A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a document that organisations develop to outline the actions and initiatives that they will take to contribute to reconciliation in Australia. The RAP framework is prearranged by Reconciliation Australia.

The Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) will help create a framework that will guide Council in achieving its vision for, and commitment to, reconciliation in Bayside and will be based on three core pillars: relationships, respect and opportunities.

We are proud to make a commitment to fully support reconciliation and we seek to understand and embrace reconciliation within our organisation and to encourage reconciliation across the wider Bayside community.

We launched our previous Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) during NAIDOC Week in July 2019. This process marked the start of Council’s journey towards Reconciliation. A key action of the RAP was to establish a Reconciliation Advisory Committee .

The Committee is made up of representatives from relevant Council departments, Indigenous people, Indigenous organisations and key stakeholders.

The group will actively monitor Innovate RAP development and implementation of actions, track progress and approve reporting.

What else is Bayside doing in the spirit of reconciliation?

• Hired a Reconciliation Project Officer to support the development and delivery of the RAP.
• Committed to Uluru Statement from the Heart
• Conducts an annual awards program to honour the life of Torres Strait Elder and long-time Bayside resident Ellen Jose who passed away in 2017. The program asks primary and secondary students to interpret “What Reconciliation means through my eyes” through an artwork (primary students) or a piece of writing (secondary students).
• Offer Community Grants targeted at Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander programs and activities
  
• Updated our Acknowledgment of Country to acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land, and we pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
  
• Promote and celebrate our Indigenous Heritage Trail - includes works of contemporary Indigenous artists and is based on stories authored by Boon Wurrung Elder Carolyn Briggs. The trail outlines the close relationship between Kulin Nations culture and the coastal environment. Bayside's rich coastal history and the significant local flora and fauna are also prominent.
• Installed indigenous sculptures designed by indigenous sculptor Glen Romanis at Thomas Street Playground

We are inviting Bayside residents to have their say on the next phase of developing the draft Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Over the last six months we have been working closely with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, Traditional Owners and the wider community to develop the Innovate RAP.

We heard from a wide range of community members that contributed their ideas on how Council can build and strengthen relationships, show respect, and improve opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The ideas have been used to create a framework that will guide Council in achieving its vision for, and commitment to protecting and promoting Indigenous cultural heritage, and the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Bayside.

We have developed a list of key actions that we are proposing to make Bayside a diverse, healthy and liveable place for all.

Have a read of the draft RAP document and answer the questions under the feedback tab.

Or if you'd like to ask a question, click the 'ask a question' tab to speak to our Reconciliation Project Officer.

To find out more about what we heard during the first phase of engagement click through the link below and view the community contributions via the 'community ideas' tab.

Find out more

Now that we have completed the ideas gathering stage, we are ready to receive feedback on the draft document that includes 20 actions.

The strategy is the first phase of a longer term undertaking for Council to commit to building respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to work together with the Bayside community to create a better future for all.

In May, we will collate the feedback that’s been gathered to ensure our plan is in line with community expectations. The Draft plan will be presented to Reconciliation Australia. Once we have gained their support the plan will be endorsed by Council in 2022 for it to be adopted as a working document.

Through the Innovate RAP, Council aims to plan and create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to create a culturally safe and thriving community.