REFLECT Reconciliation Action Plan
On 25 February 2020, the City of Burnside Council endorsed the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) aimed at fostering meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This plan embodies our commitment to reconciliation and acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which Burnside is built.
In February 2021, the City of Burnside established a Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group (RWG) to guide the development and implementation of the RAP. Comprising Council Members, local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community representatives, and Council staff, the RWG collaborates closely to support our shared vision for reconciliation.
The inaugural City of Burnside RAP marks the beginning of our reconciliation journey, aiming to transform goodwill into actionable outcomes that foster trust, respect, and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
In July 2023, the RAP was endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, which was received by Council on 25 July 2023. The RAP has garnered strong support from our Executive Team, Council Members, and staff across all departments, ensuring a unified organisational response to achieving its goals. Central to this plan is the consultation and engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, which helps us identify the necessary resources for success.
On 5 March 2024, we celebrated a significant milestone with the successful completion of our inaugural RAP, as confirmed by the RWG. We are proud to have achieved the goals set forth in our Reflect RAP, establishing strong partnerships along the way.
Key Accomplishments
- Community Engagement: We commemorated National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week with a series of well-attended events, including Cultural Awareness Training, Weaving Workshops, Cultural Walks, Author Talks, and an Aboriginal Language Workshop.
- Online Acknowledgment: An Acknowledgment of Country has been integrated into the City of Burnside website.
- Collaborative Partnerships: We formed partnerships with local businesses and organisations to advance our reconciliation efforts.
Additionally, we unveiled Nguyanguya Muri (meaning "Reconciliation") artwork by prominent Aboriginal artists Allan Sumner and Sarah Bates at the Civic Centre, and established Yaitya Kumartapi (meaning "Indigenous Keeping Place"), a collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander books and audiovisual materials available for borrowing at Burnside Library.
Reflecting on our journey, we recognise the importance of the challenging conversations that have occurred throughout the planning and implementation phases. These discussions have been vital in driving meaningful progress toward genuine reconciliation. Cultural Awareness Training has equipped Council Members and staff with a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture, heritage, and contemporary societal values.
As we continue our reconciliation journey, the City of Burnside remains dedicated to fostering meaningful change and building a brighter future for all.
Artwork: Nguyanguya Muri by Allan Sumner and Sarah Bates of Aboriginal Contemporary Arts Studios 2023.
REFLECT Reconciliation Action Plan