritage
05
Aboriginal people have a deep and continuous
connection to the land now called Victoria.
It is a connection of more than 65,000 years. With
thousands of years of history, Brimbank has a rich
physical and cultural Aboriginal heritage.
The Country in which Brimbank is located is under
the statutory care of its Traditional Custodians, the
Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation to the
south and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage
Aboriginal Corporation to the north of the municipality.
For the Traditional Custodians, the lands in the City of
Brimbank have always been a significant trading and
meeting place.
More than 200 years ago, European settlement in
Brimbank impacted Aboriginal people by decimating
land and communities and displacing families.
The way Aboriginal people lived before European
settlement is very different to the way they lived after
colonisation. Aboriginal groups chose campsites close to
rivers and creeks, traditionally used as travelling routes
and sources of food.
The land provided all they needed – food, water,
medicine, shelter, and they treated it with the respect
of such a provider.
The rich history and continuous culture of Traditional
Custodians is woven throughout Brimbank, in its people,
in significant sites and in murals recognising this history.
Brimbank has about 440 registered sites of significance.
Artefacts found are more than 30,000 years old. Some
of these sites are in Brimbank Park, Sydenham Park and
Organ Pipes National Park.
Connection to this land is and always will be important.
The City of Brimbank is the third largest municipality
in Melbourne and is home to a wonderfully diverse
community. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
from all parts of Australia make Brimbank their home.
Bunurong Land Council
Aboriginal Corporation
Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural
Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
Council Boundary
Waterbodies
Department of Premier and Cabinet, Victorian Government: Registered Aboriginal Parties
Appointed Boundaries: https://discover.data.vic.gov.au/dataset/registered-aboriginal-parties-rap-appointed-boundaries
Djarmdi and The Young Witchetty Grub performed at the opening of
Cooinda Aboriginal Corporation in Sunshine North.
8
Brimbank City Council Innovate Reconcilliation Action Plan 2024 – 2026
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
9
The Community
Councillors
Staff
Votes in
Who
Oversees
CEO
Manages Council
operations and
ensures services
are delivered and
decisions are
implemented.
Represent the community’s needs and participate in decision-making.
Mayor
Leader and
spokesperson
for Council who
helps Councillors
make fair and
good decisions.
Deliver Council services and projects
Appoint
Elect
6.2 Services that help the community
Brimbank City Council is responsible for managing, planning and delivering the following services to residents,
businesses and visitors.
Children &
families
Health &
Wellbeing
Your home
Sport
& leisure
Roads
& safety
Community
Libraries
Roads &
footpaths
Sportsgrounds
Planning
permits
Disability
services
Volunteering
Car parks
Swimming
pools
Building
permits
Home
maintenance
Theatre &
the arts
Street
lighting
Leisure
centres
Pet
registrations
Home &
community care
Grants
School
crossing
supervision
Parks &
gardens
Rubbish &
recycling
Meals on
wheels
Community
centres
Emergency
management
Festivals &
events
Food safety
Youth services
Council also plays an important statutory role in preparing policy guidance and making land use decisions in
Brimbank that accord with the
Native Title Act 1993 (Cth)
,
Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic), Aboriginal
Heritage Act 2006 (Vic)
and the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) that provide for the
protection and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Council is also supported by the work of the Victorian Government, specifically through the Victorian Aboriginal and
Local Government Strategy 2021-2026, and works collaboratively with other Councils.
Childcare
Kindergartens
Maternal &
child health
Playgroups
Immunisation
Our Business
6.1 How local government works
The elected Council is the decision-making body that sets the strategic direction for the municipality, including our
Community Vision, Council Plan and our Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan – all of which are articulated
in Council’s
Together We are Brimbank Plan
. Council employs over 1,400 full-time, part-time and casual staff of
which 6 identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
06
10
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
11
07
The suburbs in Brimbank with the highest levels of
socio-economic disadvantage were:
Suburb
IRSD Score
Kings Park
815.8
St Albans South
821.2
St Albans North
825.3
Albanvale
842.7
Sunshine North
864.8
Sunshine West
884.4
Note: A lower IRSD score means a higher level of disadvantage
Labour Force
53.3%
of Brimbank residents in the
labour force were
employed full-time
compared with
56.9%
in Greater Melbourne
Disadvantage
The Index of Relative
Socio-economic Disadvantage
(IRSD) score for Brimbank
in 2021, was
912.5
compared with
a score of
1,018.0
for
Greater Melbourne.
Brimbank’s Estimated
Resident Population
193,146
– as at 30 June 2022.
Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander
Population
Number
% of total
population
Change
2016 – 2021
(persons)
Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander population
855
0.4
4
39
Country of Birth
Percentage of Residents
in Brimbank born Overseas
Top Ten Overseas Countries of Birth
Number
% of total
population
Change
2016 - 2021
(persons)
Vietnam
25,391
13.0
4
3,686
India
8,209
4.2
5
1,075
Philippines
5,759
3.0
4
13
Malta
4,086
2.1
5
438
North Macedonia
3,033
1.6
5
42
Italy
2,819
1.4
5
372
New Zealand
2,601
1.3
5
672
China
2,202
1.1
5
193
Croatia
2,035
1.0
5
250
Greece
2,031
1.0
5
191
Other countries of birth that have increased since 2016: Iraq (+781
people), Nepal (+ 498 people) and Burma (Myanmar) (+405 people).
