Council takes ‘step further’ towards Indigenous reconciliation

By Jemma Jones

Nov 29, 2024

**Campaspe Shire Council takes a step towards reconciliation with Indigenous communities.** Photo by McPherson Media Group

The next “step further” towards streamlined communication with Indigenous communities was taken at the first ordinary Campaspe Shire Council meeting of the sitting term.

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On Tuesday, November 26, eight councillors voted to support the Taungurung Land and Waters Council terms of reference for the Local Government Forum.

They also voted to become a member of the forum.

Campaspe Shire is located on the traditional lands of three Traditional Owner groups: the Dja Dja Warrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, TLaWC and Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Party (Yorta Yorta).

TLaWC decided to establish a forum to collaborate with 15 local government agencies on Taungurung Country.

This forum aims to build strong, meaningful relationships between TLaWC and local governments organisations.

The forum would also provide a space for the council to work with Indigenous groups to move further towards creating a Reconciliation Action Plan which the council is working towards completing before 2025.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Cr Paul Jarman moved the recommendation stating this a “step further” for the working relationship between the TLaWC and council, and a forum would allow all parties to express their views and foster respect between groups.

Cr Zoe Cook, who seconded the motion, said this was “vitally important” in Campaspe Shire’s move towards reconciliation and a Treaty with First Nations peoples.

Endorsing the motion, Cr Rob Amos highlighted that joining the forum and accepting its terms aligns with the council’s long-term strategy to actively engage Aboriginal communities and Elders, ensuring their authentic voices are heard.

“Any work we can do to work any mechanism that we can put in place to work with our First Nations people is great, and this will hopefully improve that,” Cr Amos said.

All eight councillors eligible to vote (Cr Adrian Weston had a conflict of interest regarding his involvement with the TLaWC Risk and Audit Committee) agreed to move the motion.