Our Reconciliation Journey

Gladstone Regional Council supports an inclusive community and delivers programs to enhance connectivity and partnerships. Council’s journey on building relationships and fostering respect began in 2015 and gained momentum early in 2016. The symbolic flags representing First Nations people of Australia continue to be raised every operating business day.

Reconciliation Action Plans

In 2018, Gladstone Regional Council developed its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Reflect which was proudly launched at the elders Morning Tea as part of NAIDOC Week 2018. The plan reinforced Council’s commitment to building stronger relationships with the First Nations community and converting good intentions into actions. In 2021, Council endorsed our second RAP Innovate which spans until January 2023 and will ensure we continue the learning journey of our shared history, reconciliation, strengthen our relationships and redevelop and pilot strategies that embrace and empower First Nations people of this region. In addition to our RAP, Council facilitates a Reconciliation Action Plan Reference Group which consists of elected members, community members and a Council First Nations employee. We also have several Council RAP Champions throughout the organisation who support the First Nations Liaison Officer to promote and champion Council’s RAP. As part of Council’s 2022/23 Operational Plan, Council will develop our next RAP which will span a two-year period. This next RAP will build on our established approach towards advancing reconciliation internally and embedding First Nations considerations into the way we work. Our Councillors, executive Leadership Team, RAP Reference Group and RAP Champions will also play a vital role in shaping our next RAP. You can find out more about our RAPs at www. gladstone.qld.gov.au/reconciliation-action-plan

National Reconciliation Week

Held 27 May to 3 June, the 2022 National Reconciliation Week’s theme was Be Brave. Make Change which encouraged all Australians to be brave and tackle the unfinished businesses of reconciliation and make change for the benefit of all Australians. As part of the week, Council hosted three Strong Steps to Reconciliation Workshops, a celebration Reconciliation Bush Tucker Lunch for staff and several yarning circle discussions including symbols and traditions of Australia Day and its impact on First Nations people, losing my country; a discussion on the arrival and movement of the non-First Nations people and benefits; a discussion on when and how benefits are awarded specifically to First Nations people. National Reconciliation Week saw more than 70 people attend the various events, engage in brave conversations and commit to bold actions.

NAIDOC Week

Council’s annual NAIDOC Week ran from 4-11 July in 2021 with events held across the region to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of First Nations people. NAIDOC Week provides an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations culture and history and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. The 2021 theme of Heal Country! provided a call for everyone to seek increased protection for land, water and sacred sites as part of Australia’s national heritage. Events and celebrations included the NAIDOC Exhibition at Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum which profiled art, heritage works and local voices, memories, images and culture connection. Council also hosted story time and craft at libraries across the region.

Uluru Statement from the Heart

At the 20 July 2021 General Meeting Council endorsed the Uluru Statement from the Heart, continuing our commitment to advancing reconciliation and supporting First Nations people. The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an invitation to the Australian people, from First Nation Australians. It asks us to support a First Nations voice in the Constitution and begin our journey to a better Australia. Council remains committed to walking together and advancing reconciliation and is proud to do our part in enabling a First Nations voice to be heard. Please visit www.ulurustatement.org to read the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Adopting the Uluru Statement from the Heart is a proud moment in Council’s reconciliation journey and aligns with the pillars of our Reconciliation Action Plan first launched in May 2018.

First Nations Fire Officer

In May 2021 applications opened for Council’s newly created First Nations Fire Officer role to support our commitment to bushfire mitigation and land management utilising First Nations techniques. This role was made possible through funding from the Australian Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program which supports the employments of a First Nations Fire Officer and implementation of a cultural burn and land management program. This unique role will establish cultural burning practises throughout the region to ensure improved environment and cultural outcomes.