48.2%
of people in Brimbank
were born overseas
compared with
35.7%
in Greater Melbourne
Number
% of total
population
Change
2016 - 2021
(persons)
Vietnamese
36,020
18.5
4
4,567
Filipino/Tagalog
4,939
2.5
5
377
Greek
4,613
2.4
5
675
Punjabi
4,370
2.2
5
1,264
Arabic
4,285
2.2
5
1
Macedonian
4,237
2.2
5
396
Maltese
4,061
2.1
5
995
Cantonese
4,025
2.1
5
145
Italian
3,868
2.0
5
1,038
Croatian
2,868
1.5
5
573
Newer languages that are increasing in number include:
Telugu, Assyrian/Aramaic, Nepali and Urdu.
Religion
71.7%
of residents
identify with a
faith or religion
compared
with
57%
in Greater Melbourne
Arthritis
Asthma
Cancer (including remission)
Dementia (including Alzheimer’s)
Diabetes
Heart disease
Kidney disease
Lung condition
Mental health condition
Stroke
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
% of total persons
Other long-term health condition
Long-term health
conditions
City of Brimbank
Greater Melbourne
28.3%
of residents in Brimbank
reported having at least one
long-term health condition
compared with
29.5%
in Greater Melbourne
80
60
40
20
0
0 to 4
5 to 9
10 to 19
20 to 59
60 to 64
65 to 69
70 to 74
75 to 79
80 to 84
85 and over
% of age group
Assistance needed by age group (years)
City of Brimbank
Greater Melbourne
Need for Assistance with Core
Activities by Age Group
Number of Residents
Needing Assistance
with Core [day-to-day]
Activities
7.7%
of residents in Brimbank
reported needing assistance
with core activities
compared with
5.5%
in Greater Melbourne
Household Type Housing Stress Type
Couples with children
Couples without children
Lone person
One parent families
Other
34.7%
20.8%
19.4%
10.5%
14.6%
34.7%
of households
in Brimbank
comprised
Couples with
Children
compared to
33.1%
in
Greater
Melbourne
18.9%
of households in Brimbank with
a mortgage were experiencing
mortgage stress
compared with
16.8%
in Greater Melbourne
33.3%
of households in Brimbank
paying rent were experiencing
rental stress
compared with
30.9%
in Greater Melbourne
Date of publication June 2023
Suburbs with
Highest Levels of
Mortgage Stress
% of
Households in
Suburb
Kings Park
24.5
Sunshine North
24.1
St Albans South
23.7
St Albans North
23.4
Albanvale
22.6
Suburbs with
Highest Levels of
Rental Stress
% of
Households in
Suburb
Delahey
41.3
Kings Park
36.3
St Albans North
36.3
Albanvale
35.2
St Albans South
34.8
Long-term Health
Conditions
Language
Top Ten Languages Spoken
(excluding English)
Brimbank Community Profile
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics: Census of Population and Housing 2016 and 2021
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Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
13
Aboriginal and
Torres Strait
Islander residents
The estimated resident population of
Brimbank in 2022, was 193,146.
Information from the 2021 census shows
the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
population was 855. Of this population, 806
were Aboriginal people, 19 were Torres Strait
Islander people and 30 identified as being both
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The population accounts for 0.4 per cent of
the total Brimbank population compared with
the Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander population that make up 0.7 per cent
of the total.
The population has grown steadily from 490
people in 2001; at around 3.5 per cent per year.
The Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander population shares similar
characteristics to the wider Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Victorian population in
that it is younger (over half being aged under
24 years), has higher rates of unemployment
and lower labour force participation, more
likely to be living in one-parent families, and
have lower rates of home ownership.
These inequalities can be attributed to
historic discrimination and the ongoing
impact of colonisation.
Anatasia Tapas, local resident gifted St
Albans Community Centre crochet.
Uncle Shane Charles performing a Smoking Ceremony at the
opening of Cooinda Aboriginal Corporation in Sunshine North.
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Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
15
2008
2012 2013 2014 2015
2016
2018
2019
2021
2022
2023
Adoption of
the full motion
of the Federal
Governments
formal apology
to Aboriginal
and Torres
Strait Islander
people, including
the Stolen
Generations
Adoption of a
Reconciliation
Statement of
Commitment
and the Federal
Government’s
apology to
the Stolen
Generations
•
Formation of the
Brimbank Heritage
Advisory Committee
•
Adoption of Reflect
Reconciliation Action
Plan 2013 -2017
•
Ongoing support of Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Consultative Committee, WRLGRN, DHHS Brimbank
Melton Aboriginal Advisory Committee, Koolin Balit Wellbeing
Partnership Network and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led
initiatives during National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week
•
Acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
culture and history via flags permanently flown at the Brimbank
Community Civic Centre and plaques recognising Traditional
Custodians installed on all Council new and refurbished buildings
•
Council adopts the Brimbank
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
Strategy 2018-2023
•
Ongoing support of Brimbank
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Consultative Committee,
WRLGRN and Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander led initiatives
during National Reconciliation
Week and NAIDOC Week
•
Ongoing acknowledgement
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander culture and history
via flags, plaques, resources in
libraries and neighbourhood
houses etc
•
Council adopts Innovate
Reconciliation Action
Plan 2019 – 2021
•
Ongoing support of
Brimbank Aboriginal
and Torres Strait
Islander Consultative
Committee, WRLGRN
and Aboriginal
and Torres Strait
Islander led initiatives
during National
Reconciliation Week
and NAIDOC Week
•
Ongoing
acknowledgement
of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander
culture and history
via flags, plaques,
resources in libraries
and neighbourhood
houses etc
•
Development of the
Brimbank Cultural
Heritage Guidelines
2021 and Brimbank
Cultural Heritage
Management Plan
Checklist 2021
•
Ongoing support of
Brimbank Aboriginal
and Torres Strait
Islander Consultative
Committee, WRLGRN
and Aboriginal
and Torres Strait
Islander led initiatives
during National
Reconciliation Week
and NAIDOC Week
•
Ongoing
acknowledgement
of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander
culture and history
via flags, plaques,
resources in libraries
and neighbourhood
houses etc
•
Cultural Awareness Training for
Council staff
•
Establishment and support of
