Statement of Commitment

Council’s vision for Reconciliation involves the entire Maribyrnong community positively engaging and celebrating the histories and cultures of our Traditional Custodians, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung Bunurong Peoples of the Kulin Nation, and all First Nations Peoples of our community.

Council values maintaining its constructive and honest relationships with its local First Nations Peoples and their Elders.

Council is committed to Reconciliation and through its work it:

• Acknowledges and respects First Nations Peoples and cultures, their values and the stature of Elders in First Nations communities.
• Recognises the richness and diversity of First Nations communities and Elders who have settled in the City from across Australia.
• Acknowledges that First Nations Australians have a uniquely special and intrinsic relationship to the land and waters both within the City of Maribyrnong, and throughout Australia.
• Respects the significance of family, customs and cultural practices of First Nations Australians and their right to express them and live accordingly (subject to Australian law).
• Believes in the ongoing reconciliation process and healing between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and non- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
• Supports empowering and self-determination of First Nations Australians.
• Is committed to redressing disadvantages still experienced by First Nations Australians with the aim of eliminating racism and discrimination.
• Is devoted to promoting, positive and genuine relationships with local First Nations communities essential to effective representation and provision of services.
• Will execute its legislative responsibilities of protecting local sites of cultural sensitivity, equal opportunity, human rights, decision making in consideration of the community’s diverse needs and working to Close the Gap targets.
• Advocates with First Nations Australians to State and Federal Government and other peak bodies.