the Brimbank Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Community
Consultative Group
•
Delivery of forums on Constitutional
Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people
•
Development of the Koorie Service
Providers Resource Booklet
•
Support of Friends of Brimbank
Groups to preserve and sustain
Indigenous flora and fauna; Wayapa
Wuurrk Aboriginal Wellness
Foundation Programs at the Albion
Eco-Living Centre; CoHealth’s
“Wellness Dreaming Messengers”
•
Support of the Western Region Local
Government Reconciliation Network
(WRLGRN) and Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander led initiatives during
NAIDOC Week
•
Increase of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander resources across
libraries and Neighbourhood Houses
•
Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) signed with Wurundjeri
Tribe Land Compensation Heritage
Council currently known as
Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural
Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
•
‘A Journey on Marin Balluk’ Cultural
Awareness Training for Brimbank staff
•
Completion of the Brimbank
Aboriginal Employment Framework
•
Wurundjeri artist engaged to design
bronze acknowledgement plaque for
the new Brimbank Community and
Civic Centre (BCCC)
•
Delivery of the Mullagh Wills
Reconciliation Sport Project
•
Ongoing support of Brimbank
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Consultative Committee, WRLGRN
and Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander led initiatives during
National Reconciliation Week and
NAIDOC Week
•
Ongoing acknowledgement of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
culture and history via flags,
plaques, resources in libraries and
neighbourhood houses etc
•
Council resolves to raise awareness of what January 26
means to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
•
During Jan 26 citizenship ceremony, a one minute
silence is observed; an Elder’s message on the
meaning of the day for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people is played; Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander flags and pins are distributed
•
Artwork by Wurundjeri man, Thomas (Tom) Day,
installed in Council Chambers
•
Council conducts a Staff Aboriginal Cultural
Awareness Survey
•
Council in partnership with Brimbank Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee
conducts an Aboriginal feasibility study to establish
the viability of setting up an Aboriginal community
centre in Brimbank
•
Council supports a five year pilot study for the Cooinda
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Centre
•
Ongoing support of Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Consultative Committee, WRLGRN and
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led initiatives
during National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week
i.e. Ask Aunty/Uncle Q&A for staff
•
Ongoing acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander culture and history via flags, plaques,
resources in libraries and neighbourhood houses etc
•
Council acknowledges its support of the Uluru Statement of the Heart through
the Mayors for the Voice to Parliament Public Statement
•
Council secures State Government’s Neighbourhood House funding as an
auspice of Cooinda Community Group to support with the establishment of
Cooinda Community Centre for the next two years
•
Delivery of Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Training for Council staff
•
Renewal of Council’s internal Reconciliation Working Group (RWG)
•
Ongoing support of Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative
Committee, WRLGRN, Cooinda Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community
Centre and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led initiatives during National
Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week i.e. Ask Aunty/Uncle Q&A for staff
•
Ongoing acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
culture and history via flags, plaques, resources in libraries and
Neighbourhood Houses etc
Our Reconciliation journey –
key outcomes
08
16
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
17
The Innovate Reconciliation
Action Plan 2024 – 2026
09
10
Brimbank’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a
strategic document that outlines priority actions and
deliverables expected under the Reconciliation Australia
RAP Framework and actions and deliverables unique
to Brimbank’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
community and Council.
The RAP guides how Council will work with local
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and
organisations, and Traditional Custodians, Wurundjeri
Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
and Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.
Council is committed to furthering actions and
supporting reconciliation as a part of its core business
and strategic aims. Building long-term relationships
based on mutual respect and trust is achieved through
ongoing dialogue and meaningful action.
The development and implementation of the RAP is
linked to the
Together We Are Brimbank Plan
which
incorporates the Brimbank Community Vision 2040, the
Council Plan 2021-2025, our Municipal Public Health and
Wellbeing Plan and the
Brimbank Social Justice Charter
.
Combined, these documents form the core of Council’s
approach to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people into the future.
Council adopted its first Reconciliation Action Plan 2013
- 2017 in 2013 which scoped our capacity for advancing
reconciliation. In 2016, we developed an Innovate
Reconciliation Action Plan 2016 -2019 outlined our
vision for reconciliation and the actions we undertook
to achieve it. Unfortunately COVID, and its’ impact
on our community and operations, meant that our
Reconciliation journey stalled. The Reconciliation Action
Plan 2024 - 2026 will therefore remain at the Innovate
level to ensure we can complete unfinished business.
To ensure we maintain momentum with our RAP
actions, we have renewed and revived our internal
Reconciliation Working Group to include Senior
Managers from across the organisation, Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander staff, representation from
the Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Consultative Committee and other staff members who
are interested and invested.
Oversight and
governance of the RAP
Brimbank City Council’s RAP is governed by a designated
identified position, First Nations Lead within the First
Nations unit and RAP Champion who is now the Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) that guides Council on its
reconciliation journey – embedding reconciliation as
everyone’s business.
The First Nations unit provides policy and secretarial
and support required, and offer an internal
Reconciliation Working Group (RWG) and all staff with
cultural guidance, advice and leadership to support the
successful implementation of the RAP. This leadership
includes:
•
Working across the organisation and community
to develop, deliver and manage the Brimbank City
Council Reconciliation Action Plan
•
Coordinating relationships with Traditional
Custodians including, but not limited to,
organisational touchpoints
•
Developing and maintaining a productive dialogue
with the Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Consultative Committee
•
Establishing and implementing agreed ways of
working for staff when engaging with Traditional
Custodians
•
Coaching the organisation to review and update
strategies, policies, procedures and protocols of
relevance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people, as required
•
Overseeing coordination of dates of significance
events and activities supported by Council in
association with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people
•
Setting and delivering an organisational
wide narrative regarding Council’s
commitment to reconciliation
Additionally, an internal Reconciliation Working Group
further supports the monitoring and implementation
of committed RAP actions across the organisation
– collectively, this group champions a shared vision
and ownership of reconciliation actions across the
organisation and municipality, and work together to get
the best outcomes and overcome any challenges.
Council also benefit greatly by the contribution of
the Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Consultative Committee. The Committee consists
of community members that provide Council with
knowledge and advice on Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander issues and needs, and with the development
and implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan.
Brimbank
Aboriginal
and Torres
Strait Islander
Consultative
Committee
Reconciliation
Action Plan
First
Nations
Unit
Reconciliation
Working
Group
CEO, RAP
Champion
Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Commitee attending the opening of Cooinda Aboriginal Corporation. Left to right
Uncle Shane Charles, Aunty Lee-Anne Clarke, Caroline Cooper (Aunty Joyce), Brett Barnett, Marjorie Mason (Aunty Jean), Aunty Jaqueline Watkins,
Irene Sazdov, Graham Cooper (Uncle Boots), Elyse Hoskins.
18
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
19
10.1
Council’s RWG is made up of Executive and Senior
About the Brimbank City
Council Reconciliation
Working Group
11
Officers across Council, as well as Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander employees who have a role in
implementing the RAP. Other Council Officers who have
an interest or are supporting the delivery of committed
actions across the organisation may also occasionally be
invited to attend.
Members include:
•
RAP Champion (Chair) – CEO
•
Director People, Partnerships and Performance
•
Director, Community Wellbeing
•
First Nations Lead
•
Reconciliation Officer
•
Cooinda Coordinator
•
Manager, Community Strengthening and
Social Planning
•
Manager, Communications and
Community Engagement
•
Manager, Community Learning and Participation
•
Manager, Community Care
•
Group Manager, Operations
•
Manager, City Development Services
•
Manager, City Strategy
•
Manager, Climate Emergency and Environment
•
Manager, Customer Experience and
Service Innovation
•
Manager, Governance and Risk
•
Manager, Parks and Public Realms
•
Manager, People, Culture and Wellbeing
•
Manager, Engineering and Infrastructure Services
•
Head of Enterprise Project Management Office
•
Other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff
representatives (as interested or required)
10.2 About the Brimbank
Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Consultative
Committee
Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Consultative Committee provides advice on Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander matters and implementation
of Council’s current and future Reconciliation Action
Plans (RAPs). The objectives of the Committee are to:
•
Share insights about the needs and opportunities of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in
Brimbank to help inform priorities for discussion.
•
Provide advice about the implementation of Council’s
RAP deliverables and Council’s strategic direction
to advancing reconciliation, self-determination and
cultural safety in Brimbank.
•
Contribute to and oversee the development,
implementation and reporting phases of
Council’s RAP.
•
Provide feedback and advice to Council on its
policies, strategies, plans, services, projects,
events that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander communities.
•
Provide feedback and advice to Council about how
to promote the benefits of the diverse Aboriginal
communities, strengthen cultural competence,
and enhance understanding about the barriers
to equality facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander communities.
•
Provide advice to Council in relation to its
communication, engagement and consultation with
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
•
Advocate on behalf of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander communities, providing advice on matters to
inform advocacy to other levels of government.
•
Provide feedback or advice on funding, collaboration
or partnership opportunities.
The Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Consultative Committee is co-chaired by a Councillor and
an Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Committee
member, has a majority of Aboriginal members and is
attended by senior members of the Councils executive
staff. Membership of the Committee comprises of nine
(9) members.
Community consultation for
the Innovate Reconciliation
Action Plan 2024 – 2026
Consultation on the development and management of Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024 – 2026 was
conducted in three phases.
(
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Phase 1
RAP
development
Phase 2
Community
Consultation
Phase 3
Reconciliation Action
Plan completion
−
Consultations with
Traditional Custodians,
Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung
Cultural Heritage Aboriginal
Corporation and Bunurong
Land Council Aboriginal
Corporation
−
Consultation with the
Brimbank Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander
Consultative Committee
−
Internal consultations
with all Council areas
delivering on the RAP and
the Reconciliation Working
Group (RWG)
−
A community meeting with
local Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander community
members, facilitated by an
Aboriginal consultant
−
Meetings with Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander
stakeholder groups, local
organisations, networks
and service providers
−
Consultation with other
local governments in
Melbourne’s west including
the municipalities of
Brimbank, Hobsons Bay,
Maribyrnong, Melton,
Moonee Valley and
Wyndham
−
Wide community
engagement on the Draft
RAP including consultation
and public exhibition on
Council’s online Have
Your Say community
engagement portal
−
Review of community
consultation outcomes by
the Reconciliation Working
Group (RWG)
−
Endorsement of the final
draft of the RAP by the
°
RWG
°
Traditional Custodians
°
Brimbank Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander
Consultative Committee
°
Reconciliation Australia
−
Council endorsement
20
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
21
Innovate Reconciliation
Action Plan Themes
12
12.1 Relationships
We recognise that meaningful engagement with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage
Aboriginal Corporation and Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, the Traditional Custodians
of lands within Brimbank, the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and other
stakeholders, will ensure relationships that will be the foundation of our reconciliation policy framework. Council is
committed to nurturing these relationships to build a better understanding between Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people and other residents to lead to a more inclusive community.
Action
1. Establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
stakeholders and organisations.
Action
2. Build relationships through celebrating National Reconciliation Week (NRW) each year.
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
1.1 Meet with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
stakeholders and organisations to develop guiding
principles for future engagement.
June 2025
Manager, Community Strengthening
and Social Planning (Lead)
Manager, Communications and
Community Engagement (Support)
1.2 Develop and implement an engagement plan to
work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
stakeholders and organisations.
June 2025
Manager, Community Strengthening
and Social Planning (Lead)
Manager, Communications and
Community Engagement (Support)
1.3 Work alongside Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Consultative Committee to consider
Council's role in advancing reconciliation, self
determination, and truth telling in Brimbank and
recommend options for a strategic way forward.
February 2026 Manager, Community Strengthening
and Social Planning
1.4 Continue to coordinate and support Brimbank
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Consultative Committee to meet and provide
advice to Council on all aspects of the RAP.
March, June,
September and
December, annually
Manager, Community Strengthening
and Social Planning
1.5 Work with the Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Consultative Committee to
update its terms of reference and broaden
membership.
July 2024 and June
2026
Manager, Community Strengthening
and Social Planning
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
2.1 Circulate Reconciliation Australia’s NRW resources
and reconciliation materials to our staff.
May, annually
Manager, Community Strengthening
and Social Planning
2.2 Encourage and support all staff including senior
leaders to participate in internal and external events
to recognise and celebrate NRW.
27 May- 3 June, First Nations Lead (Lead)
Reconciliation Working Group
(Support)
2.3 Continue to plan and organise at least three NRW
events each year.
annually
Reconciliation Officer (Lead)
Reconciliation Working Group
(Support)
2.4 Register all our NRW events on Reconciliation
Australia, Reconciliation Victoria’s Maggollee, and
Deadly Western websites and promote via Council’s
communication channels.
27 May- 3 June,
annually
First Nations Lead (Lead)
Manager, Communications and
Community Engagement (Support)
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
1.6 Continue to build a close working relationship
with the organisations representing the
Wurundjeri and Bunurong people including
the development of Memorandums of
Understanding or a partnership agreement.
June annually
Manager, Community Strengthening
and Social Planning
1.7 Support the new local Aboriginal Community
controlled organisation, the Cooinda Community
Hub, to establish as an incorporated group and
its operations.
June 2025
Manager, Community Strengthening
and Social Planning
1.8 Meet regularly with the Western Region Local
Government Reconciliation Network (WRLGRN)
and the Koorie Network to share information and
explore opportunities to collaborate.
February, May,
September,
December, annually
Manager, Community Strengthening
and Social Planning
NOTE:
Mandatory deliverables specified by Reconciliation Australia
Deliverables that are designed by, and unique to, Brimbank City Council
NOTE:
Mandatory deliverables specified by Reconciliation Australia
Deliverables that are designed by, and unique to, Brimbank City Council
Traditional weaving workshop at Be Bold Blakout Festival,
St Albans Community Centre
22
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
23
Action
3. Promote reconciliation through our sphere of influence.
Action
5. Increase understanding, value and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures,
histories, knowledge and rights through cultural learning.
Action
4. Promote positive race relations through anti-discrimination strategies.
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
3.1 Develop and implement an internal
communications and engagement
plan to engage all staff and Councillors
to raise awareness of Reconciliation
across our workforce.
August 2025
Manager, Community Strengthening and
Social Planning (Lead)
Manager, Communications and Community
Engagement (Co-Lead)
3.2 Update and communicate our
commitment to reconciliation publicly.
December, annually Manager, Community Strengthening and
Social Planning (Lead)
Manager, Communications and Community
Engagement (Support)
3.3 Explore opportunities to positively
influence our external stakeholders to
drive reconciliation outcomes.
September,
annually
First Nations Lead (Lead)
Reconciliation Working Group (Support)
3.4 Collaborate with Reconciliation Action
Plan organisation and other like-minded
organisations to develop innovative
approaches to advance reconciliation.
September,
annually
Manager, Community Strengthening and
Social Planning
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
5.1 Conduct a review of cultural learning
needs within our organisation.
December, annually Manager People, Culture & Wellbeing (Lead)
Manager, Community Strengthening and
Social Planning (Co-Lead)
5.2 Develop, implement, and communicate a
cultural learning strategy document for
our staff.
December 2025 Manager People, Culture & Wellbeing (Lead)
Manager, Community Strengthening and
Social Planning (Co-Lead)
5.3 Consult local Traditional Custodians and
Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Consultative Committee to
inform our cultural learning strategy.
June 2025
Manager People, Culture & Wellbeing (Lead)
Manager, Community Strengthening and
Social Planning (Co-Lead)
5.4 Provide opportunities for RAP Working
Group members, and other key leadership
staff to participate in formal and
structured cultural learning.
September,
annually
Manager People, Culture & Wellbeing (Lead)
Manager, Community Strengthening and
Social Planning (Co-Lead)
5.5 Review Council’s approach to
acknowledging and or celebrating dates
of significance; and incorporate cultural
considerations into event
planning tools.
June 2026
Manager, Community Strengthening and
Social Planning (Lead)
Reconciliation Working Group (Support)
5.6 Continue to engage with Traditional
Custodians and Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples
to understand community
sentiment around January 26 and
identify recommendations for
acknowledging January 26
into the future.
June 2025
Manager, Communications and Community
Engagement (Lead)
Manager, Community Strengthening and
Social Planning (Support)
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
4.1 Conduct a review of HR policies
and procedures to identify existing
anti-discrimination provisions, and
future needs.
December, annually Manager People, Culture and Wellbeing
4.2 Develop, implement, and communicate
an anti-discrimination policy for our
organisation.
June 2026
Manager People, Culture and Wellbeing
4.3 Engage with Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander staff and/or
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Advisors to consult on our anti
discrimination policy.
December 2025 Manager People, Culture and Wellbeing
4.4 Educate senior leaders on the
effects of racism.
June 2026
Manager People, Culture and Wellbeing (Lead)
12.2 Respect
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people as the Traditional Custodians of the land
we help govern, and that respect is built when the whole community is aware, understands and
celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, cultures, histories, and rights. Council values
the knowledge and expertise of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and seeks ways to
enhance their contribution to our community.
NOTE:
Mandatory deliverables specified by Reconciliation Australia
Deliverables that are designed by, and unique to, Brimbank City Council
NOTE:
Mandatory deliverables specified by Reconciliation Australia
Deliverables that are designed by, and unique to, Brimbank City Council
24
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
Brimbank City Council Innovate Reconcilliation Action Plan 2024 – 2026
25
Action
6. Ensure that Council programs, services and activities are developed and implemented with, by, and for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Action
7. Increase understanding and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures, histories and heritage
throughout the LGA.
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
6.1 In consultation with Traditional
Custodians, Brimbank Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Consultative
Committee and local Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander community, ensure work
areas continue to build, maintain and
promote programs, services, and activities
with, by and for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people.
July, annually
All Managers (Lead)
6.2 Continue to develop and maintain
information and educational resources
on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
histories, culture, knowledge, rights and
important sites in Brimbank for use on
Council’s website and for distribution
to community groups associated with
Council.
June, annually
Manager, Communications and Community
Engagement (Lead)
Manager, Community Strengthening and Social
Planning (Support)
6.3 Work with Traditional Custodians to
preserve and maintain Country, including
the implementation of cultural burning
practices where appropriate.
July, annually
Manager, Climate Emergency and Environment
6.4 Identify Traditional Custodians, Brimbank
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Consultative Committee and Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander consultation
requirements and processes for land use,
development and project management of
Council owned land.
June, annually
Manager Community Strengthening and Social
Planning (Co-Lead)
Manager, Parks and Public Realm (Co-Lead)
Manager, Engineering and Infrastructure
Services (Co-Lead)
Head of Project Management Office (Support)
6.5 Develop a protocol that informs the
process and approach to engagement
with Traditional Custodians, Brimbank
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Consultative Committee and local
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
to inform planning, development and
delivery of council services
and initiatives.
December 2025 Manager, Community Strengthening and Social
Planning (Lead)
Head of Project Management Office (Co - Lead)
Deliverable
Timeline Responsibility
7.1 Amend Council’s Signage Standards to incorporate
acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians in all
place name signage.
December
2024
Manager, Communications and
Community Engagement (Lead)
Manager, Parks and Public Realm
(Support)
7.2 Continue implementation of interpretive signage
in public space that acknowledges Traditional
Custodians and culturally significant
landscapes and histories.
June, annually Manager Parks and Public Realm (Lead)
Manager, Communications and
Community Engagement (Support)
7.3 On the advice of Traditional Custodians, Brimbank
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative
Committee and with family consent, Council will
acknowledge the passing of Elders, or people of
significance to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander communities, in Council Chambers,
flying flags half-mast or via social
media posts.
December
2025
Manager, Communications and Community
Engagement (Lead)
Manager, Community Strengthening and
Social Planning (Co-Lead)
7.4 Consider opportunities to promote the culture
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people in Council’s activation programming
in town centres.
October,
annually
Manager, City Strategy
NOTE:
Mandatory deliverables specified by Reconciliation Australia
Deliverables that are designed by, and unique to, Brimbank City Council
NOTE:
Mandatory deliverables specified by Reconciliation Australia
Deliverables that are designed by, and unique to, Brimbank City Council
6.6 Ensure staff with a role in land use and
development and project management
are trained in the use of the ACHRIS
mapping system; how to identify
when a Cultural Heritage Management
Plan is required; and ensure position
descriptions and induction processes
are updated as required.
August, annually Manager, City Strategy (Lead)
Manager, City Development Services (Co
Lead)
Manager, Parks and Public Realm (Co-Lead)
Manager, Engineering and Infrastructure
Services (Co-Lead)
6.7 Work alongside Traditional Custodians,
and the Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Consultative Committee
to identify ways to improve cultural
safety, inclusion and truth-telling in
Council places, including areas for
yarning circles.
December 2026 Manager, Parks and Public Realm (Lead)
Park Services Unit Manager (Support)
Public Spaces Coordinator (Support)
26
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
27
Deliverable
Timeline Responsibility
8.1 Increase staff's understanding of the purpose
and significance behind cultural protocols,
including Acknowledgement of Country and
Welcome to Country protocols.
February,
annually
Manager, Community Strengthening and
Social Planning
8.2 Develop a Cultural Protocols document
including protocols for Welcome to Country
and Acknowledgement of Country.
December,
annually
Manager, Community Strengthening and
Social Planning
8.3 Continue to invite a local Traditional Custodian
to provide a Welcome to Country or other
appropriate cultural protocol at significant
events each year.
December,
annually and
as required
All Managers (Co-Lead)
8.4 Include an Acknowledgement of Country
or other appropriate protocols at the
commencement of meetings and events.
December,
annually and
as required
All Managers (Co-Lead)
8.5 Review and update Council’s policy templates
and approval processes to include details of
recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and
legislative rights; Councils commitment to
reconciliation; and protocols and processes
of working and consulting with Traditional
Custodians, Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Consultative Committee and
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
December,
annually
Manager, Governance and Risk
8.6 Re-affirm Council’s commitment to
promoting place names that are in Australian
First Nations languages that have been
developed following consultation with
Traditional Custodians.
January,
annually
Manager, Governance and Risk (Lead)
8.7 Develop and implement a policy and protocol
to install plaques, where possible, that
acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of
Brimbank on (current and proposed) Council
buildings, parks, reserves, waterways
where possible.
June 2026 Manager, Communications and Community
Engagement (Lead)
Deliverable
Timeline Responsibility
9.1 Encourage and support all staff including senior
leaders to participate in internal and external
events to recognise and celebrate
NAIDOC Week.
First week in
July, annually
First Nations Lead (Lead)
Reconciliation Working Group (Support)
9.2 Review People, Culture and Wellbeing policies
and procedures to remove barriers to staff
participating in NAIDOC Week.
June 2025 Manager People, Culture and Wellbeing
9.3 Work with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander organisations and communities to help
support and organise NAIDOC week events.
May - July,
annually
Manager, Communications and
Community Engagement (Lead)
Manager Community Strengthening and
Social Planning (Co-Lead)
Action
9. Build respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories by celebrating NAIDOC Week.
NOTE:
Mandatory deliverables specified by Reconciliation Australia
Deliverables that are designed by, and unique to, Brimbank City Council
NOTE:
Mandatory deliverables specified by Reconciliation Australia
Deliverables that are designed by, and unique to, Brimbank City Council
Action
8. Demonstrate respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by observing cultural protocols..
Deliverable
Timeline Responsibility
10.1 Create and promote a calendar of staff and
community Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
arts and cultural initiatives for community and
staff participation that Council supports as part
of National Reconciliation Week and
NAIDOC Week.
May – July,
annually
Manager, Community Strengthening and
Social Planning (Lead)
Manager, Community Learning and
Participation (Support)
10.2 Continue to work in partnership with the
Department of Education and Training to
support the Koorie Homework Club to provide
support to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander school aged students and families.
December,
annually
Manager, Community Learning and
Participation
10.3 Audit and catalogue materials and objects about
Aboriginal cultures and heritage managed
by the Council.
December,
annually
Manager, Community Learning and
Participation
Action
10. Continue to develop and support a range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultural initiatives.
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Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
29
Action
11. Improve employment outcomes by increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruitment,
retention, and professional development.
Action
12. Increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity to support improved economic and
social outcomes.
Action
13. Work to ensure all Council programs and services are appropriate and accessible for local Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
11.1 Build understanding of current Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander staffing to inform future
employment and professional development
opportunities.
June, annually
Manager People, Culture and Wellbeing
11.2 Engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander staff to develop Council’s recruitment,
retention and professional development
strategy.
December 2025 Manager People, Culture and Wellbeing
11.3 Develop and implement an Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander recruitment, retention
and professional development strategy.
June 2026
Manager People, Culture and Wellbeing
11.4 Advertise job vacancies in ways that can
effectively reach Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander stakeholders.
December,
annually
Manager People, Culture and
Wellbeing(Lead)
All Managers (Co-Lead)
11.5 Review People, Culture and Wellbeing
recruitment procedures and policies to remove
barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
participation in our workplace.
June 2026
Manager People, Culture and Wellbeing
11.6 Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
staff to attend professional development
opportunities, networks and
advocacy groups.
December,
annually and as
required
All Managers (Co-Lead)
11.7 Build on the partnership with Moondani Balluk
(Victoria University) to explore opportunities
around employment, internships and work
experience opportunities for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander students.
December,
annually and as
required
Manager People, Culture and Wellbeing
(Lead)
Manager, Community Strengthening
and Social Planning (Support)
11.8 Work with Traditional Custodians, Brimbank
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Consultative Committee, local Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander communities and service
providers to design workshops that encourage
a strength-based approach to addressing
employment needs.
December,
annually
Manager, Community Learning and
Participation (Lead)
Manager, People Culture and Wellbeing
(Support)
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
12.1 Maintain, monitor and review our Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander procurement strategy.
June, 2025 Procurement and Contracts
Coordinator
12.2 Investigate Supply Nation membership and maintain
Kinaway (Victorian Indigenous Chamber of Commerce)
membership.
July, annually Procurement and Contracts
Coordinator
12.3 Develop and communicate opportunities for procurement
of goods and services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander businesses to staff.
July, annually Procurement and Contracts
Coordinator
12.4 Review and update procurement practices to remove
barriers to procuring goods and services from Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander businesses.
July, annually Procurement and Contracts
Coordinator
12.5 Retain and develop new commercial relationships with
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander businesses.
July, annually Procurement and Contracts
Coordinator
12.6 Undertake an annual, cross organisational, audit to
quantify the procurement of goods, services or works
from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.
July, annually Procurement and Contracts
Coordinator
12.7 Partner with external service providers and government
agencies to deliver business start-up workshop/s for
Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
April, annually Manager, City Strategy
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
13.1 Explore and develop a suitable approach to undertaking
an Aboriginal Cultural Safety Audit across the
organisation.
June 2025
Manager, Community
Strengthening and Social
Planning
13.2 Implement the Aboriginal Cultural Safety Audit and make
recommendations for change.
June 2026
Manager, Community
Strengthening and Social
Planning
13.3 Embed data about the social, health, wellbeing and
economic needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people in Brimbank to guide program design and service
delivery across Council.
December,
annually
All Managers (Co-Lead)
12.3 Opportunities
We understand how important it is to create opportunities that build the capacity and the socio –
economic status of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents, to better determine their
future. Council will continue to look for ways to provide opportunities within our programs and
services through employment and professional development, economic and business opportunities,
community development and to ensure all of our programs and services are accessible and culturally safe for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
NOTE:
Mandatory deliverables specified by Reconciliation Australia
Deliverables that are designed by, and unique to, Brimbank City Council
NOTE:
Mandatory deliverables specified by Reconciliation Australia
Deliverables that are designed by, and unique to, Brimbank City Council
30
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
31
Action
14. Establish and maintain an effective RAP Working group (RWG) to drive governance of the RAP.
Action
17. Continue our reconciliation journey by developing our next RAP.
Action
15. Provide appropriate support for effective implementation of RAP commitments.
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
14.1 Maintain Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander staff representation on
the RWG.
February, annually First Nations Lead
14.2 Review the Reconciliation Working
Group Terms of Reference annually.
December,
annually
First Nations Lead (Lead)
Reconciliation Working Group (Support)
14.3 Meet at least four times per year to drive
and monitor RAP implementation.
March, June, Sept
and Dec, annually
First Nations Lead
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
16.1 Contact Reconciliation Australia to verify that
our primary and secondary contact details are
up to date, to ensure we do not miss out on
important RAP correspondence.
June, annually First Nations Lead
16.2 Contact Reconciliation Australia to request our
unique link, to access the online RAP Impact
Survey.
August, annually First Nations Lead
16.3 Complete and submit the annual RAP Impact
Survey to Reconciliation Australia.
September,
annually
First Nations Lead
16.4 Report RAP progress to all staff and senior
leaders as part of quarterly reports for Council
Plan and Annual Plan.
March, June,
September
and December,
annually
First Nations Lead
16.5 Publicly report our RAP achievements,
challenges and learnings, annually through
Council publications and reports.
July, annually
First Nations Lead (Lead)
Manager, Customer Experience and
Service Innovation (Support)
16.6 Investigate participating in Reconciliation
Australia’s biennial Workplace
RAP Barometer.
April 2026
First Nations Lead
16.7 Submit a traffic light report to Reconciliation
Australia at the conclusion of this RAP.
June 2026
First Nations Lead
16.8Provide quarterly RAP progress reports to
Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Consultative Committee.
March, June,
September
and December,
annually
First Nations Lead
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
17.1 Register via Reconciliation Australia’s
website
to begin developing our next RAP.
December 2026 First Nations Lead
Deliverable
Timeline
Responsibility
15.1 Define resource needs for RAP
implementation.
July, annually
Manager, Community Strengthening and
Social Planning
15.2 Engage our Senior Leaders and other staff
in the delivery of RAP commitments.
July, annually
First Nations Lead (Lead)
Reconciliation Working Group (Support)
15.3 Develop, review and maintain appropriate
systems to track, measure and report on
RAP commitments.
September,
December, March,
June, annually
First Nations Lead (Lead)
Reconciliation Working Group (Support)
15.4 Appoint and maintain an internal RAP
Champion from senior management.
July, annually
Executive Leadership Team
15.5 At least three times a year, Invite an Elder,
Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Consultative Committee member,
service provider, agency, artist or
business to address the RWG on
matters relevant to Council’s RAP.
March, July ,
October, annually
First Nations Lead
12.4 Governance
We recognise the importance of good administration to ensure the success of this RAP. Council will
commit to manage and administer the RAP over the next 2 years.
NOTE:
Mandatory deliverables specified by Reconciliation Australia
Deliverables that are designed by, and unique to, Brimbank City Council
NOTE:
Mandatory deliverables specified by Reconciliation Australia
Deliverables that are designed by, and unique to, Brimbank City Council
Action
16. Build accountability and transparency through reporting RAP achievements, challenges and learnings
both internally and externally.
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Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
Brimbank Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026
33
Brimbank City Council
Telephone
9249 4000
Email
info@brimbank.vic.gov.au
Post
PO Box 70, Sunshine, VIC 3020
Hearing or speech impaired?
• TTY dial
133 677
• Speak & Listen
1300 555 727
•
www.relayservice.gov.au
, then enter
03 9249 4000
Find us on Facebook, X and YouTube
www.facebook.com/brimbankcouncil
x.com/BrimbankCouncil
www.youtube.com/brimbankcitycouncil
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
Use Brimby, the online virtual assistant
brimbank.vic.gov.au
020-0124
Contact details
First Nations Unit
✉
reconciliation@brimbank.vic.gov.au
(03) 9249 4000
Brimbank City Council
Telephone
9249 4000
Email
info@brimbank.vic.gov.au
Post
PO Box 70, Sunshine, VIC 3020
Hearing or speech impaired?
• TTY dial
133 677
• Speak & Listen
1300 555 727
•
www.relayservice.gov.au
, then enter
03 9249 4000
Find us on Facebook, X and YouTube
www.facebook.com/brimbankcouncil
x.com/BrimbankCouncil
www.youtube.com/brimbankcitycouncil
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au
Use Brimby, the online virtual assistant
brimbank.vic.gov.au
